National Emergency Services Museum, Sheffield
Explore the rich history and heroism of emergency services in Sheffield’s stunning Victorian police, fire, and ambulance station museum.
Housed in a historic Victorian police, fire, and ambulance station in Sheffield, the National Emergency Services Museum offers an immersive journey through the history of emergency services. With over 150 vintage vehicles, interactive exhibits, and atmospheric displays using lights, sounds, and smoke, it celebrates the bravery and innovation of those who serve and protect. Open Wednesday to Sunday, it’s a family-friendly, award-winning museum ideal for all ages.
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 the three floors and interactive exhibits involves a fair amount of walking.
- Book tickets online in advance, especially during busy periods, to secure your preferred visit time.
- Allow 3 to 4 hours to fully experience the museum’s extensive collections and interactive zones.
- Take advantage of the year-long ticket option for unlimited return visits to explore new exhibitions and events.
- Visit on weekday mornings for fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience, especially with children.
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 the museum. Tram services run frequently with tickets costing around £3-£5. Buses from Sheffield Interchange also serve stops near West Bar Green.
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Car
Driving to the museum is convenient with nearby street parking and public car parks within a 5-minute walk. Parking fees vary but expect around £5-£10 for a few hours. Note the museum is close to the inner ring road, facilitating easy access.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services from Sheffield city centre take about 5-10 minutes, costing approximately £5-£10 depending on traffic. This option offers door-to-door convenience, especially for groups or families.
National Emergency Services Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about National Emergency Services Museum
A Historic Home of Emergency Heritage
The National Emergency Services Museum is uniquely situated in one of Yorkshire’s first purpose-built combined police, fire, and ambulance stations, dating back to 1898. This stunning Victorian building, originally designed to house all three emergency services, provides an authentic and atmospheric setting for the museum’s extensive collections. Over the years, the building has witnessed the evolution of emergency response, from horse-drawn fire engines to motorized ambulances and police vehicles, making the site itself a living piece of history.Vast Collections and Immersive Exhibits
Inside, visitors explore three floors filled with over 600,000 artefacts and approximately 150 emergency service vehicles, including vintage fire engines, police cars, ambulances, and a full-size 47ft lifeboat. The museum uses innovative sensory techniques—lights, sounds, smoke, and even smells—to bring exhibits to life, creating immersive experiences like standing beside a road traffic incident or exploring original police cells. Interactive zones invite visitors to climb aboard vehicles, try on uniforms, and engage with hands-on displays that make history tangible and engaging.Celebrating Bravery and Community Spirit
The museum honors the courage and dedication of emergency service workers, highlighting their vital roles through history, including wartime stories such as the Sheffield Blitz. Exhibitions reveal the evolution of firefighting, policing, and medical rescue, showcasing equipment, uniforms, and vehicles that tell stories of heroism and community protection. The museum also hosts special exhibitions and events, fostering a deeper understanding of emergency services’ impact on society.Family-Friendly and Educational Experiences
Awarded for its family-friendly approach, the museum offers engaging activities for all ages. Children can enjoy dressing up in themed costumes, exploring interactive play areas, and participating in educational workshops. The museum’s year-long ticket allows repeat visits, encouraging families to return and discover new exhibits and events. Its accessible layout accommodates prams and visitors with mobility needs, though some areas reflect the historic building’s original design constraints.Community Engagement and Support
As an independent, self-funded charity, the National Emergency Services Museum relies on community support and donations. It also offers conference facilities within its historic rooms, blending heritage with modern use. The museum’s commitment to preserving emergency services history is reflected in its ongoing restoration projects and the continuous expansion of its collections.Visitor Amenities and Atmosphere
Visitors can relax in the on-site café, offering snacks and refreshments in a welcoming environment. The museum shop provides unique gifts and memorabilia related to emergency services history. Throughout the visit, the blend of historic architecture and lively, interactive displays creates a dynamic atmosphere that educates, entertains, and inspires.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Chimney House
0.4 km
Award-winning industrial-chic venue in Kelham Island offering intimate events with exceptional food and warm hospitality in Sheffield.
Iron Bridge
0.4 km
Explore Sheffield’s iconic Iron Bridge, a stunning early 20th-century iron landmark offering rich industrial heritage and scenic riverside views.
The Museum
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere at The Museum, Sheffield's beloved pub and restaurant, where local flavors meet a lively social scene.
Crucible Stack
0.5 km
Explore Sheffield’s iconic Crucible Stack, a rare industrial landmark embodying the city’s pioneering steelmaking heritage and architectural resilience.
Green Police Box
0.6 km
Sheffield’s unique green and white police box, a charming relic of early 20th-century policing, stands proudly outside the Town Hall as a symbol of local heritage.
Sheffield War Memorial
0.6 km
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
0.7 km
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
1.4 km
Victorian design genius immortalised in terracotta—Sheffield's tribute to a master craftsman.
Friesday Belgian Fries
2.0 km
Savor authentic Belgian fries in a cozy diner atmosphere at Friesday Belgian Fries, the perfect quick bite in Sheffield.
Bear pit
2.5 km
Victorian heritage meets natural history at Sheffield's finest surviving bear pit, a Grade II listed landmark within beloved botanical gardens.
Lost & Found Sheffield
2.6 km
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
2.6 km
Experience the historical charm and scenic beauty of Sheffield Manor Lodge, a premier events venue and heritage site in Sheffield.
The Well Sheffield
2.7 km
Explore The Well Sheffield, a vibrant Baptist church in Sharrow, blending rich community spirit with stunning architecture and cultural events.
The Beer House
2.7 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and extensive beer selection at The Beer House, Sheffield's favorite pub for locals and visitors alike.
The Endcliffe Campus
2.8 km
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
0.3 km
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
0.3 km
Discover sustainable urban living in Sheffield’s vibrant Kelham Island with modern, energy-efficient homes and a thriving creative community.
Steel City Chapel Ltd
0.3 km
Experience Sheffield’s ultimate neon-lit, Vegas-inspired wedding chapel—where electric energy meets unforgettable celebrations.
Cutlers' Hall Hospitality
0.4 km
Victorian grandeur meets modern event excellence in Sheffield's most prestigious banquet hall.
The National Videogame Museum
0.4 km
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
0.4 km
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
0.4 km
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
0.5 km
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
0.5 km
Discover Sheffield’s Gothic Revival masterpiece, St Marie's Cathedral, a serene sanctuary rich in history, art, and community spirit.
Victoria Hall
0.5 km
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
Authentic Punjabi street food with fresh flavours and warm hospitality in the heart of Kelham Island, Sheffield.
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
0.3 km
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
0.4 km
Modern Italian dining with vibrant atmosphere, vegan-friendly options, and stylish setting in Sheffield’s bustling Leopold Square.
Domo Restaurant
0.4 km
Experience authentic Sardinian cuisine and warm hospitality in Sheffield’s historic Kelham Island at Domo Restaurant.
Riverside Kelham
0.4 km
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
0.4 km
Discover fresh, bold Asian flavours and a welcoming communal vibe at Wagamama in Sheffield’s vibrant Leopold Square.
JORO Restaurant
0.4 km
Experience Sheffield’s cutting-edge modern European dining with JÖRO’s inventive tasting menus and theatrical live-fire cooking.
Cubana Tapas Bar
0.5 km
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
0.4 km
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
0.5 km
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
0.7 km
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
0.7 km
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)
0.8 km
Discover Sheffield City Centre’s eclectic boutique blending fashion, jewelry, and unique local treasures on vibrant Division Street.
Rocky Horrors
0.8 km
Discover bold rock-inspired boots and shoes at Rocky Horrors, Sheffield’s iconic alternative footwear shop in the city centre.
Søstrene Grene
0.8 km
Discover Scandinavian charm and creative inspiration at Søstrene Grene, Sheffield’s boutique for art supplies, home décor, and unique gifts.
The Alternative Store
0.8 km
Sheffield's fiercely independent hub for unique streetwear, hats, and jewellery since 1992—quality alternative fashion with local flair and eco-conscious craft.
Vulgar
0.8 km
Explore Sheffield’s vibrant vintage scene at Vulgar, a uniquely decorated shop with friendly service and eclectic fashion finds.
The Savage Sister
0.8 km
Discover rare vintage designer treasures from the '90s and '00s in Sheffield’s stylish and sustainable boutique, The Savage Sister.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Three Tuns, S1
0.2 km
A vibrant traditional pub in Sheffield City Centre, famed for excellent ales, hearty food, and lively karaoke and comedy nights.
Kelham Island Tavern
0.3 km
Sheffield's CAMRA-acclaimed real ale haven with 13 cask pumps, cozy rooms, beer garden, quizzes, and folk nights in historic Kelham Island.
The Fat Cat
0.3 km
Sheffield's original real ale haven in Kelham Island, pouring cask classics, hearty pies, and community spirit since 1981.
The Dove & Rainbow
0.3 km
Sheffield’s vibrant rock pub with live music, cold ales, and an inclusive atmosphere in the heart of the city centre.
All Bar One Sheffield
0.4 km
Stylish Sheffield wine bar on Leopold Street for tapas, cocktails, brunch, and urban vibes near theatres and shops.
Kuckoo Sheffield
0.4 km
Inventive cocktails and pulsating beats define this Leopold Square gem, where Sheffield's nightlife ignites in a whirlwind of creativity and energy.
Bamboo Door
0.5 km
A vibrant tiki-themed cocktail bar in Sheffield City Centre, famed for exotic rum drinks and lively late-night vibes.
Cheap Dates
0.5 km
Affordable cocktails and lively vibes await at Sheffield’s beloved dive bar, Cheap Dates, in the heart of Orchard Square.
The Millowners Arms
0.5 km
Cozy Kelham Island pub pouring craft lagers beside the museum, with burgers, outdoor seats, and laidback tunes in Sheffield's industrial enclave.
Bar Kelham
0.5 km
Sizzling grills, craft cocktails, and sports action in Sheffield's coolest industrial island hideaway – your go-to for flavor-packed hangs.
Slug & Lettuce - Sheffield
0.5 km
Vibrant Sheffield cocktail bar where every hour feels like happy hour—brunch by day, cocktails and dancing by night in stylish city centre surrounds.
Trippets Lounge Bar
0.5 km
Sheffield's intimate jazz lounge where live music, gins, and tapas-style plates create an unforgettable evening retreat in the city centre.
SALT Sheffield
0.5 km
Hop-forward craft beers, wood-fired pizzas, and lively vibes in Sheffield's Kelham Island—SALT Sheffield crafts unforgettable evenings for beer aficionados and casual crowds alike.
Public
0.6 km
Quirky underground cocktail haven in a repurposed Victorian toilet—creative drinks, intimate vibes, and Sheffield's inventive spirit in every sip.
The Head of Steam Sheffield
0.6 km
A converted Victorian bank turned busy craft‑beer pub on Tudor Square — big beer list, good vegan choices and a social, theatre‑friendly vibe.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Al Ahsa Night Club
0.3 km
Dance the night away at Al Ahsa Night Club, Sheffield's premier disco destination for unforgettable nightlife experiences.
The Night Kitchen
0.3 km
Dive into Sheffield's industrial heartbeat at The Night Kitchen, where former cutlery factory walls pulse with electronic beats until dawn in a raw, inclusive nightlife haven.
Plot 22
0.6 km
Immerse in Sheffield's underground beats at Plot 22: no phones, pure rave energy, techno to jungle in an intimate 120-cap haven.
ONYX Nightclub Sheffield
0.6 km
Dive into Sheffield's raucous nightlife at ONYX, where neon quirks, bass-heavy beats, and cheap thrills fuel epic nights till dawn in the city centre.
Fez Sheffield
0.6 km
Dive into Sheffield’s vibrant electronic dance scene at Fez, the city centre’s intimate nightclub with pulsating beats and dazzling laser shows.
Popworld - Sheffield
0.6 km
A vibrant nightclub in Sheffield city centre, Popworld offers lively pop beats, affordable drinks, and a welcoming party atmosphere every weekend.
The Viper Rooms
0.6 km
Sheffield's stylish split-level nightclub: upscale cocktails on the terrace lounge, eclectic beats on the dancefloor—dress sharp for urban nights that pulse till dawn.
Tank
0.7 km
A gritty, late‑night underground club on Arundel Gate — loud sound, house and techno nights, and a compact, rave‑style dancefloor.
Corporation
1.0 km
Sheffield’s iconic nightclub with non-stop dance beats and an electric atmosphere in the heart of the city centre.
Code Sheffield
1.0 km
Sheffield's ultimate nightclub: massive dance floor, six bars, LED lights, and epic nights till 6am—student favorites and global DJs collide in city-centre chaos.
The Leadmill
1.1 km
Sheffield's 40-year heartbeat of live music, club nights, and comedy in a gritty, immersive venue near the station—where crowds roar and nights ignite.
Dempseys Bar and Club
1.3 km
Sheffield's enduring gay bar and club: two floors of drinks, dances, karaoke, and late-night energy from noon till dawn in the city centre.
Temple Sheffield
1.5 km
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
16.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Waikiki Beach Bar, Derbyshire's go-to destination for dancing, drinks, and unforgettable memories.
Volt Nightclub
18.5 km
Experience Barnsley's vibrant nightlife at Volt Nightclub, where lively music, dazzling lights, and affordable drinks create unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Family Friendly
- Educational
- Interactive
- Historic
- Engaging
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- 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
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
