About Chiltern Open Air Museum
Take a family expedition into the past at the Chiltern Open Air Museum! Wander around over 30 rescued and reconstructed historic buildings, unlocking secrets of the past as you go.
Come as close as you can to the past as you explore the homes and workplaces of ordinary people from the Iron Age to World War II. There are plenty more mesmerising attractions to explore too like the orchards, the Village Green, farms and woodland.
Not sure where to begin? Get acquainted with this 45-acre site down below and start planning your day out now!
Things to do
Whether you're looking for a unique day out or you're a family of history buffs, Chiltern Open Air Museum is a splendid place to take the kids! From historic buildings to woodland trails, traditional gardens and more, there are all kinds of indoor and outdoor adventures to be had! Begin your quest by touring the impressive collection of historic buildings. This collection includes a 1940s post-war prefab, tin chapel, blacksmith's forge, WW1 and WW2 Nissen huts, Iron Age roundhouse, furniture factory, vicarage, granary, Victorian farm, Edwardian toilets, cobbler's shop, Victorian tollhouse, and a cottage made from earth!
The Museum also has a traditional working farm with rare-breed livestock. Look out for the goats, sheep, chickens, ducks and cows at various points around the site.
Learn about historic ways of life and look out for traditional craft demonstrations such as straw plaiting and blacksmithing, which take place on selected days. There are plenty of opportunities to dress up, play with historic toys and games, build models of barns and have lots of space to run around and discover. Visit the traditional cottage gardens and discover what is growing in the 'Dig for Victory' allotment.
Grab yourself a cup of tea and a slice of cake while the kids play in the new adventure playground. There are lots of re-enactments and special events including Medieval Jousting, Roman Gladiators, Britain at War, Ragged Victorians, and the Viking Raid.
In school holidays there are Terrific Tuesdays with special themed family activities and clay modelling. Please visit the museum website for the full events programme.
Food & Drink
After you've taken a deep dive into the past, come back to the present moment and enjoy a cuppa in the Village Kitchen Cafe. Tuck into a wide range of treats (all locally sourced) from sandwich platters to naughtier treats like cake and biscuits...
Got some food preferences or dietary requirements in your family? You'll be happy to know that you are well-catered for as there are many allergens and vegan-friendly options available too. The cafe is located in Skippings Barn.
Once you've munched away your delicious lunch, head over to the gift shop. You'll discover all kinds of treasures and of charming items to take away with you.
Accessibility
Chiltern Open Air Museum is a large outdoor museum with a collection of 37 historic buildings, some of which, due to their size and historic nature, are not completely accessible. However, it's this museum's mission to make a majority of areas accessible to all of you eager historians!
Dogs on leads are welcome on site. Mobility scooters are available to borrow (please book in advance). You can also find an accessibility guide on the museum's website. You'll find out all about sensory backpacks, blue badge parking, hearing loops and more!
Transport & Parking for Visitors
By Car
The site is close to a number of main routes and can be reached from the M25 at Junction 17. Follow the brown tourist signs to the Museum.
The Museum is also signposted from the A413 at Chalfont St Peter and Chalfont St Giles.
By Train
The Chiltern Line from Marylebone or the Metropolitan Line from Baker Street to Chalfont & Latimer Station or Chorleywood Station is within short taxi rides of the Museum.
Train Helpline: 08457 484950
Looking for festive fun this holiday season? Check out nearby events on our Christmas Events 2024 page!
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We have over 30 historic buildings to explore
Find out how people used to live by stepping back in time and going inside their homes or workplaces.
Explore the forge and find out where the blacksmith worked.
Visit the Nissen huts and find out how soldiers used them in WW1 and WW2.
Visit the earth cottage and see what's in the Victorian kitchen, take a peek at the bright colours in the 1970s bedroom.
Walk arond the 1940s and discover the post-war modern cons such as electricity, heating and fridges!
Go inside the Iron Age roundhouse and discover what life would have been like - where are the windows?
Pop inside the Leagrave cottages and find out about straw plaiting and see where the cobbler worked. Why is the toilet outside!
Take a peek inside the little tin chapel from Henton and see where local church services would have taken place. Listen to the organ being played.
Discover the cruck framed Arborfield Barn that has appeared in lots of tv and films!
Visit the Furniture Factory from High Wycombe and discover what they made.
Exciting Programme of Living History and Special Events
Chiltern Open Air Museum has a full programme of special events including re-enactments, traditional craft demonstrations, living history camps, Green Festival and family crafts and activities.
Discover Elizabethan style music and dancing, sword fighting and fire power displays and watch epic Roman Gladiator battles in May.
In July, you can come to an outdoor opera, visit the Classic Vehicle Show and attend a weekend of special heritage craft demonstrations including spinning, straw plaiting, bucket making, pre-historic crafts, lace making, natural dyeing, blacksmithing and more!
In August, there are living history events every weekend including Clash of the Queens, where you can find out about historic Queens, Victorian Weekend and Viking Raid.
In September, you can find out about a traditional harvest.
In October, there is a special Wild About Wool event and famous Halloween Spectacular.
In addition, every Tuesday in Bucks school holidays is a Terrific Tuesday with lots of family crafts and activities.
Working historic farm
Chiltern Open Air Museum has a working historic farm with traditional farm buildings, livestock, cherry and apple orchards, wildlife meadow and woodlands.
A flock of rare-breed Oxford Down Sheep live on site. Lambing in the spring takes place in a traditional Victorian lambing fold.
The Museum is also home to a family of slightly naughty English goats. The goats now graze in the old adventure playground and you can see them exploring the shepherd's hut and replica toll house.
Dorking chickens and call ducks live next to the Dig for Victory allotment. You will hear the ducks before you see them! They are great egg layers and keep the museum team well supplied.
On selected days, you'll also find some visiting ponies and horses.
Facilities
Toilets
Gift Shop
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Dog Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Card Payments Accepted
Wheelchair Hire
Opening Times
- Monday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Tuesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Friday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday, August 14 2024: 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday, August 15 2024: 10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday, August 20 2024: 10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday, August 21 2024: 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday, August 22 2024: 10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday, August 27 2024: 10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday, August 28 2024: 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday, August 29 2024: 10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday, September 3 2024: 10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday, September 4 2024: 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday, September 5 2024: 10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday, October 29 2024: 10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday, October 30 2024: 10:00 - 16:00
Thursday, October 31 2024: 10:00 - 16:00
General opening times: Friday - Monday 10:00 - 17:00 School holidays opening times: Open every day from 10:00 - 17:00 Seasonal opening times: 9th March to 31st October
Special evening opening 1st November 17:00 to 21:00
Special Festive Weekend opening 7th and 8th December 10:00 to 16:00
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (4-16) : £10.00
- Adult (17-18+) : £13.00
Standard Admission
• Adult £13
• Concessions £12
• Child (4 – 16 years) £10
• Children under 4 years Free
• COAM Annual Members Free
Premium Admission (special event days)
• Adult £16.00
• Concessions £15.00
• Children (4-16 years old) £11.00
• Under 4 years FREE
• COAM Annual Members Free
Save £1 per ticket when you pre-book online.
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
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Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 3 - 4 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
Our Skippings Snack Barn offers hot sausage rolls and pastries, hot and cold drinks, cakes, biscuits, ice creams and snacks.
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Newland Park, Gorelands Lane
Chalfont St Giles
Buckinghamshire
HP8 4AB
England
Look for the green Newland Park hoarding at the end of the driveway.
Tel: 01494871117
Visit WebsiteTransport Information
There is no public transport that comes directly to the museum. The closest train station is Chorleywood where visitors would then need to get a taxi to the museum.
Verification & Last Updated
Verified Status:
This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.
Last Updated: 10:05 12/11/2024
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