Wakefield Museums and Castles

The following policy operates for your safety and enjoyment in our venues. The policy is based on national guidance ensuring best practice, whilst also adhering to Health and Safety requirements and legislation.

Our aim is to ensure that all customers visiting Wakefield Museums and Castles have an enjoyable experience. To do this you are required to respect our staff, property and buildings, as well as other customers and their belongings.

1.1 - These rules should be read in conjunction with the published “Visitor Guidelines”.

1.2 - We welcome people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, religious / faith traditions, and physical abilities.

1.3 - Children under 8 years of age should be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult when visiting a museum or castle facility. Children aged 8+ are welcome to visit unaccompanied provided that parents / carers / guardians are confident that their children are able to pass over an emergency contact number should staff require it.

1.4 - Smoking and vaping are not permitted in any Museums and Castles site.

1.5 – CCTV is in operation 24hrs a day

1.6 – Photographing or recording any person, including staff, is prohibited without the authorisation of that person.

1.7 - Weapons must not be brought into our sites without the prior approval of a curator (in the case of identifications or donations) or the site manager (in the case of re-enactment events).

2.1 - Any person’s behaviour that is deemed inappropriate by a member of staff may result in a user being asked to leave the site immediately. The safety and welfare of our staff and other visitors will always be prioritised.

2.2 - Inappropriate behaviour is any behaviour that puts our staff, visitors, sites or collections at risk. This includes, but is not limited to, foul and abusive language, all forms of physical and mental abuse, bullying, harassment, discriminatory behaviour, and the mistreatment or damage of our sites or displays.  

2.3 - Any incidents of inappropriate conduct should be reported to a member of staff immediately, with serious incidents being reported to the police.

2.4 - Inappropriate behaviour may result in a temporary or permanent exclusion from the specific site where the incident occurred or, in extreme cases, all Wakefield Museums and Castles sites. Inappropriate behaviour from children who are attending our sites without a responsible adult supervising them may result in an immediate suspension from the site for a set duration, for example the school holidays.

2.5 - Any person attempting to access any Museum or Castle site that it is believed is a danger to children or adults alike, will immediately be excluded from all sites.

2.6 - In the case of a user being suspended from visiting, where possible they will be informed by letter. The user will have the right to appeal the decision (see section 8)

2.7 – Wilful or malicious damage and thefts will all be reported to the police.

2.8 - Persons who appear, in the opinion of site staff, to be under the influence of drink or drugs will not be allowed into our venues.

3.1 - Any customers attending Wakefield Museums and Castles sites must report any accidents immediately, where our teams will make every effort to assist with First Aid if required.

3.2 - This will also apply to any incidents you may witness. You will also be asked to provide your full details (name, address, contact number etc) as part of the Council’s accident / incident reporting process.

4.1 – No food or drink to be consumed within the display areas.

4.2 – We always welcome assistance dogs. Other animals are not permitted.

4.3 – Please respect any ‘no touching’ signage or instruction.

4.4 – Non-flash photography for personal use is permitted. Any commercial filming or photography must be arranged in advance.

5.1 – Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and dog waste must be picked up and disposed of in the bins provided.

5.2 - The use of drones is not permitted on or over the Castle sites without prior approval

5.3 - Barbecues and naked flames are not permitted.

5.4 - Metal detecting and digging of any kind are not permitted.

5.5 - No climbing on the stonework, steep banking or stretch tent

5.6 – Garden structures (e.g. gazebos) are not permitted at our castles without prior arrangement.

6.1 - Additional rules may apply on event days. These will be published at point of sale for ticketed events or on site for free events. These rules are in place for the comfort and safety of everyone and are not negotiable.

6.2 - In order to deliver the widest possible range of events and activities, some programmed activity is ticketed.  The capacity of these events is fixed, and it may not be possible to admit everyone who wishes to attend. 

6.3 - Ticket prices and refund policies vary according to the nature of the event. These will be published on the ticketing platform. It is the booker’s responsibility to check any published Terms and Conditions before purchase.

7.1 – We welcome organised group visits to our sites.  

7.2 - Self-led groups may visit free of charge, but planned visits by groups of more than 6 people should contact us in advance to book. Email us at museums@wakefield.gov.uk

7.3 – Due to limited capacity in some areas, priority is given to pre-booked groups. Access for groups without a booking cannot be guaranteed

8.1 - Opening times are published here on our website.

8.2 - Wakefield Museums and Castles reserve the right to close any site or part of any site without notice.  Where possible advanced notice will be given on site and on our website.

9.1 - Anyone who receives a suspension or exclusion from one of our sites, verbally or in writing may appeal this by emailing museums@wakefield.gov.uk  or writing to:

Museums and Castles Development Manager

Wakefield Council

Wakefield One

PO Box 700

Burton Street

Wakefield

West Yorkshire

WF1 2EB 

9.2 - Anyone who feels that this policy in any way infringes their rights or ability to access our services unfairly should write to the Museums and Castles Development Manager at the address above.