Our 45 acre site has over 30 rescued historic buildings and a working Victorian farm with livestock. None of the buildings were originally built here, they were moved from their original locations and reconstructed on the Museum site when they were in danger of being demolished. The buildings are all either the homes or workplaces of ordinary people who lived in the Buckinghamshire or Chilterns area. All of the buildings are filled with artefacts or old objects, so you can find out about how people lived and worked in the past.
The site is set within the rolling hills of the Chilterns and is a mixture of parkland, woodland and arable fields great for a days out exploring.
Over the summer months there are lots of special events and things to do at the Museum. Every weekend there is a special event including historical re-enactments, costumed characters or demonstrations of traditional crafts. The summer events programme includes; Ragged Victorians (costumed characters), Rural Life (traditional skill and craft demonstrations), English Civil War (historical re-enactment), Iron Age Life (historical re-enactment) and on August bank holiday Sunday and Monday – Medieval Warbow (historical re-enactment).
See our full event program.
From 22nd – 25th August 2018, Neighbourhood Cinema are taking over the Museum’s event field with their outdoor cinema. You can book tickets to see La La Land, Gladiator, Back to the Future or Grease. Bring your picnic blanket or camping chair and enjoy the outdoor cinema in the beautiful setting of the Museum. There will be a BBQ and bar for food and refreshments.
Especially for families, we will be running our famous Terrific Tuesdays throughout the summer. These are themed family activity days and this years themes range from cherry harvest, wartime and poo (yes, you read correctly!). Terrific Tuesday run every Tuesday from 31st July – 28th August 2018. All Terrific Tuesday activities are included in the standard admission price.
For art and traditional craft lovers we are introducing Creative Thursdays. These will run every Thursday from 26th July – 30th August. On these days we will have traditional craftspeople and artists demonstrating along with a number of creative activities that you can join in with. On each of these days there is the option to take part in Arts Award Discover and earn a special Arts Award certificate.
For adults, we run a variety of workshops and experience days. You can try your hand at blacksmithing, willow sculpture, watercolour painting and sketching, historic cooking, jewellery making or straw plaiting. Workshops can all be booked via the Museum’s online shop.
The Museum has a tea room serving hot drinks, sandwiches, paninis, soups, jacket potatoes, ice creams, cold drinks and cakes.
Chiltern Open Air Museum is an independent museum and registered charity. There are many ways that you can help to support us, such as buying an Annual Pass, joining the Museum’s volunteers, or giving a donation or legacy.