A FREE-TO-ENTER museum which tells the story of Barnsley has been named the best heritage site in the country for families at an awards ceremony in London.
Run by charity Kids in Museums, the national award is presented to one museum, gallery or heritage site in the UK that provides a great visitor experience for families.
Experience Barnsley, in the town hall, won the best small museum category and went on to win the overall family-friendly museum title.
The venue tells the story of Barnsley through centuries-old artefacts, documents, films and recordings donated by people living and working in the area.
It explores Barnsley’s past and present through a varied programme of activities and events - all delivered by a group of staff and volunteers.
It follows a record-breaking milestone for visitor figures at Barnsley Museums, with two million people welcomed through the doors in 2024/25.
Coun Robin Franklin, Barnsley Council cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “We are delighted to win - Experience Barnsley provides families with free cultural and educational experiences is incredibly important, and I’m proud that the museum has been nationally recognised for doing this so well.
“If you’ve never visited, I’d encourage you to come to Barnsley town centre and discover a museum with outstanding collections, exciting exhibitions, and lots of free family activities.
“All our museum sites are special places that provide lasting memories, lifelong learning, and a fantastic day out for all.”
Judges who visited Experience Barnsley were ‘blown away’ by the museum’s free entry and wide range of activities, including trails for all ages, dressing up and hands on games.
Many also noted that seeing items donated by local people helped the museum feel deeply connected to the community.
One judge said: “From start to finish, this place is glorious.
“We really loved it as there’s something for everyone - so much to see, do and take part in.
“There was an excellent range of activities both in the galleries and the temporary exhibition.
“There’s a real feeling that the staff had tried to genuinely involve local people in text and objects.
“We all thought this was such an impressive museum.”
Alison Bowyer, executive director of Kids in Museums, praised Experience Barnsley’s collection.
“Huge congratulations must go to Experience Barnsley and the whole team at Barnsley Museums,” she said.
“Collections and stories from the community are at its heart - this is evident across the venue from the initial inspiration for a museum designed with local people, for local people, to the recent Stories of Childhood exhibition, which featured objects curated by local schoolchildren.
“Experience Barnsley is free to visit and because of their friendly staff, excellent facilities and wide-ranging programme of activities, visitors return again and again.
“As families try to balance tight budgets and find low cost ways to enjoy a special day out, Experience Barnsley is an ideal place to have fun and make memories.”
