National Emergency Services Museum

Housed in a decommissioned police station on West Bar, this museum displays functioning emergency vehicles from the 1960s and 1970s that volunteers occasionally fire up for demonstrations. Children dress in period firefighter and police uniforms, sit in vintage ambulances, and learn hands-on fire safety. The building itself retains original cells and command centers, adding authenticity to the experience. Most visits take two to three hours; it's sized right for young children without overwhelming them. Best for Children fascinated by emergency services and vintage vehicles. This is a easy activity lasting 2-3 hours. Group size: families of any size. You meet at West Bar Police Station entrance. Key highlights: Climb into real vintage fire engines and ambulances, Dress in authentic firefighter and police uniforms, See original police station cells and radio room.

Price: £8 adults, £5 children

Duration: 2-3 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: families of any size

Minimum age: 3+

Best for: Children fascinated by emergency services and vintage vehicles

Best time: Weekday afternoons (1-4pm) for fewer visitors; first Sunday of each month for engine demonstrations; avoid Mondays when closed.

Meeting point: West Bar Police Station entrance

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

First 15 min Reception and dress-up stations - Pick costumes from shelves; firefighter, police, and paramedic outfits in child sizes; photo opportunities encouraged.

15-45 min Fire engine and ambulance viewing - Walk through vintage vehicles on the ground floor; volunteers explain original equipment and sometimes start engines on special days.

45-90 min Police station tour and interactive exhibits - See original cells, radio dispatch room, and evidence storage; press buttons to activate sirens and flashing lights.

90-150 min Fire safety learning and gift shop - Volunteers demonstrate smoke detection; small gift shop stocks emergency service toys £3-12; cafe corner offers hot drinks £1-2.

The whole experience takes 2-3 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at West Bar Police Station entrance.

• Climb into real vintage fire engines and ambulances
• Dress in authentic firefighter and police uniforms
• See original police station cells and radio room
• Special demonstration days when engines run (typically first Sunday monthly)
• Learning fire safety from trained volunteers
• Accessibility: Ground floor fully wheelchair accessible; upper floor galleries accessible via lift; accessible toilet available; staff can assist with mobility needs.

What is included: Entry to all galleries and vehicles, Dress-up costume use, Access to volunteer-led demonstrations.

Not included: Food and drinks (except vending machine coffee), Souvenir purchases, Parking (street parking only; no car park). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Camera for costume photos, Change for vending machine if wanting hot drink, Hand sanitizer (children touch many surfaces). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Weekday afternoons (1-4pm) for fewer visitors; first Sunday of each month for engine demonstrations; avoid Mondays when closed..

Tip: Check for special demonstration days

Tip: Good for 4-12 year olds

Accessibility: Ground floor fully wheelchair accessible; upper floor galleries accessible via lift; accessible toilet available; staff can assist with mobility needs..

Operator: NESM Trust | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: 0114 281 4333

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Sheffield Cathedral (5 min walk walk)
• Millennium Gallery (8 min walk walk)
• Sheffield Winter Garden (10 min walk walk)

This activity is run by NESM Trust.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Non-refundable unless venue closed.

Accessibility: Ground floor fully wheelchair accessible; upper floor galleries accessible via lift; accessible toilet available; staff can assist with mobility needs..

Best time to go: Weekday afternoons (1-4pm) for fewer visitors; first Sunday of each month for engine demonstrations; avoid Mondays when closed..

When do the fire engines run at the museum?

Fire engines start up on special demonstration days, typically the first Sunday of each month, though this varies seasonally. Check the website calendar before visiting. Even on non-demo days, children can climb inside stationary vehicles and touch controls.

How long does a typical visit take?

Most families spend two to three hours exploring. The museum is compact, so younger children (under 5) may finish in 1.5 hours, while older children and parents interested in vehicles and history stay closer to three hours.

Is there parking at the museum?

The museum has no dedicated car park. Street parking only on West Bar and nearby roads, typically free but time-limited to two hours. City centre car parks (£3-5 for four hours) are a five-minute walk away.