Cusworth Hall Museum & Park For Families

Cusworth Hall Museum & Park is a Grade I listed building located in the village of Cusworth, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire. It was built in the 18th century by the Wrightson family, who were local landowners and industrialists. The Hall was designed by architect James Paine and is considered one of the region’s best examples of Georgian architecture.

Today, Cusworth Hall Museum & Park is a popular tourist attraction and offers a wide range of activities and events for families. The Hall itself is open to the public and visitors can explore the building and learn about its history. The park surrounding the Hall is also open to visitors, and it features a lake, a children’s play area, and a variety of walking trails.

We visited Cusworth Hall recently having continued our exploration of local places to enjoy the great outdoors. We were hugely impressed by Cusworth Hall Museum & Park it’s a wonderful place for children of all ages. It offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. It is a perfect place to spend a day out with the kids, and the wide range of activities available ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy. It is also a great place for families to learn about the local area and its history, as well as about Georgian architecture and lifestyle.

Where is Cusworth Hall Museum & Park located?

Cusworth Hall Museum & Park is located within the pretty village of Cusworth. It’s actually just 2 miles north of Doncaster and when in the park you can see the town in the distance.

For those arriving by car, you can use the following postcode: DN5 7TU

What is there to do?

We were pleasantly surprised with how much there is to do. Cusworth Hall is a beautiful Grade I listed building set in acres of historic parkland. Upon arriving at Cusworth Hall we decided to visit the museum and have a self-guided tour. There are several rooms to enjoy and it’s a look into the past of Doncaster as well as that of the Wrightson family. Our children particularly enjoyed the traditional furniture and toys room which is a blast in the past.

Cusworth Park surrounds the hall and is open to the public every day of the year.  It’s the perfect location for picnics, walks with the dog, or family days out. We actually had our picnic and one of the many benches within the park. We also explored the trails and enjoyed spotting all the species of birds taking up residence within the park.

There is also a fantastic children’s play area near the car park which is a brilliant incentive for your children on the walk back. We always leave the park until last as energy stores seem to revive as soon as they see the park!

There are actually two places for food and drink within the Park. Situated within Cusworth Hall’s former stable and coach house, Butler’s Tea Room and Bistro serve meals, snacks and drinks as well as a newly opened Old Brewhouse which is a cosy microbrewery and bar built into the original brewhouse. Both looked fantastic however we had brought our own picnic so cannot comment on the standard of food. Safe to say both were extremely popular. 

What is the history of Cusworth Hall?

The history of Cusworth Hall begins in the 18th century, when the Wrightson family, who were local landowners and industrialists, decided to build a grand house on their estate. They chose James Paine, a prominent architect of the time, to design the building. Paine designed the Hall in the Georgian style, which was popular at the time and featured symmetry, proportion and ornamentation. The Hall was built between 1740 and 1750 and took 10 years to complete.

The Wrightson family used the Hall as their primary residence for over a century. However, in the late 19th century, the family fell on hard times and the Hall and its estate were sold to the local council. The council decided to use the Hall as a museum and park, and it was opened to the public in the early 20th century.

The museum inside the Hall has a wide range of interesting exhibits, including a display of the history of the local area, as well as a collection of artefacts from the Wrightson family. The Hall also regularly hosts special exhibitions and events throughout the year, including hands-on activities for children, and guided tours of the building.

Would you recommend it?

In conclusion, Cusworth Hall Museum & Park is a fantastic place for families. It offers a unique blend of history, the great outdoors, and natural beauty. The Hall itself is a beautiful building, and the museum inside has a wide range of interesting exhibits. The park surrounding the Hall is beautifully maintained and is also a great place to spend a day out with the kids.

It’s suitable for children and families of all ages and is an excellent way to spend a weekend. Given it’s council ran it’s also an inexpensive day out for the family. Top marks from us!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cafe?:

Yes. There are actually two! Butler’s Tea Room and The Old Brewhouse are both available for food and drink. The Old Brewhouse seems to have a wide selection of beer too and offers pizzas and coffee. Both have very strong reviews and were incredibly popular.

What is your favourite part?:

We actually liked how well-kept the park was. Sometimes in council ran facilities you find the standard of upkeep can be less than a National Trust for example due to budgeting constraints. This wasn’t the case. It’s a real testament to the people who work at the Park and how well-kept it was.

Is it suitable for Dog walkers?

Yes. It seemed incredibly popular with dog walkers and both the Cafe and the Brewhouse had outdoor seating.

How much is it to visit and park?

Because it’s council-owned it’s completely free of charge however donations are welcome; particularly within the museum.

Parking is more than reasonable. You can find out more details on the councils website but we paid £2.60 for three hours. For those regular visitors, you can buy an annual pass for just £50.

Pros & Cons

Museum & Park enjoyment rating

Last Updated on February 3, 2023 by Ryan