Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Explore Historic Rural Life in the South Downs
Founded in 1970, we are an award-winning independent museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing England's rural heritage. Our 40-acre site in the South Downs National Park features over 50 historic buildings dating from 950AD to the 19th century, rescued from their original locations and re-erected to demonstrate traditional building techniques and rural life. We combine hands-on craft demonstrations, extensive collections of national importance, and immersive educational programs to bring history to life for visitors of all ages.Our commitment to lifelong learning is demonstrated through our extensive adult education courses, including two MSc programs in building conservation delivered in partnership with the University of York. As a registered charity (No. 306338), we rely on visitor support to maintain our collections and continue our vital conservation work while maintaining full Arts Council England accreditation.
Services
Historic Building Tours
Craft Demonstrations
Educational Workshops
Venue Hire
School Programs
Museum Exhibits
Gift Shop
Accessibility Services
Photography Permits
Group Visits
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- 50+ authentic historic buildings spanning 1,000 years of architectural history
- Award-winning educational programs for schools and adults
- Nationally designated collections of rural life artefacts
- Live craft demonstrations by skilled practitioners
- Unique venue hire options in historic settings
Associations and certifications
- Arts Council England
What people say
Knowledgeable guides
Friendly staff
Magical place
History brought to life
Wonderful experience
Services
Historic Building Tours
Explore over 50 authentic buildings dating from 950AD to the 19th century, carefully relocated and restored to demonstrate traditional construction methods. Our expert guides share insights into rural life through immersive storytelling and hands-on experiences. Ideal for history enthusiasts, families, and educational groups seeking to understand England's architectural heritage.
Craft Demonstrations
Witness traditional trades in action including blacksmithing, milling, and Tudor cooking by skilled practitioners using authentic techniques. These demonstrations bring history to life through interactive experiences suitable for all ages. Visitors gain appreciation for pre-industrial craftsmanship and rural industry practices preserved through our conservation efforts.
Educational Programs
Curriculum-linked workshops for Early Years to Key Stage 2 pupils, offering hands-on learning about rural life through reconstructed historic environments. Adult learners benefit from specialist courses in building conservation and traditional trades. Our programs combine academic rigor with practical experience in a unique outdoor classroom setting.
Venue Hire
Host weddings, corporate events, or special celebrations in our historic buildings including the 15th-century Crawley Hall and modern Jerwood Gridshell. Our picturesque 40-acre grounds provide a unique backdrop for photography and ceremonies. Licensed venues accommodate various event sizes with professional support available.
Conservation Courses
Develop specialist skills through our MSc programs in Building Conservation and Timber Building Conservation, delivered in partnership with the University of York. Short courses cover traditional rural trades and crafts, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application in our historic workshops and collections.
Questions
What are the museum's opening hours?
We're open daily 10am-5pm (summer) and 10am-4pm (winter), with last entry two hours before closing. Closed Christmas period.
Are dogs allowed on site?
Yes, dogs on short leads are welcome throughout our grounds.
Do you offer educational programs?
We provide curriculum-linked school workshops and specialist conservation courses for adults, including MSc programs.
Is the museum accessible?
We offer accessible paths, wheelchair access to key buildings, and disabled parking with assistance available from staff.
Can I hire the venue for events?
We host weddings, corporate events, and special occasions in our historic buildings with tailored packages available.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Sylvia Bowring
Dec 29, 2021
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We loved the Christmas Advent Festival, so much to look at and buy. Food and drink venues plus a lovely cafe, gift shop and beautiful walks to see all the saved buildings.
Terry Husher
Dec 22, 2021
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Has to be one of the best living museums in the country. An amazing collection of buildings to visit. The volunteers and staff are super knowledgeable and passionate. The green father Christmas is not to be missed
K. H.
Nov 17, 2021
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An interesting place to visit to imagine what life would be like in the past. From houses, furniture, gardens, farm implements, wagons, and not forgetting livestock, it's a great day out. The newer Gridshell building is a fantastic, organic piece of art. The venue hosts courses too. Again, highly recommended, especially the wood finishing course, tutored by Philip Hodge.
Paul Wickenden
Nov 16, 2021
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Museum of old buildings. Big site with good access and plenty of footpaths. Good cafe/restaurant too. Great place for families or couples alike. Lots of volunteers to give information about all the different buildings, all of which have been rescued and rebuilt in the grounds. Deserves at least half a day or a leisurely full day to appreciate the whole place. We bought a yearly pass so we can go back and enjoy the place in the different seasons throughout the year. If old buildings interest you it is well worth visiting.
Zed Zedcorner Corner
Oct 19, 2021
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Awesome living museum, lovely cafe with some nice menu options. So much to see, you can go inside all of the buildings and there are live demonstrations at the bakery, potter mill and more- great day out, walk back through time.
Jamie Glover
Sep 22, 2021
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A wonderful collection of historical buildings, most of which have someone on the door who can explain the history of the building which really helps to bring them to life, so much nicer than just reading something off a placard on a wall. We had a ticket with entry from 1:30pm and we stayed on site until closing which also included a stop for a coffee in the restaurant which was lovelly with some nice views over the lake. A great place for the whole family, although be prepared for lots of walking.
