The approach to Cliffe Castle Museum, gives the visitor little hint of the amazing treat in store, for awaiting is a magnificent castle built in the early part of the 19th-century by local lawyer Christopher Netherwood. It was built on a grand scale to a design by George Webster of Kendal, and was finished for occupation by 1833.
Later the property was purchased by Henry Isaac Butterfield, a local textile magnate, he was responsible for expanding the grounds from 20 acres to 300 acres and visitors to Cliffe Castle Museum can still see splendid 19th-century fountains in the grounds looking very much as they would have done in Butterfields' day.
Since 1960 Cliffe Castle has been a museum, here not only can you gaze in wonder at the beauty and opulence of the building, but you can also see memorable permanent displays relating to the area. These trace the history of the region, recall its social and domestic status, the workings of agriculture in the area, and its wildlife.
All of this is seen through a number of settings, one depicts an amazing collection of crystal and polished stones, another has early stained glass from East Riddlesden Hall, together with church glass and pieces from the William Morris studio. There is also a glittering display of Staffordshire pottery featuring striking historical figures and politicians from earlier times. In the Local Bygones collection you can see old photographs of the area and one of the last hand looms to be used locally. Here there is also much that relates to life in the Georgian and Victorian periods.
Cliffe Castle has plenty to interest you, it offers the further amenities of a shop for souvenirs, a cafe and has the advantage of aviaries and a children's play area for outside fun.
A wander through the parkland surrounding the museum offers the perfect opportunity to explore the landscape whilst enjoying lovely views over local countryside.
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