Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens

About the attraction

Cannon Hall is a country house museum set in 70 acres of historic parkland. For over two hundred years Cannon Hall was home to the Spencer (later Spencer-Stanhope) family, who made their fortune in the local iron industry.

In the 1760s the architect John Carr of York was employed by the family to enlarge the Hall and redesign the interior. Subsequent alterations include the addition of the magnificent oak-panelled Ballroom in 1891.

The Museum has a shop stocking a range of greetings cards, local history books, confectionery and giftware.

Cannon Hall has a lively programme of events throughout the year and runs a temporary exhibition and education programme. Cannon Hall is licensed for civil wedding and partnership ceremonies, and also provides an ideal setting for conferences, business meetings and corporate hospitality.

Please click here for a listing of events at Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens.

Admission and parking charges

Entry to the museum, park and gardens is free, though there is a charge for some events.

Parking costs £2.50 per day for cars; coaches £5 (prices valid until 31 March 2009). 

Please note parking tickets are purchased from the car park ticket machines which accept coins only (excluding 1p and 2p coins) and do not give change.
Season tickets allow unlimited parking for £35 per year or £25 for 6 months at Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens and Worsbrough Mill and Country Park.  Season tickets are available from Cannon Hall Museum (contact and payment details can be found below).

Opening times

Please refer to Cannon Hall Museum webpage for opening times:

Gardens and Park Opening Hours:
Open all year round. Please note the Walled Garden is locked at night and some weekends during the winter months - please call us for opening times if you are making a special journey.

Car Park Opening Times:
Access to the car park is available during the following opening hours:

January and February: 8am - 4pm
March: 8am - 6pm
April - October: 8am - 8pm
November and December: 8am - 4pm

A traffic flow system allows vehicles to exit the car park after closing time.
The overspill car park, when in use, is locked at 5pm prompt.

About Cannon Hall Museum

For over 200 years Cannon Hall was home to the Spencer-Stanhope family who made their fortune in the local iron industry. In the 1790's the architect John Carr of York enlarged the hall and redesigned the interior.

In 1957 the Hall opened as a museum, and is home to a collection of art including ceramics, glass, furniture and Old Master paintings, displayed in the Hall's Georgian and Victorian rooms. Highlights include Mrs Tuder by John Constable, Wheelback Chairs by George Hepplewhite and stunning ceramics by William de Morgan and Moorcroft.

The Hall also houses 'Charge', the Regimental Museum of the 13th/18th Royal Hussars (Queen Mary's Own) and the Light Dragoons which is a must for anyone interested in military history. Refurbished with assistance from the Heritage Lottery Fund, it illustrates the part played by the Regiment in many major battles such as the Charge of the Light Brigade and includes memorabilia dedicated to Lord Baden Powell.

About the Park and Gardens

Covering over 70 acres of parkland and gardens, landscaped in the 1760s by Richard Woods of Chertsey, Cannon Hall is an ideal place for a relaxing walk, family outing or picnic.

The historic walled garden adjacent to the main Hall dates from the 1760s and can be enjoyed by visitors all year round. An annual event in September celebrates the pear trees, which were first grown here in the early eighteenth century. One of the greenhouses is home to the 200 year old Cannon Hall vine, which was grown from a seed brought back by John Spencer-Stanhope from the Continent in 1802. A cutting of the vine was exported to Australia, cultivated, and its descendants produce today's fine Australian wines.

Orienteering is available - please telephone (01226) 790270 in advance to reserve trails and equipment.  Orienteering costs £5 for a full day and £3 per half day (charge includes maps for up to 38 people).

Trails of the gardens are available for families - please ask at the museum reception or telephone (01226) 790270.

We also offer garden tours - please telephone if your group would like further information or to book. Charges apply - please telephone (01226) 790270 for details.

Fishing in the lower lakes is available, tickets are available from the car park ticket machines.  Fishing tickets cost £1.10 per day for adults, £0.55 for children and senior citizens

Please Note:
Barbeques are not permitted in the Park
Feeding of geese and other birds is not permitted

How to pay

Payments for fees and charges can be made in person by cash, cheque (made payable to BMBC) or credit card at Cannon Hall Museum.  Payment can also be made by post or telephone via cheque or credit card.  Please note payment for parking and fishing charges can (except season tickets) can only be made using coins (excluding 1p and 2p) at the machines in the main car park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where do I park my car?
A: Extensive car and coach parking is available in the Pay and Display at the entrance to the park - near the lakes. As you approach Cannon Hall please follow the brown tourist sign labelled "Museum & Gardens" to find the main car park. Disabled parking is available, subject to availability, in the smaller car park immediately outside the Museum. This car park is located at the top of the signposted private drive, which meets with the road adjacent to the main car park. Parking in this car park is free, though permits from Museum reception are required. All car parks are locked overnight - please see above for opening times.

Q: Do you have a guidebook?
A: Yes, guidebooks are available from the museum shop priced £1. Please let us know in advance if you require a large number

Q: Is there a café?
A:  The Pavilion café in the Park (located adjacent to the main car park) is open daily throughout the year.  Please contact us for details of the Tea Rooms in the museum.

Q: Is there a shop?
A: Yes, our shop sells a range of Cannon Hall gifts, confectionery and local books

Q: Do you have toilets?
A: Yes, there are toilets in the main car park and at the Hall. Accessible toilets are available in both locations.

Q: Is the museum fully accessible?
A: The ground floor and café are accessible, and we have accessible toilets. Unfortunately at present we do not have a lift to the first floor, where the Glass Galleries and the Regimental Museum are located. Please call us if you have an enquiry about a specific room or object.

Our visitor information, including room guides, is available in a range of formats including large print. Please contact us in advance of your visit if you require information in an alternative format. Our interactive kiosk allows visitors to explore rooms and collections throughout the building from a ground floor room.

Disabled parking is available, subject to availability, in the smaller car park immediately outside the Museum. This car park is located at the top of the signposted private drive. Parking in this car park is free, though permits from Museum reception must be obtained.

Q: Can I take my pushchair around the museum?
A: For conservation and safety reasons we do not permit pushchairs in the museum. However, you are welcome to leave them in the Entrance Hall

Q: Can I take photographs in the museum?
A: Photography is not permitted in the museum for conservation reasons. Please call in advance if you want to photograph something in particular for research or other purposes. Video cameras are prohibited.

Q: Is the whole collection on display?
A: Most of our collection is on public display. However, some items are only on display as part of temporary exhibitions or may be on loan to another museum for a short time. Please call if you are making a special trip.

Q: Can I hire Cannon Hall?
A: Yes, you can hire rooms within Cannon Hall for private functions including weddings, conferences and corporate entertainment. Please contact us for more details or pick up a leaflet in the Museum.

Q: Is there access to the park for wheelchairs users?
A: Yes, most of the site is on an even level.

Q: Can I have a barbeque in the park?
A: No, we regret that barbeques are not permitted

Q: Are dogs allowed in the park and gardens?
A: Yes, on leads in the gardens and at the lakeside or near any wildlife such as geese and ducks. Please ensure you clean up after your pet, dog bins are sited throughout the park.

Q: Are bicycles allowed in the park?
A: No.

Q: When are the rhododendrons in bloom?
A: It can vary from year to year, but usually best in May and early June.

Q: Can I have my wedding photographs taken in the gardens?
A: Yes, a small fee is payable. Telephone (01226) 790270 for further information.

Q: Can I hire the park?
A: The park is available for hire for events; please (01226) 790270 telephone us to discuss your requirements.

Q: Can I fish in the lakes?
A: Yes, you can fish in the lakes at Cannon Hall if you purchase a fishing ticket from the parking machine.

Q: Can I feed the birds?
A: We request that you do not feed the birds on and around the lakes, feeding them can cause the wrong balance of proteins in the birds which can lead to fatal poisoning. Geese can also become aggressive.

 

 

Related Links:

The Light Dragoons

Last modified on 13/2/2009