Amberley Museum West Sussex
Step back in time at Amberley Museum, exploring vintage transport, working crafts, and industrial heritage in a unique former chalk quarry setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More activities and demonstrations
Amberley Museum West Sussex
Best Time
More activities and demonstrations
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Amberley Museum, exploring vintage transport, working crafts, and industrial heritage in a unique former chalk quarry setting.
"A wonderful place with lots to see and do, well worth the trip for adults and children alike!"
🚂 Ride the Miniature Railway
Don't miss the short but sweet ride on the miniature steam train! It's a highlight for many visitors.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the former quarry. Comfy shoes are essential!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vintage Bus & Train Rides
Various points around the museum
Hop on a historic bus or a miniature steam train for a charming journey through the museum grounds. A must-do for transport enthusiasts!
Working Workshops & Demonstrations
Artisan workshops
See traditional crafts like printing, woodturning, and blacksmithing come alive. Interactive sessions offer a hands-on experience.
Electricity Barn
Electricity Barn
Witness the power of science with fascinating displays, including a Tesla coil demonstration. Electrifying fun for all ages!
Historic Buildings & Exhibits
Various buildings across the site
Step back in time exploring old telephones, fire engines, and industrial machinery. A journey through technological history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Special Events
Embrace the Outdoors & Wear Comfy Shoes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚂 Ride the Miniature Railway
Don't miss the short but sweet ride on the miniature steam train! It's a highlight for many visitors.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the former quarry. Comfy shoes are essential!
🧺 Picnic Spots Available
Bring your own lunch and enjoy it in one of the many picnic areas. Saves money and offers flexibility.
📱 See Old Mobile Phones
Check out the evolution of mobile phones in the exhibits – a nostalgic trip!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚂 Ride the Miniature Railway
Don't miss the short but sweet ride on the miniature steam train! It's a highlight for many visitors.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the former quarry. Comfy shoes are essential!
🧺 Picnic Spots Available
Bring your own lunch and enjoy it in one of the many picnic areas. Saves money and offers flexibility.
📱 See Old Mobile Phones
Check out the evolution of mobile phones in the exhibits – a nostalgic trip!
⚡ Witness the Tesla Coil
The electricity barn often features a Tesla coil demonstration – it's quite a spectacle!
🚒 Emergency Vehicle Displays
Look out for special events featuring vintage fire engines and emergency vehicles. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Amberley Museum for its engaging exhibits and hands-on experiences, particularly the vintage transport and craft demonstrations. It's highlighted as a great family day out with plenty to see and do for all ages. While the cafe could offer more variety, the overall atmosphere and educational value make it a highly recommended destination.
"It's been many, many years since last visiting Amberley Museum and it was great to return. Plenty to do and see with great bygone years attractions to see and interact with for adults and children alike. Hot and cold food and drink are available at the cafe but also plenty of picnic areas for you to eat your own food on a nice day. If you're feeling fit there is a nature path to a view point overlooking the museum via steps, with the climb. Great day out."
Alan Amesbury
"What a wonderful place! Lots to see and do. Be prepared to spend so.e time wondering around all the different museums, each dedicated to a specific technology and its development through time. Well worth it. We will go again."
Rob Koch
"Top day out. Easy to get to from Amberley railway station. The exhibits are hugely varied and the nature walks are very pretty. The electricity barn was the most interesting. Lots of volunteers and crafts people around to explain the exhibits. The ride on the train is short but fun. The main cafe was a bit tired inside and could have had more cake choices on offer, but friendly service nonetheless."
Katrina Navickas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Amberley Museum is located in West Sussex, UK. It's accessible by car, with parking available on site. For public transport, Amberley railway station is nearby, and some visitors mention it's easy to get to from there.
Yes, Amberley Museum is accessible via Amberley railway station. From the station, it's a walk or a short taxi ride to the museum.
The address is Amberley Museum, New Barn Road, Amberley, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9LT.
Yes, there is parking available at Amberley Museum for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, you can visit Amberley Museum from London. It's about an hour and a half to two hours drive, or you can take a train from London to Amberley station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but it's generally considered fairly priced for a family visit. It's recommended to check the official Amberley Museum website for the most current admission fees and to book tickets in advance, especially for special events.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for popular special event days, to guarantee entry and potentially save time.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Amberley Museum website for their current operating hours before your visit.
Information on discounts, such as for seniors, children, or families, is usually available on the museum's official website. They also offer gift vouchers which can be a good option.
Amberley Museum typically operates independently, so memberships from other institutions are unlikely to be valid for free entry. It's always best to confirm directly with the museum.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Amberley Museum offers a wide range of activities including vintage vehicle rides (buses, trains), exploring historic buildings, watching craft demonstrations (printing, woodturning), and visiting exhibits on electricity and telecommunications. 
Yes, Amberley Museum is very family-friendly! Kids love the trains, buses, and interactive exhibits. Many visitors highlight it as a great home education day out.
A good amount of the site and exhibits are wheelchair accessible, making it a suitable visit for those with mobility needs.
Yes, you can ride on the miniature steam train and vintage buses around the museum grounds. It's a popular and enjoyable experience.
While not always formal guided tours, many volunteers and craftspeople are on-site to explain exhibits and answer questions, offering a very interactive experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe at Amberley Museum that offers hot and cold food and drinks. However, some reviews suggest the cake selection could be improved.
Absolutely! Amberley Museum has plenty of picnic areas, so bringing your own food is a great option, especially for families.
Specific dietary options are not always detailed online. It's advisable to check with the cafe directly on the day of your visit or opt for a picnic if you have specific dietary needs.
If you prefer to eat outside the museum, there are local pubs and cafes in the nearby village of Amberley.
Prices at the cafe are generally considered reasonable for a visitor attraction, but bringing a picnic can be a more budget-friendly choice.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, Amberley Museum offers many photographic opportunities with its vintage vehicles, historic buildings, and working craftspeople. The rural setting also adds to the charm.
The miniature railway, vintage buses, old workshops, and the general industrial heritage provide excellent backdrops. The nature path also offers scenic views.
Drone usage is typically restricted at heritage sites to protect visitors and exhibits. It's best to check Amberley Museum's specific policy on drones before visiting.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require prior permission. Always be mindful of other visitors.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is useful for capturing both wide shots of the site and details of exhibits. A prime lens can be great for low-light conditions in workshops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Beyond the transport, the working craft demonstrations and the chance to create small keepsakes in workshops offer interactive fun. The museum is also praised for being inclusive and boosting children's self-esteem. With plenty of space to run around and picnic areas, it’s an ideal spot for a family day out where everyone can learn and have fun.
🚂 Transport Enthusiasts
+3The museum also features exhibits on telecommunications and electricity, showcasing the broader technological advancements of the past. Special events, like emergency vehicle parades, further cater to enthusiasts. The chance to see working demonstrations and talk to knowledgeable volunteers makes it an exceptionally rewarding visit.
🏛️ History Buffs
The museum's setting in a former chalk quarry also tells a story of industrial activity in West Sussex. The working craftspeople and their traditional skills further highlight the historical context. It's a place where you can delve into the details of how things were made and how people lived and worked in previous eras.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Vintage Transport
+3Beyond the rides, the museum houses a fascinating array of vintage vehicles, from classic cars and tractors to emergency service vehicles. Special events often feature impressive convoys of fire engines, drawing crowds and providing fantastic photo opportunities. The working steam engines are a particular draw, with demonstrations that highlight the power and ingenuity of a bygone era.
+2For those fascinated by the evolution of transport, Amberley Museum provides an immersive journey. It’s a place where you can not only see these machines but also hear them, feel them, and understand their historical significance. The volunteers often share their knowledge, making the experience even richer.
A Glimpse into Traditional Crafts
+1Visitors can also witness the intricate processes of printing, blacksmithing, and other heritage trades. These demonstrations are not just for show; they are a testament to the enduring value of craftsmanship. The electricity barn is another highlight, showcasing the development of electrical technology with fascinating exhibits, including a Tesla coil that often sparks awe and wonder.
The presence of these working craftspeople and their dedication to preserving these skills is a significant part of Amberley's appeal. It transforms the museum from a static display into a dynamic, living heritage site where history is actively being made and shared.
Exploring the Former Chalk Quarry
Beyond the industrial exhibits, the museum also features nature trails that lead to viewpoints overlooking the museum. These paths offer a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the West Sussex landscape and provide a different kind of exploration. The blend of industrial heritage and natural surroundings makes for a well-rounded visit.
This former quarry setting also means that many of the buildings and exhibits are spread out, encouraging visitors to wander and discover at their own pace. It’s a place where you can easily spend a full day, uncovering new details and enjoying the expansive, historic environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit