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A Day at Cliffe Castle Keighley: Step Into Yorkshire’s Victorian Treasure
Tucked away in the heart of Keighley, Cliffe Castle Keighley is one of those places that quietly surprises you – a Victorian mansion turned museum, wrapped in beautiful parkland and filled with stories. I recently spent a few hours exploring its ornate rooms, detailed displays, and leafy grounds, and I was genuinely taken aback by how much there was to see and do — all without spending a penny.
In this post, I’ll take you through some of the highlights from my visit, including a look at the key rooms inside Cliffe Castle itself (spoiler: there’s a glittering drawing room you’ll want to move into), some photos of the exterior and gardens, and a lovely little bonus – I managed to join one of their creative workshops and even tried my hand at Petrykivka painting, a vibrant Ukrainian folk art style I hadn’t heard of until that day.
Whether you’re looking for a family day out with kids or planning a quieter visit just for yourself, Cliffe Castle Keighley really delivers. There’s so much to explore – from natural history and local heritage to art, architecture, and hands-on activities – you can easily spend a full afternoon here and still have more to come back for.
Let’s step inside.
Arriving at Cliffe Castle Keighley
The entrance to Cliffe Castle Keighley is through a lovely stone archway that leads you straight into the gardens – and sets the tone for the day ahead. It feels a little bit like stepping into a hidden estate, especially if you arrive early while it’s still quiet.
There is a small on-site car park just near the entrance. It’s convenient, but spaces are limited and it can fill up quickly on weekends or sunny afternoons. At the time of my visit, there were parking charges in place, so it’s best to check online or on the Bradford Museums website for the latest information before you go.
I wasn’t sure about side street parking nearby – it didn’t look obvious or easy – so if you’re driving, aim to arrive early or plan ahead just in case.
The Stunning Glasshouse at Cliffe Castle Keighley
As soon as you walk in from the car park and pass through the entrance gates, the first thing to catch your eye is the striking glasshouse at Cliffe Castle Keighley. With its curved glass dome and colourful displays, it’s one of the most beautiful parts of the estate, and a true highlight of any visit.
The building is part of the Upper Terrace and was originally a Victorian conservatory, restored to reflect its 19th-century origins. Today, it serves as a bright and peaceful spot that showcases a rotating display of plants, artwork, and community exhibitions. The vibrant window panels currently on show are part of a local art project, which adds a burst of colour against the more traditional stone backdrop of the castle.
This part of Cliffe Castle Museum and Park is a favourite for families and photographers – not just for its historical significance, but for how photogenic it is from every angle. If you’re visiting in spring or autumn, the garden path around the glasshouse is especially scenic, with benches placed perfectly for a quiet sit-down.
It’s easy to see why this glasshouse is one of the most photographed areas of Cliffe Castle Keighley – and it’s the perfect place to start your visit.
Exploring the Grounds at Cliffe Castle Keighley
One of the best things about visiting Cliffe Castle Keighley is just how much there is to explore outside. The grounds are beautifully maintained and surprisingly big – perfect for a gentle walk, a family wander, or just a peaceful sit-down to enjoy the views.
The formal gardens feature wide open lawns, historical terraces, and elegant features like urns, fountains, and structured planting. In autumn, the colour is absolutely stunning, with golden leaves scattered across the paths and vibrant trees framing every view.
As you explore further, you’ll find that the grounds stretch far beyond the main museum. There’s a small lake and water feature, a scenic woodland area, and even a children’s playground tucked away behind the main building – ideal if you’re visiting with little ones.
Whether you’re here to learn about local history or simply enjoy the fresh air, the gardens at Cliffe Castle add so much to the experience.
The Grand Entrance and Stained Glass Staircase
Step inside Cliffe Castle Keighley and you’re immediately greeted by one of the most impressive features of the entire building – the grand staircase framed by soaring pillars and a backdrop of stunning Victorian stained glass windows.
The entrance hall sets the tone perfectly for what’s to come. With rich red carpeting, detailed woodwork, marble columns, and mounted antlers on the archway, you feel like you’ve walked into a historic country house straight out of a period drama. It’s elegant without being overwhelming – and honestly, hard to resist stopping for a few photos before heading further in.
The stained glass above the staircase is particularly striking. It floods the space with colour and light, and if you get the timing right, it casts some magical reflections on the steps. Whether you’re into architecture, interior design, or just enjoy a dramatic photo moment, this part of the castle is a must-see.
The Ornate Drawing Room at Cliffe Castle Keighley
Just opposite the grand staircase, you’ll find what was easily my favourite room in the entire museum – the Victorian Drawing Room at Cliffe Castle Keighley. Step through the doorway and it feels like you’ve walked straight into a period drama, complete with velvet curtains, crystal chandeliers, and more antique furniture than you can count.
This space was designed to impress, and it still does. The high ceilings are intricately decorated, and every corner has something beautiful to look at – from carved wood and gold-framed portraits to elegant busts and finely upholstered chairs. One of the highlights for me was the harp, perfectly placed in the centre as if someone had just stepped away mid-performance.
It’s one of the best-preserved rooms in the house and offers a glimpse into what life might have been like for the Butterfield family, who once called Cliffe Castle home. Whether you’re interested in Victorian interior design, historical architecture, or just want a jaw-dropping photo spot, this room is a must-see.
Two Magnificent Rooms Overflowing with History and Luxury
Just next to the Drawing Room, you’ll walk into a pair of grand, connected spaces that are nothing short of breathtaking. These Victorian showrooms at Cliffe Castle Keighley were designed to impress – and they still do. You could spend ages just soaking in all the detail.
The first space features plush velvet curtains, a dramatic red colour scheme, ornate mirrors, and regal portraits. It’s filled with antique furniture, gilded frames, and carved fireplaces – all beautifully restored. The oversized paintings on the wall and carefully curated decorative objects give you a sense of just how opulent life was here.
Step through the open arch into the second room and it somehow gets even more impressive. The gold detailing on the ceiling is spectacular, and the huge chandeliers dripping with crystal catch the light in a magical way. This room leans even more into luxury and elegance, with richly patterned floors, a grand piano, and displays showing off treasures from the Cliffe Castle collection.
These rooms are a visual feast and a must-see for fans of Victorian interior design, history, or photography.
Art, Culture, and a Touch of Ukraine
As you move through Cliffe Castle Keighley, you’ll come to this stunning circular gallery – a truly beautiful space that feels both grand and peaceful. The high ceiling and dramatic lantern-style light fixture make it feel like something from a palace, while the red columns and upper-level balcony add serious character. It’s the kind of room that makes you stop and say “wow” – and it’s also packed with art, sculpture, and fascinating displays.
One display that really caught my attention during this visit was a lovely Ukrainian-themed exhibition, created in collaboration with local Ukrainian families. It was so thoughtful and moving – filled with crafts, handwritten letters from children, and even traditional painted eggs (pysanky).
It’s incredible how the museum finds space to reflect on current global stories as well as history. This area highlighted not only Ukrainian heritage and creativity, but also messages of hope, connection, and community.
Ancient Egyptian Mummies at Cliffe Castle Keighley
One of the most unexpected and fascinating surprises inside Cliffe Castle Keighley is its impressive ancient Egyptian collection. Tucked into a quiet section of the museum, you’ll find a beautifully preserved mummy and authentic artefacts that give a glimpse into burial rituals and beliefs from thousands of years ago. It’s both eerie and intriguing – and definitely not what you’d expect to see on a rainy day out in Yorkshire!
The display includes a real Egyptian mummy, complete with decorated wrappings, alongside a large sarcophagus and detailed explanation panels. If you’re visiting Cliffe Castle with curious kids (or you’re just a history nerd like me), this is an absolute highlight. It brings a little piece of ancient history right into the heart of Keighley.
Geology and Fluorescent Mineral Displays at Cliffe Castle
If you’re even slightly fascinated by rocks and minerals (or have kids who are!), the geology room at Cliffe Castle Keighley is a must-visit. It features a fantastic collection of geodes, crystals, and fossil specimens – all carefully displayed in glass cabinets with clear explanations. You’ll also learn how different minerals form, how rocks are classified, and the science behind their natural colours and structures.
One of the absolute highlights is the fluorescent mineral display. Step into the darkened section of the gallery and watch ordinary-looking rocks transform into vibrant glowing gems under ultraviolet light. It’s a striking experience – and one that always captures children’s imaginations!
The collection also showcases the geological history of Yorkshire, with fossils and rocks that tell the story of the region’s ancient past – from when it was covered by tropical seas to the formation of the Pennine hills. It’s an ideal stop for those interested in Yorkshire’s natural history and a great educational moment for school-age children.
Natural History at Cliffe Castle: Animals, Birds & Migration
This light-filled section of Cliffe Castle Museum in Keighley is ideal for anyone interested in wildlife, evolution, and ecosystems. The natural history displays include a diverse selection of taxidermy animals, birds, and insects from around the world – including a vibrant parrot, penguin, skunk, crab, pangolin and more. Each one is labelled with helpful facts, so it’s both eye-catching and educational for all ages.
Alongside the exotic species is a fascinating display on bird migration and insect routes. Large maps and diagrams help visualise just how far certain species travel – from the Common Cuckoo to the Barn Swallow – linking places as far apart as Africa and the British Isles.
This part of the museum is especially engaging for kids and animal lovers, and adds even more variety to what is already a fantastic day out in Keighley. The room feels calm, well-lit and packed with interesting details – a lovely change of pace as you move through the museum.
The Stained Glass Collection at Cliffe Castle Museum
One of the most captivating and colourful rooms at Cliffe Castle Museum in Keighley is the Stained Glass Gallery. This atmospheric space is dedicated to the history and tradition of stained glass art in West Yorkshire and beyond. Illuminated from behind, each panel glows with colour, detail and narrative — from biblical scenes to war memorials and local stories.
There are windows on display from historic local sites such as Temple Street Methodist Chapel in Keighley, St James’s Church in Brighouse, and Harden Grange in Bingley. It’s a fantastic showcase of Yorkshire craftsmanship – and proof that even the smallest details in Cliffe Castle are steeped in history and beauty.
If you love art, architecture or simply a peaceful moment surrounded by light and colour, this room is a must-see. It’s also a dream for photography!
Georgian Costume Display at Cliffe Castle Museum
Step back in time with the beautifully curated Georgian fashion exhibit at Cliffe Castle Museum in Keighley. This eye-catching display features three elegant dresses, each styled on mannequins against a painted backdrop of a bustling 18th-century street scene. The attention to historical detail – from the bonnets and slippers to the pleated bodices and puffed sleeves – makes this section of the museum a visual delight.
Whether you’re interested in textiles, historical fashion, or simply love a good dress display, this room adds a charming touch to your visit. It’s also a reminder of how Cliffe Castle weaves together local heritage with broader social history.
Bonus: Try a Free Art & Craft Workshop at Cliffe Castle
One of the loveliest surprises during our visit to Cliffe Castle Keighley was the dedicated space for free art and craft workshops. The museum regularly runs creative sessions – and they’re suitable for all ages, so do check the listings in advance and book your spot!
We were lucky enough to join a special workshop led by a talented Ukrainian artist, learning the beautiful folk art style of Petrykivka. Characterised by bold floral patterns, delicate brushstrokes, and rich colour palettes, Petrykivka is a UNESCO-recognised tradition originating from the Dnipro region of Ukraine. It was such a privilege to try it for ourselves!
Whether you’re into painting, drawing, or something hands-on for the kids, the Cliffe Castle Museum workshops are definitely worth including in your day out.
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cliffe Castle free to enter?
Yes, it’s completely free and open to all visitors.
Are dogs allowed at Cliffe Castle?
Dogs are allowed in the park and gardens but not inside the museum building.
Is Cliffe Castle good for kids?
Yes! There’s a playground, museum exhibits, and plenty of open space for families to enjoy.
When is Cliffe Castle open?
Cliffe Castle is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 4pm. It is closed on Mondays.
Why You Should Visit Cliffe Castle in Keighley
Cliffe Castle Museum is truly one of West Yorkshire’s hidden gems. From its stunning Victorian interiors and fascinating historical collections to its ever-changing exhibitions and hands-on activities, it offers something special for everyone. Whether you’re into local heritage, art and architecture, or simply looking for a family-friendly day out in Keighley, this beautifully restored mansion is absolutely worth a visit. I came away inspired, uplifted and already planning a return trip. If you haven’t yet been – go. You’ll love it!
