10 reasons to visit Cannon Hall Museum and Park

Cannon Hall Museum and Gardens in Barnsley is an amazing day out for kids of all ages! In fact, there is so much to do at Cannon Hall that you’ll definitely need a few visits to fit it all in.

Budget-Friendly Day Out

You’ll be happy to know that entry to the historic home and grounds is completely free, although there is a £5 charge for all-day parking.

Family Friendly Activities

Cannon Hall Museum often has family-friendly activities during the weekends and school holidays! From arts and crafts to Santa and storytelling, you can keep the kids entertained!

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Swan boats – Currently Closed

The Little Boat Company rents out swan pedal boats for families to take around the lake. Children are provided with life vests.

They are open on Mondays and Fridays and “all good weather weekends and school/bank holidays, weather permitting.”

The swan boats each have two ‘pedal’ seats as well as room for two additional adults and two additional children if you have a large family or group.

Both kids really loved our boating experience and asked to do it again at the end of the day. (We didn’t! I said they had to wait until our next visit.)

Monster Trail

The Monster Trail is a permanent fixture at Cannon Hall and is also good fun! There are monsters to spot, things to climb, and even music to play. It’s not ‘scary’, so it is good for little ones, but I also had plenty for my 9 and 11-year-old to enjoy.

Park

Next to the car park is a nice play area with swings, slides and climbing fun.

Fairyland

boy and girl in gardens at cannon hall museum

Fairyland is a magical little spot where you can turn yourself into a Fairy Queen or King. It was created in the mid-1800’s by Cecily Spencer-Stanhope who was inspired by medieval gothic architecture from local churches.

If you look up, you can even spot fairies in the trees!

Lakeside Animal Trail

There is a really nice pram-friendly walk which takes you around the estate. Just note that bikes are not allowed. Along the way, you’ll find animal carvings as well as picnic spots, waterfalls, and lots of ducks and swans!

Multi-Sensory Trails

There is so much to take in at Cannon Hall! Lily and Leo tried the mud kitchen, garden maze, duck spotting and making music. You can pick up your own multisensory trail at the museum or download one at www.cannon-hall.com.

Family Fun in Cannon Hall Museum

Cannon Hall house itself has lots on for littles! The kitchen area has a play kitchen as well as dress-up boxes, and there is a mouse trail and fairy trail to follow around the upper floors. There are also interactive games, books, and even a room full of toys for children.

Dog Friendly

While dogs are not allowed in the Museum building, the grounds of Cannon Hall Museums are very dog-friendly, and there are plenty of dog-friendly walks and even dog treats to be purchased at the cafe.

Know before you go to Cannon Hall Museum & Parklands

Where to find Cannon Hall: Cawthorne, Barnsley, S75 4AT

Parking: 2 hours £1 or all day parking for £5.

Cannon Hall Park and Gardens are open all year round and the museum is open from Tuesday – Saturday from 11-4.

You can grab a bite to eat at both The Pear Tree Pantry and Pavilion Cafe. They both have outdoor seating. There was also a coffee van on site when we visited.

Cannon Hall is very dog friendly. We spotted many dogs, water bowls and even free dog biscuits at the cafe.