Name: Wakefield Museum
Rating: 5.0

Wakefield Museum

Wakefield One, Burton Street, Wakefield WF1 2EB, UK

1-99 Years

Description

Wakefield Museum celebrates the rich history of the Merrie City. We showcase stories, objects and exhibitions that bring Wakefield’s past to life. Located in Wakefield One. Enjoy engaging experiences for families, history lovers and curious visitors.

There's so much to see at Wakefield Museum. From medieval jewellery to World Cup footballs, we’ve got it all. Wakefield Museum is committed to being accessible for everyone.

Wakefield Museum is free entry to all, all year round. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Play I-spy in Waterton's nature park: Pick up a pair of binoculars in the A World of Good gallery. Explore the mini recreation of Charles Waterton's Victorian nature park. What can you spot in the beautiful paper sculptures? Can you find the nightingales?
Battle with Worms: The legendary video game Worms was launched 30 years ago. It was created by Wakefield-based developers Team17. It took the gaming world by storm.
Cook up a storm: Mix up tasty treats in our child-sized 1950s kitchen! Complete with pots, pans and play food, your kids’ imaginations can run free. Compare and contrast food packaging from the past. How is it different to what’s in your kitchen today?
Dress up: Become a firefighter, a nurse and a rockstar – all in one visit! We’ve got lots of dressing-up options around the museum. What would your new character think of our objects on display?
Get creative: There’s always a range of crafty activities in our Front Room. Take a seat and get doodling! Colour in designs inspired by our collections. We’ve also got different free family fun crafts every Saturday.
Take a selfie: Need something new for your socials? Wakefield Museum is full of unique selfie spots! Pop on a wig, peep around the Victorian prison door or show off your favourite object.
Family activities: We have lots of fun hands-on elements throughout the museum. You can dress-up, play in our toy 1950s kitchen, clock-in to work and get creative!

Facilities

Parking: The nearest car park can be found at Merchant Gate next to Wakefield Westgate train station.
Food & Drinks: Create Café can be found opposite Wakefield Museum within the main Wakefield One building. Create serves fresh and locally sourced food and drink.
Toilet: Toilets nearby.
Dogs: Only assistance dogs and guide dogs are allowed in Wakefield Museum.

What to see

Things to see at Wakefield Museum:

The stunning cityscapes of Cynthia Kenny: Our special exhibition is about local artist Cynthia Kenny (1929 – 2021).
Charles Waterton's writings: Charles Waterton was a pioneering conservationist in the 1800s.
Anglo-Saxon cross shaft: This carved stone cross is the first evidence of a settlement in Wakefield.
Sandal Castle ring: Can you read the romantic message engraved in this 500 year old ring?
Cistercian ware: Reviving an ancient craft: Cistercian monks made these beautiful pots using local clay.
Wakefield Pride: Enjoy rainbow stripes from 20 years of Wakefield Pride.
Victorian prison door: Put yourself behind bars! Imagine what life was like behind the heavy wooden doors of Wakefield Prison in the late 1800s.
Slazenger Challenge 4-star football: Did you know that the iconic footballs used in the 1966 World Cup came from Horbury?
First World War wristwatch: Take a close look at Captain R. Ede England's watch.
The Cribs guitar: Wakefield is proud to be ‘Home of The Cribs’, the award-winning indie rock band.
Nelson model locomotive: Be impressed by the skill of Wakefield's craftspeople.
Stanley Ferry Viking log boat: Head upstairs to Wakefield Library to see Britain's only known Anglo-Scandinavian boat.

For more information please visit: https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/wakefield-museum/things-to-see-at-wakefield-museum/

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Monday, Tuesday & Friday: 9am to 5pm.
Wednesday - Thursday: 9am to 7pm.
Saturday: 9am to 4pm.
Sunday: Closed.
Wakefield Museum is closed on bank holidays.

Address: Wakefield One, Burton Street, Wakefield WF1 2EB, UK

Post Code: WF1 2EB

Council: Wakefield

County: West Yorkshire

By Train: There are two train stations in Wakefield - The museum is 0.1 miles from Wakefield Westgate station. This station is on the route between York/Leeds and London Kings Cross. The museum is 0.9 miles from Wakefield Kirkgate station. This station is on the route between York / Leeds and Knottingley, Manchester Piccadilly and Nottingham.
By Car: Wakefield Museum is accessible from the M1 via Junction 40 along the A638 or Junction 41 along the A650. Use WF1 2EB in your sat nav.
Parking: The nearest car park can be found at Merchant Gate next to Wakefield Westgate train station.