We had the most amazing day out at Chiltern Open Air Museum. Located in leafy South Bucks countryside near Chalfont St Giles, this really is a museum with a difference and wonderfully family friendly too.
Founded in 1976 to rescue historic buildings, there are now more than 30 dotted around the site, surrounded by period gardens, woodlands, apple orchard and an adventure playground. It’s incredibly well done but before I delve into that I have to tell you about their Terrific Tuesdays. These run every Tuesday during the Buckinghamshire school holidays, with lots of extra activities for children and each one is different. All the crafts and activities are also included in your entrance ticket. This really is the type of place you visit again and again.
The Terrific Tuesday we visited for had a ‘Step Back Into The Stone Age’ theme and we only managed to do about half the activities on offer! We started with clay modelling, making stone age pots which was great fun. Lots of volunteers on offer to help too.
Next up we were greeted by a Stone Age man who was super friendly and my kids all had a go at lighting a fire with a flint. Great to have such a hands on activity. We then tried out spear throwing too with animal hide targets. There were lots of other activities on offer too for all interests from cave painting to cordage bracelet making. If you’re planning to visit during the holidays, I’d definitely recommend picking a Tuesdays.
Next up it was time to explore the museum. The historic buildings are spaced out through the grounds, each with it’s own garden in keeping with the times. You can venture inside too and there’s so much attention to detail, it’s almost like you’ve stepped back in time. Here’s a few of my highlights but everything was great so this is just a snapshot.
Iron Age House
During the Iron Age and into Roman occupation the most common types of houses found in the Chiltern Hills were roundhouses. We loved the reconstruction of the iron age farmhouse which is based on evidence found by archaeologists in Dunstable and other areas in the Chiltern Hills and London area.
We had a good debate about how comfortable the bed would be made from sticks and animal hides. You can also see a small kitchen area, clay oven and a wattle and clay lined pit which may have been used for food storage. I found my 6 year old hiding in it which I’m sure you’re not meant to do!
Haddenham Croft Cottage
Built around 1840, the cottage was dismantled in 1977 and re-erected at the Museum between 2007 to 2014.
Step inside and you it’s a full sensory experience with the smell of a fire not long gone out, a kitchen ready for action and a table set for afternoon tea.
Nissan Huts
Fast forward to WW1 and there are two Nissan Huts to explore. The museum’s hut is a mix of old and new style components with the original use and age a mystery.
As with all the buildings, there are lots of details and you can almost imagine someone popping back in to finish their tea before getting on with taking notes in their shorthand book. If you’re interested in World War 2 history, Bletchley Park is also a great museum to visit.
1947 Prefab House
Prefabs were part of a government housing plan during and after WW2 and this was one of ninety homes built in Amersham. Step inside and it you can just spend ages peering at all the items. My boys were really interested in the toys that children would have played with.
The Farmyard
There’s a great farmyard area too at Chiltern Open Air Museum. We enjoyed seeing the sheep grazing and a friendly goat coming over to say hello.
The working historic farmyard is laid out as a classic Chilterns farmstead and you’ll find everything from a blacksmiths to a grain store and dairy. It’s also been used as a Downton Abbey filming location. If you’re a fan of Downton Abbey, also check out Cogges Manor Farm in Witney.
We event spotted charcoal being made which you can buy from the gift shop.
Adventure Playground
Constructed mostly of tree trunks, the adventure playground at Chiltern Open Air Museum is great. It has such a natural feel with a larger climbing structure with slide as well as smaller one for little kids.
It’s right next to the cafe, toilets and a lovely big ‘village green’ so a perfect spot for grown ups to sit down and relax while the kids run off some energy.
Chiltern Open Air Museum Cafe
The cafe is housed in an old barn and has a good range of options from bacon baps (my 11 year old said it was one of the best), sausage rolls, baked potatoes, toasties etc. We all ate here and lunch was great. You can also bring a picnic and enjoy it outdoors on the picnic benches.
Special Events
It’s not just the Terrific Tuesday school holiday activities that the museum run but lots of other special events too. When you visit you can see why it’s the perfect place for reenactment days. Coming up soon there’s everything from a Britain at War weekend with with 8 re-enactment groups depicting different wartime periods throughout Britain’s history. Adding to the party atmosphere there will be popular 1940s music playing and Lindy Hop social dancing where all ages can get involved in. Tudors, Victorians, Vikings and more at other special events.
There’s plenty of free parking at the museum and it’s dog friendly too so you can bring your furry friend along on a lead for a day out too.
There’s a lovely relaxed atmosphere, friendly volunteers and both the kids and I had such a great day out – win win!
