Set within 45 acres of beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside, Chiltern Open Air Museum is home to a fascinating collection of rescued and reconstructed historic buildings from across the Chilterns, each with its own story to tell.
Unlike a traditional museum, visitors can step inside historic buildings, explore period interiors and experience history in a living landscape. The collection includes First and Second World War Nissen huts, a 1940s post-war prefab complete with a ‘Dig for Victory’ allotment, a Victorian toll house, a replica Iron Age roundhouse, a tin chapel, a blacksmith’s forge, a furniture factory, a wychert cottage, a medieval barn, a 1950s bandstand and much more.
Throughout the season, COAM hosts traditional craft demonstrations, family activities, talks, exhibitions and special events, with craftspeople, volunteers and living history groups helping to bring the past to life.
The historic farm is home to traditional breeds and friendly animals, including goats, chickens and Oxford Down sheep. Visitors can also wander through orchards planted with heritage apple and cherry varieties, explore woodland paths carpeted with bluebells in spring, and discover a range of carefully created period gardens that complement the historic buildings. These include traditional cottage gardens, a formal Arts and Crafts garden and a wartime allotment.
Chiltern Open Air Museum is committed to making visits as accessible as possible, with Changing Places facilities, accessible toilets, baby-changing facilities, mobility scooters and free sensory backpacks available to borrow. Advance booking is recommended for mobility scooters.
Dogs on short leads are welcome, making the Museum a great place for the whole family to enjoy a day out in the Chilterns.