Sense the immense power of the water mill, imagine being a pupil in a Victorian classroom or feel the heat from the roaring fire in a Tudor kitchen. Discover over 15,000 pieces of artefacts! The Museum holds a very strong and comprehensive range of artefacts which cover a diverse range of subject matter.
Rural life is at the core of the Museum's storytelling. See the working and traditional farm animals, wander through historic gardens and learn how plants and herbs were used for medicine, cosmetics and colognes. Pack your walking boots and get up close to history; embrace the outdoors and embark on an adventure across our 40-acre site with your family - there is so much to explore and discover!
Rural life is at the core of the Museum's storytelling. See the working and traditional farm animals, wander through historic gardens and learn how plants and herbs were used for medicine, cosmetics and colognes. Pack your walking boots and get up close to history; embrace the outdoors and embark on an adventure across our 40-acre site with your family - there is so much to explore and discover!
Services
We're asking visitors, our community and supporters, like you, to make a contribution in support of our wonderful Museum during these extraordinary and unprecedented times. The Weald & Downland Living Museum exists to encourage the next generation to be inspired by, and learn about, the rural history and architecture of South East England.
To ensure social distancing restrictions can be maintained, entry to the Museum site will continue to be through timed, pre-booked tickets only. The Museum is a registered charity and we encourage our visitors to make a Gift Aid donation in lieu of the admission price. Standard prices are shown in brackets below.
The centre of the Museum site is flat with parts set on sloping ground, which is steep in places. Access around the site is on rural surfaces; mainly rolled or loose chippings, which are in keeping with the nature of the site and buildings. Some paths are cobbled and their surfaces may cause difficulty for visitors who use a wheelchair or have impaired mobility.
Pack your walking boots and get up close to history; embrace the outdoors and embark on an adventure across our 40-acre site with your four legged friends! Dogs are welcome and can enter most of the Museum's buildings with the exceptions of the watermill, Newdigate bakehouse, Dairy and Winkhurst Tudor kitchen, where food is prepared.
Please book in advance to access special admission prices for groups of 10 or more and to reserve a coach or minibus parking bay if required. Group Bookings include free entry for your coach driver and a 5 voucher for them to spend in the Museum caf or shop. The Museum is open daily 10:30 - 18:00 during British Summer Time and 10:30 - 16:00 at all other times.
Reviews (10)
Sylvia Bowring
Dec 29, 2021
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Terry Husher
Dec 22, 2021
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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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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.
Peter Worden
Sep 22, 2021
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A brilliant day out for young and old alike. A great concept focused on preserving our heritage. Eg. Finding old historic properties in danger of collapse or demolition and rebuilding them using the traditional methods of building. Housed in one of these buildings is TVs famous Repair Shop!! You will love it!!
Rad Ciesla
Sep 08, 2021
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Catherine McGowan
Aug 20, 2021
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Fantastic that these very old medieval buildings have been rescued from destruction so that we can understand how people used to live. Really learn a lot here from the information. Loads of green space, lake and paths. Not easy to push a wheelchair along upper path unless you are strong!
Nice cafe by the lake, visitors centre with great info. Possible to spend quite a lot of time here as there are so many things to see.
Nice cafe by the lake, visitors centre with great info. Possible to spend quite a lot of time here as there are so many things to see.
David Kendall
Jul 08, 2021
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An incredible museum of past rural working and village life, properties and lots more.
Preserving our history and run by a great informative friendly enthusiastic team.
Worth every penny of the entrance fee and a great day out for all ages. Lots of areas to picnic as well as lake side cafe and educational centre.
Preserving our history and run by a great informative friendly enthusiastic team.
Worth every penny of the entrance fee and a great day out for all ages. Lots of areas to picnic as well as lake side cafe and educational centre.
