National Emergency Services Museum, Sheffield
Explore the rich history and bravery of emergency services in Yorkshire’s first combined police, fire, and ambulance station.
The National Emergency Services Museum in Sheffield is a captivating heritage site housed in Yorkshire’s first combined police, fire, and ambulance station. It showcases over 150 vintage emergency vehicles and 600,000 artefacts across three floors, bringing the history of emergency services to life with interactive exhibits, sounds, and immersive storytelling. Ideal for families and history enthusiasts, it offers hands-on experiences and a unique glimpse into the bravery and innovation of emergency responders.
A brief summary to National Emergency Services Museum
- Old Police/Fire Station, W Bar Green, Sheffield, S3 8PT, GB
- +441142491999
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as exploring three floors and many interactive exhibits involves a fair amount of walking.
- Consider visiting on weekday mornings for fewer crowds and more space to explore.
- Purchase the year-long unlimited access ticket for great value and the chance to revisit multiple times.
- Bring a camera or smartphone to capture vintage vehicles and immersive displays.
- Check the museum’s website ahead for special exhibitions and any temporary closures or events.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take Sheffield’s tram or bus services to the city centre, then walk approximately 10 minutes to West Bar. Tram lines from Sheffield Station run frequently, with tickets costing around £2-£4. The area is well served by buses from various parts of the city, with similar fare ranges.
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Car
Driving to the museum is convenient via Sheffield’s inner ring road. Nearby street parking and public car parks are available but can fill quickly during weekends and events. Parking fees typically range from £2 to £6 for a few hours. Allow 15-25 minutes from Sheffield city centre depending on traffic.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from Sheffield city centre to the museum takes about 5-10 minutes, costing approximately £5-£10. This option provides direct access and is useful for visitors with limited mobility or carrying children.
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Walking
If staying nearby in Sheffield city centre, walking to the museum is a pleasant 15-20 minute stroll along mostly flat urban streets. The route is accessible for prams and wheelchairs, with pedestrian crossings and sidewalks throughout.
National Emergency Services Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about National Emergency Services Museum
A Living Tribute to Emergency Services Heritage
The National Emergency Services Museum is housed in the historic Old Police, Fire and Ambulance Station on West Bar, Sheffield, a building dating back to 1898 and one of Yorkshire’s first purpose-built combined emergency service stations. Originally serving as an operational hub for police, fire, and ambulance services, the building itself is a significant heritage landmark. The museum preserves and celebrates the bravery, dedication, and evolution of emergency services through an extensive collection of artefacts, vehicles, and stories.Extensive Collections and Immersive Exhibits
Spanning three floors, the museum displays over 150 emergency vehicles including horse-drawn fire pumps, vintage police cars, early motorised ambulances, and a full-size 47ft RNLI lifeboat. The collection exceeds 600,000 artefacts, ranging from firefighting equipment and police archives to medical rescue gear. Visitors can explore original police cells, try on uniforms, climb aboard real fire engines, and engage with interactive zones that use lights, sounds, smoke, and smells to vividly recreate emergency scenarios and historical moments.Interactive and Family-Friendly Experiences
The museum is designed to be highly interactive and educational, making it perfect for families and children. Kids can enjoy dressing up in themed costumes, sitting in emergency vehicles, and participating in hands-on learning activities. The museum’s approach encourages visitors to engage their senses and imagination, creating memorable experiences that bring emergency service history to life. A year-long unlimited entry ticket option offers great value for repeat visits.Historical Evolution and Community Connection
The museum’s origins trace back to 1984 when it opened as the South Yorkshire Fire Service Museum. It was renamed the National Emergency Services Museum in 2014 to reflect its broader remit. The site has evolved alongside the emergency services it commemorates, including the relocation of ambulance services in 1913 and continued fire service use until 1924. Today, it remains a community-focused charity supported by donations and emergency service contributions, dedicated to preserving local and national emergency service heritage.Visitor Amenities and Facilities
Visitors can enjoy the on-site coffee shop and gift shop, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. Accessibility is thoughtfully considered, though some areas reflect the building’s Victorian architecture and may have limited access. The museum offers conference space for hire and hosts special exhibitions and events throughout the year, including a forthcoming exhibit on the Sheffield Blitz.Location and Visiting Details
Located just off Sheffield’s inner ring road near the Law Courts, the museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00, with last entry at 15:00. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays except some Bank Holiday Mondays. Advance booking is recommended during busy periods. The museum is well connected within Sheffield and accessible for families, with pram-friendly routes and facilities.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Chimney House
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Iron Bridge
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The Museum
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Crucible Stack
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Green Police Box
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Sheffield War Memorial
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A solemn and iconic Grade II* listed cenotaph in Sheffield city centre, honoring the city's wartime sacrifices with striking sculptures and historic symbolism.
Wicker Arches
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A dramatic Victorian railway viaduct running beneath Sheffield city centre, now home to workshops, bars and street art in a gritty, atmospheric urban space.
Godfrey Sykes Memorial
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Victorian design genius immortalised in terracotta—Sheffield's tribute to a master craftsman.
Friesday Belgian Fries
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Savor authentic Belgian fries in a cozy diner atmosphere at Friesday Belgian Fries, the perfect quick bite in Sheffield.
Bear pit
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Victorian heritage meets natural history at Sheffield's finest surviving bear pit, a Grade II listed landmark within beloved botanical gardens.
Lost & Found Sheffield
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Experience the vibrant nightlife at Lost & Found Sheffield, a charming bar and pub with creative cocktails, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Sheffield Manor Lodge
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Experience the historical charm and scenic beauty of Sheffield Manor Lodge, a premier events venue and heritage site in Sheffield.
The Well Sheffield
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The Beer House
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Experience the vibrant atmosphere and extensive beer selection at The Beer House, Sheffield's favorite pub for locals and visitors alike.
The Endcliffe Campus
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A vibrant student village blending modern living, social hubs, and green spaces at the University of Sheffield’s Endcliffe Campus.
Unmissable attractions to see
Sheffield Cathedral
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Discover over 1,000 years of history, faith, and art in Sheffield’s oldest building, a welcoming cathedral at the city’s heart.
Kelham Central
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Steel City Chapel Ltd
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Experience Sheffield’s ultimate neon-lit, Vegas-inspired wedding chapel—where electric energy meets unforgettable celebrations.
Cutlers' Hall Hospitality
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Victorian grandeur meets modern event excellence in Sheffield's most prestigious banquet hall.
The National Videogame Museum
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The UK’s only museum dedicated to videogames, where you can play over 100 games, explore gaming history, and even make your own – in the heart of Sheffield.
Sheffield Christmas Markets
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Sheffield's festive celebration of local traders, alpine charm, and seasonal magic across the city centre.
Fronteer Gallery
0.4 km
Independent artist-led gallery showcasing thought-provoking contemporary art in Sheffield City Centre.
Sheffield Maker's Emporium
0.4 km
Discover Sheffield’s vibrant local craftsmanship with unique, handcrafted fashion and accessories at the heart of the city centre.
Fargate
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Sheffield’s vibrant pedestrian precinct blending historic charm, lively markets, and modern urban culture in the city centre.
Orchard Square
0.4 km
A vibrant open-air shopping and leisure destination in Sheffield, blending retail, culture, and community in a historic city-centre setting.
Kelham Island Walks
0.4 km
Discover Kelham Island, Sheffield’s historic industrial heart reborn as a vibrant hub of culture, craft beer, and urban charm by the River Don.
Kelham Island Museum
0.5 km
Explore Sheffield’s industrial heart on a historic island with interactive galleries, mighty steam engines, and rich steelmaking heritage.
The River Don Engine
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Experience the power and history of Europe’s mightiest steam engine, a symbol of Sheffield’s steel heritage at Kelham Island Museum.
St Marie's Cathedral, Sheffield
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Discover Sheffield’s Gothic Revival masterpiece, St Marie's Cathedral, a serene sanctuary rich in history, art, and community spirit.
Victoria Hall
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Historic Methodist landmark and vibrant events venue at Sheffield city centre’s cultural heart on Norfolk Street.
Essential places to dine
5Tara Sheffield - Kelham Island
0.3 km
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SYN Restaurant and Bar
0.3 km
A vibrant modern restaurant and bar in Sheffield city centre, blending contemporary dining with a lively social atmosphere.
Caffe Piazza
0.3 km
Authentic Italian pizzas and Mediterranean dishes served fresh daily in Sheffield’s vibrant city centre cafe.
Isabellas bar & restaurant
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Experience authentic Italian flavors and stylish dining in Sheffield’s vibrant Kelham Island at Isabellas Bar & Restaurant.
Chop Shop Bar & Grill
0.4 km
Discover delicious grilled specialties at Chop Shop Bar & Grill in Sheffield – where every meal is a celebration of flavor!
Craft & Dough Kelham Island
0.4 km
Artisan pizzas and craft beers in Sheffield’s vibrant Kelham Island, blending industrial charm with a lively, friendly atmosphere.
La Bottega
0.4 km
Experience authentic Italian craftsmanship and artisanal flavors in the heart of Sheffield City Centre at La Bottega.
Grazie
0.4 km
Experience authentic Southern Italian flavors with fresh handmade pasta and warm hospitality in the heart of Sheffield City Centre.
Zizzi - Sheffield Leopold Square
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Modern Italian dining with vibrant atmosphere, vegan-friendly options, and stylish setting in Sheffield’s bustling Leopold Square.
Domo Restaurant
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Experience authentic Sardinian cuisine and warm hospitality in Sheffield’s historic Kelham Island at Domo Restaurant.
Riverside Kelham
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Riverside Kelham: Where Kelham Island's River Don meets craft ales, hearty pies, and beer garden magic in Sheffield's craft beer heart.
wagamama sheffield city centre
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Discover fresh, bold Asian flavours and a welcoming communal vibe at Wagamama in Sheffield’s vibrant Leopold Square.
JORO Restaurant
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Experience Sheffield’s cutting-edge modern European dining with JÖRO’s inventive tasting menus and theatrical live-fire cooking.
Cubana Tapas Bar
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Experience authentic Cuban tapas, vibrant Latin music, and lively salsa dancing in the heart of Sheffield’s city centre.
The Botanist Sheffield
0.5 km
A lush, botanical-themed bar and restaurant in Sheffield city centre offering inventive cocktails, hearty meals, live music, and a vibrant social scene.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Kelham Island Books + Music
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An intimate second‑hand book and vinyl shop on Shalesmoor, full of eclectic titles, records, posters and locally minded finds.
Bird’s Yard Sheffield
0.5 km
A compact, owner-curated Aladdin’s cave of local makers and quirky design-led gifts in the heart of Sheffield.
skytrend
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Explore Sheffield's Skytrend Jewellery Store for exquisite craftsmanship and unique pieces that capture the essence of elegance.
Ryan Vintage
0.5 km
Discover timeless style and sustainable fashion treasures at Ryan Vintage, Sheffield’s premier vintage clothing boutique in the city centre.
Sheffield Convenience Store
0.6 km
Your go-to convenience store in Sheffield City Centre for snacks, drinks, and travel essentials, open late night for all your needs.
Sheffield Makers
0.6 km
Discover Sheffield's handmade soul in the Winter Garden: unique gifts from local makers, blending craft heritage with fresh creativity.
Glass Onion Sheffield
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Explore Sheffield’s premier vintage clothing store blending sustainable fashion with stylish, curated collections in a unique urban setting.
The WareHouse
0.7 km
Discover timeless treasures in a restored Victorian warehouse at Sheffield's creative heart, where industrial history meets eclectic antiques and artistic vibes.
Preloved Kilo
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Discover vintage treasures priced by weight at Preloved Kilo, Sheffield’s vibrant hub for sustainable and stylish pre-loved clothing.
Mint (New name coming soon)
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Rocky Horrors
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Discover bold rock-inspired boots and shoes at Rocky Horrors, Sheffield’s iconic alternative footwear shop in the city centre.
Søstrene Grene
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The Alternative Store
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Vulgar
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The Savage Sister
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Three Tuns, S1
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Kelham Island Tavern
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The Fat Cat
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The Dove & Rainbow
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Kuckoo Sheffield
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Bamboo Door
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Cheap Dates
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The Millowners Arms
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Bar Kelham
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Sizzling grills, craft cocktails, and sports action in Sheffield's coolest industrial island hideaway – your go-to for flavor-packed hangs.
Slug & Lettuce - Sheffield
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Trippets Lounge Bar
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SALT Sheffield
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Public
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The Head of Steam Sheffield
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Al Ahsa Night Club
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The Night Kitchen
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Plot 22
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ONYX Nightclub Sheffield
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Fez Sheffield
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Popworld - Sheffield
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The Viper Rooms
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Tank
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Corporation
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Code Sheffield
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The Leadmill
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Dempseys Bar and Club
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Temple Sheffield
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Dive into Sheffield's underground heartbeat at Temple Nightclub, where beats thump till 6am, drinks flow affordably, and nights ignite with raw energy.
Waikiki Beach Bar
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Experience the vibrant nightlife at Waikiki Beach Bar, Derbyshire's go-to destination for dancing, drinks, and unforgettable memories.
Volt Nightclub
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Experience Barnsley's vibrant nightlife at Volt Nightclub, where lively music, dazzling lights, and affordable drinks create unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Educational
- Family Friendly
- Interactive
- Historic
- Engaging
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Historic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Family Friendly
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
