Castleford Museum

About the museum

Castleford Museum tells the story of the town on the River Aire, from prehistoric times and the Roman fort onwards. It is part of Wakefield Museums and Castles, the museum service of Wakefield Council, and has its own displays on the top floor of Castleford Forum.

The Forum grew out of a campaign by the Friends of Castleford Library, formed in 1998, who argued that the old library and its small museum were no longer suitable. After larger funding bids failed, a smaller council-funded scheme went ahead on the old library site in Carlton Street. It was completed in December 2013: the frontage of the Carnegie library was kept and a new three-floor building was built behind it for the library and museum.

The museum presents about 15,000 years of local history. Visitors see objects from the Iron Age and Roman periods, displays about local pottery and glassmaking, mining and pit-village life, and Castleford sporting heroes and artists. Community cases show stories chosen by local people, and a Henry Moore bronze is on loan to the building because the sculptor grew up in Castleford. Much of the museum is hands-on, with dressing-up, play and craft activities for families.

Highlights

• Iron Age chariot burial more than 2,000 years old
• Rare Roman leather sandals from the Castleford fort
• Mid-20th-century pit-village photographs by Jack Hulme
• Local pottery and glass made from Castleford clay and coal
• Henry Moore bronze, Draped Reclining Figure, on loan from The Hepworth Wakefield

Founded

1932

Operated by

Wakefield Council (Wakefield Museums and Castles)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free entry; no booking or ticket is needed.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The entrance is level and is on the side of the building next to Aire Street car park; the door has a button at wheelchair height. A lift in the library goes to the top floor and opens directly into the museum, which is a single open-plan gallery with level access throughout. Seating is available. The accessible toilet is on the ground floor, with baby changing; library staff provide the key. There is no Changing Places toilet on site. Four disabled spaces are available at Wesley Street car park, 0.2 miles away. A visitor experience assistant is always present, and most staff have had training in Makaton, sighted guiding and autism awareness. A Pick and Mix sensory station with touch and sound drawers, picture sequence cards and a downloadable sensory map are available. Assistance dogs and guide dogs are allowed.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

Hands-on features include dressing up as a Roman soldier or miner, steering toy Iron Age chariots and playing marbles. Free Family Fun craft sessions run on Saturdays from 11:00 to 15:00, and free Toddler Tuesdays for ages 2 to 5 run in term time from 10:00 to 11:00. Free SEND-friendly activities take place on Fridays in school holidays. Breastfeeding is welcome anywhere on site. All floors are accessible for pushchairs by stairs or lift.

Getting there & parking

The step-free entrance is on the side of the building next to Aire Street car park.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available

There is no café in the museum. Food outlets are nearby, and food and drink are not allowed in the galleries.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit