On Saturday, as part of our Landrover Discovery Adventures, we took the boys to The Chiltern Open Air Museum for the afternoon. It’s a really fascinating family day out I’d highly recommend it, if you’re looking for something a little different to do.
Founded in 1976, with the aim of rescuing threatened buildings; more than thirty historic building have been saved and rebuilt there.
It’s literally like stepping back in time.
The Chiltern Open Air Museum is fantastic place for a little adventure.
We lived just a stones throw away for years and I never knew it was there.
There are so many things to look at — and beautiful gardens to explore. I’d highly recommend take your littles there. It would be a fab place to take a picnic on a sunny day.
And on a chilly autumnal afternoon it was a fabulous place to visit.
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Back in time at The Chiltern Open Air Museum
There are some amazing, historical buildings — some that you can go inside. It’s almost like visiting the set of a film.
Which is kind of what it is.
Their historic working farm has appeared on a number of TV programmes, including Downton Abbey.
It’s not purely about the setting though.
They have rare breed animals; sheep, goats, chickens and cows. Plus three working heavy horses; Harvey — a Clydesdale — and his half-brothers, young Shires, Joshua and Samuel.
Forging Ahead
Our favourite thing, by far, was the forge.
They were running a blacksmith’s experience day and it was so interesting to watch.
The boys were captivated by the fire and the Blacksmith shaping the hot metal with his tools. It was fab to see how things were made.
Do go and visit the Chiltern Open Air Museum if you get a chance.
A family ticket is just £32 — which could be considered a little steep when so many things are free these days — but as the The Chiltern Open Air Museum is a registered charity (that receives no regular grants towards its running costs or projects) it really is worth going to, to support its future.
It’s a brilliant day out
Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
