Conservation project
In 2026, Oakwell Hall was awarded funding from the Arts Council Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND).
This money allows for a major programme of conservation and improvement works that will protect the hall for future generations.
As one of Kirklees' most important historic buildings, Oakwell Hall requires significant investment to address the challenges that naturally come with caring for a centuries-old property. These essential works will help preserve the building's historic fabric, improve its resilience and ensure it can continue to welcome visitors long into the future.
While we understand the temporary closure may be disappointing for many visitors, the works will create a stronger, more sustainable future for Oakwell Hall. This investment represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to care for the building properly and secure its place at the heart of the local community.
The project also forms part of Oakwell Hall's journey towards 2028, when the hall will celebrate 100 years in public ownership. By carrying out these vital works now, we can ensure this much-loved heritage site is ready to begin its next chapter and continue inspiring future generations.
Oakwell Hall closure
Closure date
Oakwell Hall's final day of opening will be Sunday 29 November and we will remain open to the public until the end of that day. The building will be closed from Monday 30 November onwards
Closure period
The hall is expected to remain closed throughout 2027, reopening in 2028. As with all major works on historic buildings, timescales may change. We will provide regular updates throughout the project and share reopening information as soon as it is confirmed.
The hall building will be closed to visitors while essential conservation and improvement works are carried out.
While the building is closed, visitors can still explore Oakwell Hall online through our virtual tour and on the Bloomberg Connects app, where you can discover the hall's historic rooms, collections and stories from wherever you are.
Works taking place
The project will deliver a major programme of conservation, repair and improvement works to protect Oakwell Hall and secure its future for generations to come.
The works will include:
- Repairs to the hall's historic stonework and building fabric.
- Extensive roof repairs to stabilise the structure and help protect the building from water ingress.
- Replacement and repair of rainwater goods and drainage systems.
- Conservation of historic windows and internal features.
- Accessibility improvements, including the creation of a new ground-floor accessible toilet.
This is the most significant programme of investment in Oakwell Hall for many years. By carrying out these essential repairs and improvements now, we are protecting the hall's historic character, improving accessibility and ensuring this much-loved heritage site is fit for the future as it approaches the centenary of its public ownership in 2028.
Availability
The gardens will remain partially open during the closure period. The front garden and the lower section of the rear Walled Garden will be closed for the duration of the project to allow works to take place safely. However, visitors will still be able to enjoy the upper sections of the Walled Garden and the wider grounds.
Some temporary changes to access routes may be required at different stages of the project for health and safety reasons. Any additional restrictions will be clearly signposted on site and communicated through our website and social media channels. We appreciate visitors' patience and understanding while these essential works are carried out.
The visitor centre will remain open as usual throughout the closure period.
Visitors will still be able to access visitor information, speak with staff and enjoy aspects of the site that remain open during the works. Please note that access routes around the hall may change at different stages of the project, and some areas of the site may be temporarily restricted for health and safety reasons.
The public toilets will remain open as usual throughout the closure period.
Visitors using the grounds, gardens and visitor centre will continue to have access to toilet facilities during normal opening hours. Access routes may change during different phases of the project, but any temporary alterations will be clearly signposted on site.
As part of the project, a new accessible ground-floor toilet will also be created within Oakwell Hall, improving accessibility and ensuring the site can better meet the needs of all visitors when the hall reopens.
The car park will remain open as usual throughout the closure period.
Visitors will continue to be able to access the car park while Oakwell Hall is closed for conservation works. The car park will serve those visiting the visitor centre, grounds and areas of the Walled Garden that remain open.
The Willows Café will remain open as usual throughout the closure period.
School visits
During the closure period, Tudor school visits within Oakwell Hall will not be available, as the building will be closed while essential conservation and improvement works are carried out.
However, schools will still be able to book our environmental and outdoor learning visits, which will continue to operate as usual using the grounds and outdoor spaces that remain accessible during the project.
Schools may also wish to consider opportunities at Bagshaw Museum, where a range of learning sessions and educational visits are available.
Weddings and civil ceremonies
We are not accepting new wedding bookings beyond October 2026. We will review future availability as the project progresses and will share updates as soon as we are able to.
Project funding
This major programme of works has been made possible through a grant of more than £1.6 million from Arts Council England's Museum Estate and Development (MEND) Fund, alongside significant investment from Kirklees Council.
This investment represents a significant commitment to the future of one of Kirklees' most important heritage assets and will help secure Oakwell Hall's long-term sustainability as it approaches the centenary of its public ownership in 2028.
Closure updates
You can follow progress through:
- Oakwell Hall website
- Bloomberg Connects
- E-newsletters
Opportunities to see the work in progress
Where possible, behind-the-scenes updates, photographs and project news will be shared online throughout the closure.
If you would like to donate to Oakwell Hall your gift will help to conserve and protect the hall for future generations to enjoy.
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