weald and downland open air museum

dickeburne

We visited on a quiet March day with a persistent cold wind, yet the volunteers were still there, willing to talk and explain the exhibits. We had a great time - shame there weren't more visitors.

Tommydeee

Not to be missed,, ancient cottages in beautiful Sussex countryside. Look out for Aaron and hear his wonderful stories.

BrianMPowell

Wonderful experience of bygone days, set in real period buildings dismantled from their original (and redeveloped) locations to be re-erected here in an attempt to give you a view of the past. Each one is a gem in its own right. Collectively it makes for a fantastic day out. If you are even vaguely interested in history or historic buildings then this is highly recommended as a day out.

409danc

I love this place. If you like history and culture you would love it here. There are many events all year round. The kids will love it. Definitely recommended.

RoseT414

The Weald and Downland Open Air Museum founded in 1967 is a treasure trove of architectural styles for vernacualr buildings from the south East of England. Represented are ordinary folks dwellings, as well as shops and work places, ranging from mills, to carpentry, to plumbing, to glazing and even brick works. There are also several different forms of harnessing nineteenth century horsepower represented. The beauiful downs setting enhances the experience.

CheaAustralia

Great chance to look at how Britains lived in bygone times. Was recommended to us by English friend in OZ and we made it a "must do" when we visited Sussex. well worth the trip for the chance to see the working flour mill and water wheel. You can easily spend all day wandering through nearly 1000 years of living history. Went on to Chichester easily to look at cathedral.

rogerc224

This is a fantastic place to visit but not cheap although there are family tickets available that can make it cheaper but you do get what you pay for. here is a great opportunity for people to take a tour of our history. The buildings here have been saved from all over the UK resulting in a chance to see how we have lived over many centuries. They hold various events throughout the year for adults and children giving everybody a chance to see history alive, with staff that are well informed. You may even be able to try a medieval food stuff and watch it being made there are also a number of agricultural events held here showing how it used to be done, a good day out for all.

347andrewt

Our visit was adult focused with the group having an advanced initetest in the built environment history. However I can see that via the open nature those with children with energy would enjoy the day simply as the children can run free! Many familes appeared to be having fun during our visit.This is a specialist museum focused on building history so to fully enjoy the depth on offer I suspect you will need an interest in this area.The museum does have boards and signs to read therefore you could visit with your interest being at a general public level without formal training. However as someone who has studied the subject to the top professional level the depth and complexity shown in the buildings will please advanced students. In fact if you are a serious student in this area this is a must visit venue.You can spend days here sketching etc the buildings and details.

IM295

The museum is a great day out. There is a lot to see and it is in a lovely setting in the countryside. All the staff were very knowledgeable and happy to talk about the buildings, there was a medieval cooking demonstration which was very interesting, and tasty! The cafe was good with some lovely homemade cakes.

23caroled

The Weald and Down Museum has something for everyone. We have a family ticket, and been to all the houses and many attractions and wonderful special events many times. We feel safe, and the children have a lot of freedom to roam in the beautiful (yet enclosed) boundaries. Coffee and gift shop are also worth a visit. The Pond is beautiful and the fish HUGE! We regularly go and take a picnic and spend just a couple of hours there, but your visit can easily fill a whole day... there is so much to see, and the guides are great, so knowledgeable.

Suelamb788

This is a marvellous place where you get to see original buildings reconstructed exactly 'as they were'. There is a dedicated bunch of volunteers who make it brilliant. I love the way they make it so 'normal' - real fires in the houses, proper cooking going on, a hurdy gurdy man playing, washing hanging on the hedges.....and all friendly and willing to chat.Fabulous for families. Child friendly, plenty of loos, open space and refreshments available.

Gogirl851

Great to see how life was, children can see the difference between what was, and what we have now. Plenty of open spaces and pathways for walks and picnic's. During school holidays there's special events put on for the whole family to enjoy.

EandG2009

This museum has something for everyone and no two visits are the same. We live close by and have annual membership and so we go many times and always discover something new. A dry day is the best time to go and in the summer it's a joy to roam the fields and tracks and discover all the different buildings and animals.But you can still enjoy it in the wet as there are so many indoor activities.In the school holidays there are special activities on Wednesdays and throughout the year the weekend shows and events such as The steam Fair and The rare Breeds Show are not to be missed.

151donnac

I lived in the village as a child and went to the museum on many occassions with my family and school. I have seen it grow over the years. It is a wonderful outdoor space with plenty of room for children. The houses are a great source of history along with the wonderful staff who talk to you and also dress up in the period. During Easter, Christmas and school holidays there is always plenty of activities for children. My own daughter spent many times here in her younger years and I hope that she too will also bring her children

BobK488

You need a whole day. There is a lot to see and quite a lot of walking up and down hill. You can buy refreshments but there's lots of places to picnic and it's ideal for that. Think twice if it's raining.