Clifton Park Museum
Clifton Park Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Clifton Park was originally the private ground of Clifton House, and opened as a public park in 1891 with house opening as a museum in 1893. The Museum offers a flavour of how the Walkers used to live as well as allowing you to discover the fascinating history of the Rotherham Borough. The museum and park are both free to visit. You can also participate in a wide range of activities throughout the year, some of which are chargeable. Whilst visiting make time to visit the Walker Cafe for a light lunch or a slice of cake and a refreshing drink. There is also a gift shop to buy your souvenirs.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.5
249 reviews
Excellent
147
Very good
68
Average
21
Poor
6
Terrible
7
Tigermoo
Rotherham186 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
I had a disappointing experience on Wednesday 1st. June at midday.The first stop in the museum was the room with the lion. Buttons to push, a tunnel to crawl through, drawing equipment and a rocking zebra.Very exciting for an eight year old. Having seen other children on the zebra my grandson wanted to have a go. At which point a young, antagonistic female came up and said it was only for under 7s .
I apologised and said there did not appear to be any restrictions as there was no sign. She snapped back that 'you shouldn't have to be told'
Given that this room, and most of the museum now seems to be child orientated, I found her attitude rude and unfriendly. She definitely needs more customer focussed training. Perhaps I could suggest that he museum should put up a notice giving instructions as to who can sit on it and who cannot....there are plenty of pieces of drawing paper and crayons around. And if it is a genuine antique then no-one should be on it.
The gentleman in the foyer is usually very friendly and the rest of the Clifton Park experience was good. Marred only by one snappy, rude and most probably bored individual. I hope never to encounter her again. I would very much like an apology. There is never a need to treat customers with such derision especially when an apology was given.
I apologised and said there did not appear to be any restrictions as there was no sign. She snapped back that 'you shouldn't have to be told'
Given that this room, and most of the museum now seems to be child orientated, I found her attitude rude and unfriendly. She definitely needs more customer focussed training. Perhaps I could suggest that he museum should put up a notice giving instructions as to who can sit on it and who cannot....there are plenty of pieces of drawing paper and crayons around. And if it is a genuine antique then no-one should be on it.
The gentleman in the foyer is usually very friendly and the rest of the Clifton Park experience was good. Marred only by one snappy, rude and most probably bored individual. I hope never to encounter her again. I would very much like an apology. There is never a need to treat customers with such derision especially when an apology was given.
Written 5 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave feedback. We are sorry to hear that the start of your visit was not a positive one. We will talk to the member of staff concerned when they are next on shift. We hope you will visit again in the future and that your visit will be to the usual expected standard.
Written 19 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JG in Derbyshire
5 contributions
Oct 2022
A nice building in a nice park, but rather a thin experience. I spent about 45 minutes there.
Regimental section was well presented and had a few nice insights. History of Rotherham was interesting enough until it got to Henry VIII - and then seemed to stop: nothing substantial about why Rotherham grew into a major town, nor anything about its subsequent decline.
Star exhibit for me was the rhinocerous vase (the rhino was sculpted from a written description of a rhino by someone who had never actually seen one!). But overall there just isn't enough to justify a long detour.
Regimental section was well presented and had a few nice insights. History of Rotherham was interesting enough until it got to Henry VIII - and then seemed to stop: nothing substantial about why Rotherham grew into a major town, nor anything about its subsequent decline.
Star exhibit for me was the rhinocerous vase (the rhino was sculpted from a written description of a rhino by someone who had never actually seen one!). But overall there just isn't enough to justify a long detour.
Written 23 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed the Regimental section. The Museum has regularly changing exhibitions so hopefully should you visit again there will be more of interest for you to see. The current temporary exhibition is "Dishes of Rotherham" which showcases a vast selection of Rockingham tableware and brings together 10 cooks from contemporary Rotherham.
We hope you will visit again when in the area.
Written 5 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michelle
Sheffield, UK31 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Thought I'd take my husband who'd never been before, and I'd told him of the 2 headed kitten (which hasn't really got 2 heads, but 2 bodies) we weren't disappointed. A friendly member of staff got chatting to us and relayed alot of the house/museum history, like our own personal guide- fantastic. Had a great morning. Thank you
Written 10 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teddy F
Retford, UK20 contributions
Feb 2020
Lovely morning spent in the museum which had very varied exhibits. Great interactive roles for children. Staff very welcoming and non-intrusive. Lift available to the upper floor for less able-bodied folk. Magnificent views from the windows of extensive grounds which unfortunately there was not time to take advantage of. Had a little trouble locating the toilet, but a helpful member of the staff was eager to point us in the right direction. My Carer remarked on how clean and spacious the accessible toilet was and how easy it was to see to my needs .
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your positive comments, it is lovely to hear you had an enjoyable visit. The toilets have recently been redecorated and the signage is currently on order. I will pass on your comments to staff and hope that you will visit again in the near future.
Written 17 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
VinR186364
Sheffield, UK3 contributions
May 2021
Went on Friday May 28 expecting to pay for parking with cash. No longer have cash points. Instead there was a number to phone and some mobile phone rigmarole to follow. We do not have a smart phone/phone banking etc. so went home. Will not be visiting again.
Written 1 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jade2068
Sheffield, UK18 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
This Park is lovely, there’s plenty to do from walking round the wooded area and having a rest by the waterfall and stream, while watching the kids play on the rocks or even just to watch the world go by.
There’s a band stand although it doesn’t get used much anymore.
There is a lovely paddling pool area which is great for kids, with sprinklers.
There’s plenty of food and drink stalls and an ice cream van.
Public toilets are kept clean.
There is also a fairground ride area open at weekends and school holidays which is great for the kids! The park is kept clean with plenty of CCTV.
There’s a band stand although it doesn’t get used much anymore.
There is a lovely paddling pool area which is great for kids, with sprinklers.
There’s plenty of food and drink stalls and an ice cream van.
Public toilets are kept clean.
There is also a fairground ride area open at weekends and school holidays which is great for the kids! The park is kept clean with plenty of CCTV.
Written 21 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelogger2
United Kingdom391 contributions
Aug 2021
Visited again after a long gap. Many changes. Museum free. Staff friendly. A lot of the exhibits have gone that we remember from previous years. Cafe on site. Reasonable prices for drinks.
Parking charges.
Didn't venture much further than an avenue of trees this time but looked well kept.
Parking charges.
Didn't venture much further than an avenue of trees this time but looked well kept.
Written 9 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, thank you for your comments. There have been many changes since your visit, hopefully we will see you again in the future.
Written 24 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AlexSwallow
Sheffield, UK1,655 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
Set in an absolutely stunning park, it was great to be able to visit this museum on our first visit to Rotherham.
The exhibits helped teach us about the local history and the building itself was pretty grand too.
We have such a great tradition of free museums in this country, long may it continue!
The exhibits helped teach us about the local history and the building itself was pretty grand too.
We have such a great tradition of free museums in this country, long may it continue!
Written 26 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So pleased to hear you enjoyed your visit to the museum and hopefully Rotherham too. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful building in a lovely park and it is a real pleasure to be able to help people understand about their heritage. We hope you will visit again when you visit the area in the future.
Thank you.
Written 1 November 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lizzy_lu123
Sheffield, UK458 contributions
Mar 2014
Visited with family whilst walking through the Park. I had not visited for a while but the refurbishment and the addition of the little cafe is a great addition to the museum. Whilst there's plenty to see and do the cafe is a welcomed rest spot. Worth a visit :)
Written 9 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pussiedoctor
Rotherham8 contributions
Jul 2013 • Family
This is a great museum for any age. You can easily spend a couple of hours just looking round and learning the history of the place. Usually, there are activities for the kids, to find objects around the museum. It is free entry and has its own carpark.
Written 11 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello anybody know what kind of food the cafeteria serves?
Written 26 May 2019
Wendy F
Rotherham, United Kingdom
Hi, the cafe serves a selection of sandwiches, panninis, jacket potatoes and cakes. They also have daily specials plus a small selection of gluten free cakes. If you have specific requirements if you let us know we will try our best to cater for these.
Written 27 May 2019
Are dogs allowed in the park thank you
Written 16 February 2019
Seems like yes, but there are restricted areas. There's a map on the website but it won't let me post it here.
Hope that helps.
Written 16 February 2019
Do people with a blue disabled badge have to pay to park?
Written 1 September 2018
Wendy F
Rotherham, United Kingdom
No, parking is free. You must ensure that you are parked in a marked bay with your badge visible. We hope you enjoy your visit.
Written 4 September 2018
Is the splash park open weekdays? We are hoping to go tomorrow!
Thankyou.
Written 27 June 2018
Some reviews suggest the parking is quite limited. How much parking is there? If you don't get there quite early will all the parking spaces have gone?
Written 29 October 2017
Wendy F
Rotherham, United Kingdom
Hello, it depends when you are visiting as to how busy the car park will be. If it is a sunny day during the school holidays /summer weekend or event day then the car parks do generally get busy quite early. If it is during term time or this time of year parking is normally available. There are 58 spaces at the Museum end and then there are an additional 74 at the Doncaster Gate end, during summer months there are an additional 130 spaces. Other care parks are available within walking distance which have nearly another 600 spaces between them.
Written 3 November 2017
Wendy F
Rotherham, United Kingdom
The museum is free to enter. There are two car parks, one next to the museum and the other next to the play area. The charges are Up to 1 hour - £0.50, Up to 2 hours - £1.00, Up to 3 hours - £1.50, Up to 4 hours - £3.00, Up to 5 hours - £4.50
All day - £6.80
Written 15 April 2015
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