Cannon Hall, Park and Gardens closes for five weeks as transformational changes take place

Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens, the well-loved visitor attraction, will be closed for five weeks from immediate effect as spectacular changes take place in the parkland as part of the £3 million Parks for People Project.

The project, which has been made possible through the generosity of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and its players, will see the historic parklands returned to their former Georgian splendour.

Due to the transformational nature of the work, which will make the parklands even more special, the museum and outdoor space (including the car park) will be temporarily shut due to reopen again in mid-February.   

Although a very difficult decision to take, it has been done so with the safety and wellbeing of visitors in mind. The five week closure will allow essential and major construction work to take place, which will see heavy machinery in the parklands and electrical work conducted making it dangerous for people to use.

Cannon Hall Farm, the neighbouring attraction, is open for business as usual and to support the project has allocated extra parking for visitors to use during the closure. Visitors can access the farm by using the main road, which is clearly marked with signage.

Work to the well-loved visitor attraction will bring huge benefits to the area and see changes such as new family activities, the opening up of undiscovered spaces and buildings, the creation of interesting and spectacular things to see and do as well as introducing boats back on the lakes.

The main goal of the project is to improve the visitor experience, shine a spot light on the Hall’s magnificent and fascinating history and really raise the profile of the stunning attraction which is a gem in the Yorkshire landscape.

Cllr Tim Cheetham, Cabinet Spokesperson for Place (Regeneration and Culture) says:

The safety of our visitors is of utmost importance to us and although it was a very difficult decision to make to close the park – even for a short time – we felt it was vital to do so. Work has been scheduled at the quietest time of year to minimise disruption which is inevitable when undertaking such a large scale project. When complete the changes will really elevate the attraction, benefiting not only local residents but everyone who visits. We thank visitors old and new for their continued patience during this time and hope they will follow us on this journey as I am sure they will be amazed by the end results.