Few people today think of the south-east of England as the home of heavy industry and yet, not so long ago, the beautiful South Downs provided a natural abundance of materials from pits, mines and quarries. Valuable minerals such as fuller's earth, sand, gravel, clay and chalk, all vital to the construction industry, were in plentiful supply.
From the 1840s to the 1960s, chalk was quarried and burnt in the kilns at Amberley to make lime for mortar, decorating and agricultural use. In 1876 John Pepper and his son, Thomas Cunningham Pepper, took over from several small producers in the area and by the turn of the century, they were the only producers on the site, which was ideally located to take advantage of road, railway and river transport.
From the 1840s to the 1960s, chalk was quarried and burnt in the kilns at Amberley to make lime for mortar, decorating and agricultural use. In 1876 John Pepper and his son, Thomas Cunningham Pepper, took over from several small producers in the area and by the turn of the century, they were the only producers on the site, which was ideally located to take advantage of road, railway and river transport.
Services
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Travel back in time and explore the South's working past in a 36 acre former quarry and limeworks, located in the heart of the South Downs National Park. With over 40 exhibit areas to discover, including a narrow-gauge railway, historic buses, rural crafts and extensive communications displays, there is something for everyone.
Opening Times
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All tickets, including for Members, must be pre-booked online. This is so that we can control numbers and so we have details of those visiting in case this information is required by NHS Test & Trace. There are four 1-hour booking slots for arrivals each day: 10am, 11am, 12pm and 1pm. Once in the Museum, you can stay as long as you like until we close at 4.30pm.
How To Find Us
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We are on the B2139 between Storrington and Arundel in West Sussex. Our free car park is next to Amberley Station. There is a height restriction of 2.25m (7.3ft) in our main car park. Should you wish to visit in a vehicle higher than this, please contact the office on 01798 831370 in advance so that we can arrange for the height barrier to be opened for you.
Group Visits
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Amberley Museum is a great place for groups with 36 acres of history to explore. We offer packages for self-led tours and an option for pre-booked refreshments in the Limeburners Caf. Coach parking is available with a large free car park on hardstanding adjacent to Amberley Rail Station. As Package One, plus a hot drink and cake in the Limeburners Caf for each paying member of your party.
Food & Drink
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We've introduced measures to help keep everybody safe including protective screens at the till and hand sanitiser is available on entry. We prefer card payments, contactless whenever possible. We serve hot and cold drinks, hot food at lunchtime, freshly made sandwiches/baguettes, hot pasties and sausage rolls, cakes, crisps, ice creams and confectionery.
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