Clifton Park and Museum
Clifton Park and Museum
Clifton Park and Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 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 park is now the home to one of the region's biggest and best play areas, with the Water Splash, toddler zone, sand play, and plenty for more adventurous kids including a giant tower slide and BMX/Skate plaza. 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 park and museum 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.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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4.5
248 reviews
Excellent
146
Very good
68
Average
21
Poor
6
Terrible
7
Olivia K
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
absolutely disgusting service i advise you not to get married here my dad passed away my mother called to cancel they was very rude did not care and was asking if she wanted to rebook later in the new year
Written 13 November 2023
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.
Neil R M
Rotherham, UK45 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
I visited both the Archives and Museum at Clifton Park, and enjoyed both. The museum had an interesting display of Rotherham history, including some good Archaeological finds, particularly the prehistoric items. There was a large exhibition of local Rockingham Pottery and a temporary exhibition called Dishes of Rotherham, examining recipes from previous eras. The staff were very helpful and knowledgeable.
Written 28 January 2023
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.
Great to hear you had a wonderful visit. The temporary exhibition has now changed if you are in the area and want to visit again.
Written 9 October 2023
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.
Tigermoo
Rotherham187 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.
Vikinglongboat
Derby, UK140 contributions
Mar 2022
Really nice, interesting museum. Well kept and may interesting exhibits and displays. Modern facilities including toilets and cafe. Plenty of parking. Disabled parking is free within disabled bays. Steady walks around the parkland which is enclosed within surrounding streets. The only issue was card payments only for the cafe. This is wrong on so many levels and not accepting cash which is legal tender is questionable legally. Cash payments preferred would be better and then this policy doesn't discriminate.
Written 24 March 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.
Hi, thank you for your feedback, it is good to hear that you enjoyed your visit. We are also pleased to say that from the beginning of April cash payments were re-introduced along with our new menu in the cafe. We hope to see you again in the near future.
Written 24 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sophie M
3 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
If anybody is thinking of booking onto the Christmas grotto event at Clifton fun park & golf. I would 100% recommend.
The staff are so polite, Unlimited rides on your day, a train ride up to the grotto with an elf character engaging with the children all throughout the ride and a letter hunt to find the password.
The train literally parks up inside the grotto and Santa speaks to every child numerous times and sits for photos and gifts with the children whilst they are all seated in the train.
The elfs and Santa also sing and dance with the kids and parents and give a drive through tour of the workshop. You can also purchase a print of your photo with Santa for £6 which is super reasonable.
Already can’t wait for next year so we can book again.
The staff are so polite, Unlimited rides on your day, a train ride up to the grotto with an elf character engaging with the children all throughout the ride and a letter hunt to find the password.
The train literally parks up inside the grotto and Santa speaks to every child numerous times and sits for photos and gifts with the children whilst they are all seated in the train.
The elfs and Santa also sing and dance with the kids and parents and give a drive through tour of the workshop. You can also purchase a print of your photo with Santa for £6 which is super reasonable.
Already can’t wait for next year so we can book again.
Written 4 December 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 Kingdom395 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.
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, UK9 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.
shazbiggin
Rotherham, UK52 contributions
Feb 2020
Took 6 young people their for a visit was worried they would be a little bored, they loved it , Findingout about the artifacts in the museum, taking photos with certain statues, the staff are a mindfeild of knowledge they were brill with the group no question unanswered.
Written 2 March 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 lovely feedback, it is great to hear you all enjoyed your visit. Hopefully you will be back in the near future as the galleries regularly change.
Written 4 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dancebabe1984
Bradford, UK18 contributions
Hello anybody know what kind of food the cafeteria serves?
Wendy F
Rotherham, UK
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.
julie r
Doncaster, UK13 contributions
Are dogs allowed in the park thank you
AlexSwallow
Sheffield, UK1,647 contributions
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.
Fomzine
Woking, UK350 contributions
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?
Wendy F
Rotherham, UK
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.
How much is it to enter clifton park and do u have to pay parking
Wendy F
Rotherham, UK
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
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Claim your listingCLIFTON PARK AND MUSEUM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Clifton Park and Museum
- Clifton Park and Museum is open:
- Tue - Sun 10:00 - 16:00
- Hotels near Clifton Park and Museum:
- (0.38 mi) Fernlea Hotel
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- (0.76 mi) The Brentwood Hotel
- (0.73 mi) Carlton Park Hotel
- (1.82 mi) Premier Inn Rotherham East
- Restaurants near Clifton Park and Museum:
- (0.19 mi) Rajas
- (0.38 mi) Miele Delicatessen
- (0.20 mi) Gelato4u
- (0.28 mi) The Wharncliffe
- (0.52 mi) E'Lupo's