It can be difficult to find things to do with children throughout the school holidays.
If you are looking for something cheap that will still keep your kids entertained, there's not many better places than this free museum just 30 miles from Blackburn
Cliffe Castle Museum and Park is packed with history, and it is completely free to visit.
The museum can be found in Keighley and is easy to reach by both car and public transport, just an hour's drive from Blackburn.
What can I do at Cliffe Museum and Park?
The museum’s website reads: "There really is something for everyone at Cliffe Castle in Keighley.
"You can see sparkling Victorian rooms, overflowing with paintings, furniture and art of every style.
"But there are also rooms dedicated to nature, the district’s archaeology and a display of stained glass by Morris and Co.
"It’s an absolute feast for the imagination."
Built in the 1880s as a home for the Victorian millionaire and textile manufacturer, Henry Isaac Butterfield, it is a "showpiece of international art and French decoration".
Henry threw many parties and social events during his time at Cliffe Castle.
After the castle was bought by Sir Bracewell Smith in the 1950s, he decided to turn the property into a free museum with a "grand" public park surrounding it for people to enjoy.
There are many things to see at the museum, including the Grand Staircase and stained-glass Butterfield Window.
The museum has a range of exhibitions that are constantly changing as well as a café to stop off and relax in.
There is free parking on Spring Gardens Lane and a museum car park that you can use for three hours.
If you are travelling via public transport, the train station is only a 25-minute walk away and the bus station is only 15 minutes away.
What do visitors of Cliffe Castle Museum and Park say?
One reviewer on Tripadvisor said: "My first ever visit to Cliffe Castle and museum, the museum is set inside the splendid castle building, the building itself is amazing inside and portraits how it would have looked when people lived there with each room decorated in a period way.
"The museum part is set out in different rooms and covers various stuffed animals that can be seen around the UK and beyond there is information about each animal.
"There are also other parts of the museum that cover more local aspects of Keighley, the museum is free to enter and the staff are friendly and helpful, the museum and castle are set in their own grounds in a large public park and is well worth a visit."
Another reviewer said: "What an absolute hidden gem!
"Visited with our six-year-old daughter and was very pleasantly surprised at all the lovely exhibitions and range of free activities they held in the garden, including a tall climbing wall experience (also free)!
"Staff and volunteers were lovely and helpful.
"We have a donation above the suggested amount as we were so pleased with our visit.
"Will certainly be visiting again soon!"
Will you be visiting the Cliffe Castle Museum and Park soon? Let us know in the comments.
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