Overview

At the Weald and Download Living Museum, you can be part of something historic and experience rural living spanning the past 1000 years. With over 50 relocated houses on the 40-acre site, you will come as close as you can to seeing how humans lived a thousand years ago. Weald and Downland is also home to the barn where they film BBC’s The Repair Shop.

Things to do

The main stars of the Weald and Downland Living Museum are the 50 relocated buildings that span 1000 years of rural life. You can enter each building, climb the stairs, explore how the houses looked during that time, stare out the windows and look at their gardens. From Anglo-Saxon farmhouses to Tudor market halls to a Victorian school, there is something from all the ages!

Children can run around in the outdoor wooden playground and see if they can spot Knucker the Dragon. Or head to the Hambrook barn and take part in one of the traditional games. During school holidays, you will find many special events with many activities for children, like trails and traditional storytelling.

If you want some fresh air, you can head out on one of the walking trails and take in the sights of the impressive South Down Hills. Or catch a glimpse of the traditional breed farm animals and watch the heavy horses at work.

Food & Drink

Head to the cafe, sit down and enjoy a meal from the great breakfast or lunch menu. Full of hot and cold options, kids’ meals, snacks, cakes and ice creams. As well as hot and cold drinks. There is cafe seating available inside and out. Outdoor seating has a lovely view over the pond. The cafe is dog-friendly.

During the summer months, you can also grab drinks and snacks from the shepherd’s huts dotted around the site.

Weald and Downland also welcome picnics and visitors to use the picnic benches around the museum grounds.