Weald & Downland Open Air Museum
The original idea for the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum was formed in 1965 and the Museum opened to the public in September 1970. This period is described in the publication 'The Founding Years' written by Kim Leslie who was deeply involved in the creation of the Museum and was its Treasurer for many years.
BUILDINGS
More than 45 historic buildings from south east England have been rescued and rebuilt, illustrating the development of building technology and style, supported by a wide range of interpretive exhibitions and techniques. Priority has been given to high standards of scholarship, leading to the Museum's recognition as a leader in the study and practice of building conservation.
LIBRARY
The comprehensive reference library relating to vernacular architecture, building conservation and rural crafts and skills is one of the leading archives in the country on these subjects. This library is now available on line through the West Sussex Past Gateway.
SUPPORTING COLLECTIONS
The Museum has a strong supporting collection illustrating historic building technology, building trades and rural crafts, especially woodland and timber management, agriculture and domestic life interpreted through exhibitions and displays, recreated historic gardens and landscapes, farm livestock and demonstrations of countryside skills.
Gardens
Six delightful period gardens have been recreated to show the vegetables and plants that would have met the needs of rural households over the centuries. Each garden represents the period of the house as well as the social status of the householder.
Shopping at the Museum
Tired of shopping in the High Street? Come to a unique shop in the beautiful 16th century Longport farmhouse. The shop has an extensive selection of gifts in keeping with the theme of the Museum including locally produced foods and crafts, postcards and souvenirs; it also has a Post Office.
VISITORS INFORMATION:
Opening Times: 2010
From To
2 January 28 February Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays only.
15 February 19 February Open daily for half term activities.
1 March 23 December Open daily.
26 December 1 January 2011 Open daily for A Sussex Christmas.
Opening times: 10.30 – 6pm during British Summer Time
10.30 – 4pm rest of the year
| Admission Charges |
| Adults |
£9.00 |
| Adults over 60 |
£8.15 |
| Children 5-15 years / Full time Students |
£4.80 |
| Family- 2 Adults and up to 3 Children |
£24.75 |
| Children under 5 |
Free |
| Registered Disabled and a single helper |
£2.50 each |
| Car Parking |
Free |
The Museum is situated 7 miles north of Chichester, West Sussex on the A286.
By Road
From the north take the A286 signposted to Chichester.
From the west or east approaching on the A27 enter Chichester and take the A286 north to Midhurst.
From the west or east approaching on the A272 enter Midhurst and take the A286 south to Chichester.
By Bus
The museum is served by Stagecoach Coastline buses on the number 60 route between Bognor Regis, Chichester, Midhurst, Haslemere and Guildford.
Stagecoach Coastline customers can benefit from a 20% discount on standard entry to the Museum*. Customers must present their bus ticket, valid on day of purchase only, to entry staff. Voucher details are available on the Stagecoach website and Coastliners Magazine. Coastliners Magazine is available on Coastliner buses, at travel shops & bus stations and from a variety of tourist information points.
* Not valid with any other offer or for group visits.
By Train
The nearest rail station is Chichester 7 miles to the south of the Museum. Trains from London Victoria, Gatwick Airport, Brighton and Portsmouth pass through Chichester.
Trains from London Waterloo station pass through Haslemere rail station, 14 miles north of the Museum.
International Visitors
The museum is approximately one hour's drive from London Gatwick Airport, one and a half hours from London Heathrow Airport and one hours drive from Southampton Airport.
Address:
Weald and Downland Open Air Museum
Town Lane
Singleton
Chichester
PO18 0EU