‘It has an ‘Aladdin’s cave feel...’

Bagshaw in Batley, Oakwell Hall in Birstall, Dewsbury Museum and Red House in Gomersal have all been awarded the prestigious Visit England accreditation for the third year running.

The accreditation involves regional assessors looking at museum staff as well as presentation, interpretation, information and services available for visitors.

The judgement will be a welcome boost for the museums, which have all seen a dramatic drop in visitor numbers over the last year, due to the introduction of entry fees at some, reduced opening hours and bad weather during the summer of 2012.

However the assessors were impressed by what they saw.

Of Bagshaw they said: “This is a very child friendly museum, with an ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ feel about it, something entirely different presents itself in every room.”

Dewsbury Museum was “well managed, and the standard of maintenance and cleanliness was very good.”

Oakwell Hall Country Park was is “an excellent facility for families. Touring round the Hall is a ‘must see’ and should not be missed!” And “a visit to the Red House Museum will inform, entertain and ensure a great afternoon out! Devotees of Charlotte Bronte will not be disappointed.”