Weald & Downland Open Air Museum
Our ancestors' homes & the way they built them, their animals and the way they raised them, their crops and flowers and the way they grew them…at the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum you'll discover how the people of south east England lived & worked over the past 500 years. And it's all set in 50 glorious acres of the South Downs National Park.
At the heart of the Museum's collection are over 45 historic homes, farms and workplaces that have been rescued from destruction and restored as far as possible to their original form. To demonstrate how the original occupants may have lived, many of the houses contain reproduction period furniture and furnishings, plus the tools and utensils of everyday life. There is an operational 17th century watermill, and a working Tudor kitchen.
Children enjoy discovering the differences - and similarities - of our ancestors' homes and workplaces compared to their own. They can even find out what life may have been like in the Victorian schoolroom! They will love the open space, walking through the woods, seeing the traditional breed farm animals, watching the Shire horses and working cattle, and picnicking by the lake.
The Museum keeps alive the skills and traditions of the countryside with demonstrations of countryside crafts and skills, and special events throughout the year.
The Museum is open throughout the year, please call or see the website for opening times.
Opening Times
| 2012 - Opening (11/02/2012 - 23/12/2012) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday | 10:30 | 16:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:30 | 16:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:30 | 16:00 |
| Thursday | 10:30 | 16:00 |
| Friday | 10:30 | 16:00 |
| Saturday | 10:30 | 16:00 |
| Sunday | 10:30 | 16:00 |
| Bank Holiday | Closed | |
| 2012 - Opening (26/12/2012 - 01/01/2013) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday | 10:30 | 16:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:30 | 16:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:30 | 16:00 |
| Thursday | 10:30 | 16:00 |
| Friday | 10:30 | 16:00 |
| Saturday | 10:30 | 16:00 |
| Sunday | 10:30 | 16:00 |
| Bank Holiday | Closed | |
Facilities
Provider Preferences
- Countryside Setting
Accessibility
- Disabled Parking
- Disabled persons toilet
Children & Infants
- Baby changing
- Children’s packs
- Children's Meals
- Family Friendly, Children Welcome
Parking & Transport
- Coach parking
- Free parking
- Off-road parking
- On Site Car Parking
Catering
- Cafe
- Outdoor eating area
- Picnic area
- Refreshments Available
- Vegetarians catered for
Establishment Features
- All weather attraction
- Dogs admitted on a lead
- Garden / Grounds for visitors use
- Gift shop
- Groups by arrangement
- Groups welcome
- Licensed for weddings
- Meeting rooms
- Open all year round
- Open New Year
- Open on bank holidays
Prices
| Ticket Type | Tariff |
|---|---|
| Adult | £9.50 |
| Child | £5.00 |
| Concession | £8.50 |
| Family | £26.00 |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
Awards
- Visit Britain Awards -
Code of Practice 2012
Road Directions
Just off the A286 between Chichester and Midhurst. The Museum is south of Singleton Village. Follow tourist signs.
No. 60 bus passes the museum from Chichester or Midhurst regularly. 20% entry discount on presentation of Stagecoach Coastline bus ticket, valid on day of purchase only.
Public Transport Directions
Nearest station: Chichester is 6 miles
