Overlooking the mill pond
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Weald & Downland Living Museum

4.7
·5k reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore centuries of rural life in beautifully restored farmsteads and buildings, with animals and hands-on history. A unique journey through England'...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, late morning

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
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Overlooking the mill pond

Weald & Downland Living Museum

Best Time

Weekdays, late morning

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore centuries of rural life in beautifully restored farmsteads and buildings, with animals and hands-on history. A unique journey through England's past.

4.7
(5k reviews)

"A lovely museum, filled with different kinds of animals and trails to go exploring down."

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TIP

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Purchase tickets in advance online for a cheaper price.

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking across the expansive grounds.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Restored Historic Buildings

Restored Historic Buildings

Throughout the museum grounds

Explore meticulously rebuilt farmsteads and homes, each telling a story of rural life from 1300-1910.

Instagram
Animal Encounters

Animal Encounters

Various animal enclosures

Meet and learn about traditional farm animals that were integral to historical rural life.

TikTok
The Repair Shop Filming Location

The Repair Shop Filming Location

Specific workshops and buildings

Visit the iconic site where the popular TV show 'The Repair Shop' is filmed and sometimes even catch filming in action!

Reddit
Hands-On Activities & Crafts

Hands-On Activities & Crafts

Demonstration areas

Engage with history through interactive displays and watch demonstrations of traditional crafts and skills.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets Online for Savings

Save money by purchasing your Weald & Downland Living Museum tickets online in advance. While convenient, note that some payment methods like Apple or Google Pay might not be available for online bookings. Reddit

Plan for a Full Day of Exploration

With a vast collection of restored farmsteads, animals, and hands-on activities, you can easily spend a whole day at the Weald & Downland Living Museum. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy the scenic grassy areas. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, late morning
Why
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Crowd
Low
When
Event days
Why
Special crafts & talks
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Animals are active
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Yesterday we visited the Weald and Downland Living Museum @wealddownmuseum It was beautiful, educational, interactive and a really enjoyable day out. Ruby adores learning about the old toys and giving them a go. There is so much stunning countryside to walk around and it’s kept pristine. The cafe looks over a gorgeous lake and had super tasty food. PR Visit @brightwordpr #wealdanddownlandm...
littlerubyramseysfamily
1.1K likes • 11.4K views

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Purchase tickets in advance online for a cheaper price. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking across the expansive grounds. TikTok

This is the Weald & Downland Living Museum situated in the heart of West Sussex. This part of England is saturated with myths, legends and stories. The very soil itself is imbued with folklore. British culture and identity is built, in the foundations, on folklore. It is almost impossible to separate myths and legends from from our cultural identity. Stories are our lifeblood. As such, this fo...
wealddownmuseum
394 likes • 6.5K views
reddit.com

Different/quirky things to do anywhere between Chichester and Shropshire?

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy your meal on the scenic grounds; rubbish bags are appreciated. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Cafe

Bring your furry friends to the designated indoor and outdoor cafe areas. Reddit

reddit.com

Recommendations on 3 day itinerary with base in Arundel

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Purchase tickets in advance online for a cheaper price. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking across the expansive grounds. TikTok

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy your meal on the scenic grounds; rubbish bags are appreciated. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Cafe

Bring your furry friends to the designated indoor and outdoor cafe areas. Reddit

📸 Capture the History

Plenty of picturesque spots and historical details to photograph. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Weald & Downland Living Museum for its extensive collection of beautifully restored historical buildings and its engaging, educational atmosphere. The presence of farm animals and the connection to 'The Repair Shop' are significant draws, making it a highly recommended day out for families and history buffs alike. While generally positive, some note that ticket prices can be a bit high, though online booking offers savings.

"What a lovely museum! We loved how big it was and filled with all different kinds of animals and trails to go exploring down. They are even dog friendly and have and indoor and outdoor dog friendly section of the cafe. Definitely recommend getting lunch at the cafe, was pleasantly surprised by the amount of food. Good value for money!"

Kendall Elliott

"Great place to learn about the past! Although the buildings are a bit mixed, that’s the point as they’ve been saved from other areas and meticulously put back together.

To my suprise I went on the day there was a hand made fair so you could buy items, or watch talks on how things were made, built and maintained throughout history.

A highlight for me was someone to talk about most of the buildings in each place you went.

But your tickets online in advance as it’s cheaper although sadly no apple or Google pay."

Steven Balderston

"When we visited the UK, we definitely wanted to visit this site. For those who don't know, it is associated with the filming of The Repair Shop and in fact there was filming happening whilst we were there. A fantastic collection of historical buildings that can't be missed. Well worth the visit even if you have to come from London. Well recommended. We also decided to take lunch at the cafe and weren't disappointed. A+++"

Mark Roman

What People Like

Extensive historic buildings
Farm animals
'The Repair Shop' filming location

What People Dislike

Ticket prices can be high

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in West Sussex. Driving is a popular option, with ample parking available. For public transport, check local bus routes or train services to nearby stations, followed by a taxi or bus connection. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available for visitors. It's generally well-regarded and convenient for accessing the museum entrance. Reddit

While driving is common, public transport options exist. Research local bus and train schedules to plan your journey, as it may involve transfers. Reddit

The museum aims to be accessible, but due to its historical nature and terrain, some areas might present challenges. It's advisable to check their official website for detailed accessibility information. TikTok

From London, driving is often the most direct route. Alternatively, you can take a train to a nearby station and then arrange local transport. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

It's highly recommended to purchase your Weald & Downland Living Museum tickets online in advance, as it's cheaper than buying on the day. Reddit

Opening times can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Weald & Downland Living Museum opening times on their website before your visit. Reddit

Ticket prices can be found on the museum's official website. Booking online in advance often offers a discount. Reddit

Some visitors have mentioned using Blue Light cards for a small reduction on entry fees. Check the museum's website for any other available discounts or special offers. Reddit

Unfortunately, online ticket purchases may not support Apple or Google Pay. It's best to have a standard credit or debit card ready. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Explore restored historical buildings, interact with farm animals, watch craft demonstrations, and learn about rural life. It's a very interactive and educational experience. TikTokInstagram

Yes, the museum is dog-friendly, and they even have a dog-friendly section in their cafe. Reddit

The Weald & Downland Living Museum is the filming location for 'The Repair Shop,' and sometimes you can witness filming in progress. Reddit

Visitors can easily spend a whole day exploring the museum, as there is a lot to see and do. Reddit

Often, there are knowledgeable staff members available to talk about the buildings and history, enhancing the visitor experience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe that offers food and drinks, and it has been praised for its quality and value. Reddit

The cafe offers a good amount of food, with one reviewer pleasantly surprised by the selection and quality. Reddit

Absolutely! You are welcome to pack a picnic and enjoy it in the designated grassy areas with benches. Reddit

While specific options aren't detailed, the cafe is generally well-regarded, suggesting a variety of choices. It's best to inquire directly upon arrival. Reddit

Yes, the cafe has both indoor and outdoor sections that welcome dogs. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Every restored building and the surrounding countryside offer fantastic photo opportunities. Look for charming architectural details and scenic vistas. Instagram

Yes, you can take photos of the farm animals. Remember to be respectful of their space and any guidelines provided. TikTok

Typically, drone usage is restricted at heritage sites to protect the buildings and wildlife. It's best to check the museum's specific policy on drones. Instagram

If filming is in progress, there may be restrictions on photography in those specific areas to avoid disrupting the production. Reddit

A versatile camera, whether a DSLR or a good smartphone, will work well. Consider a lens that can capture both wide landscapes and detailed architectural shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Weald & Downland Living Museum is a fantastic choice for families. Kids will love exploring the historic buildings, meeting the farm animals, and engaging with hands-on activities. The open space is perfect for them to burn off energy while learning about rural life. TikTok

Consider packing a picnic to make the most of the beautiful grounds, and check the museum's schedule for any special family-friendly events or demonstrations that might be happening during your visit. Comfortable shoes are a must for little explorers! TikTok

🐶 Dog Owners

If you're traveling with your canine companion, the Weald & Downland Living Museum welcomes dogs. You can explore the grounds together, and there's even a dedicated dog-friendly section in the cafe, making it a convenient and enjoyable outing for the whole family. Reddit

Remember to keep your dog on a lead and be mindful of other visitors and the museum's animals. It's a great way to share the historical experience with your furry friend. Reddit

🎬 Fans of 'The Repair Shop'

For enthusiasts of 'The Repair Shop,' visiting the Weald & Downland Living Museum is like stepping onto the set of their favorite show. You can explore the iconic workshops where the magic happens and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of restoration. Reddit

Keep an eye out, as you might even witness filming in progress! It's a unique opportunity to connect with the show on a deeper level and appreciate the historical setting that makes it so special. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Journey Through Rural History

The Weald & Downland Living Museum is a remarkable open-air museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the vernacular architecture and rural history of South East England. It features a collection of over 50 historic buildings, meticulously dismantled, transported, and rebuilt on the museum's picturesque site. These structures span a wide period, from the 14th century to the early 20th century, offering a tangible connection to the lives of ordinary people throughout history. Instagram

Each building tells a unique story, representing different types of dwellings, agricultural buildings, and trades. Visitors can explore medieval farmhouses, Tudor cottages, Victorian barns, and more, gaining insight into the evolution of rural life, farming practices, and domestic arrangements. The museum's commitment to authenticity extends to its landscapes, which are managed to reflect historical agricultural practices, complete with traditional breeds of livestock. TikTok

Beyond the buildings, the museum offers a rich educational experience. Demonstrations of traditional crafts, historical cooking, and farming techniques are often held, bringing the past to life. This immersive approach makes the Weald & Downland Living Museum a captivating destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or the enduring spirit of rural communities. TikTok

The Repair Shop Connection

For fans of the heartwarming BBC television series 'The Repair Shop,' a visit to the Weald & Downland Living Museum is a must. The museum serves as the primary filming location for the show, with its charming and authentic workshops providing the perfect backdrop for the restoration of treasured family heirlooms. Reddit

Visitors have the unique opportunity to see the very workshops where the skilled craftspeople of 'The Repair Shop' work their magic. On occasion, filming may even be taking place during your visit, offering a glimpse behind the scenes of this beloved program. This connection adds an extra layer of excitement and recognition for many visitors, making the historical setting even more special. Reddit

Even if filming isn't occurring, the atmosphere of restoration and preservation is palpable throughout the museum. The dedication to saving and meticulously rebuilding historical structures mirrors the ethos of the show, creating a harmonious experience for fans and history enthusiasts alike. Reddit

Family Fun and Education

The Weald & Downland Living Museum is an excellent destination for families looking for an engaging and educational day out. The expansive grounds offer plenty of space for children to explore, run around, and discover the wonders of the past. The presence of traditional farm animals, such as cows, sheep, and pigs, is a particular highlight for younger visitors, providing a hands-on connection to rural life. TikTok

Interactive elements and demonstrations are key to the museum's appeal for families. Children can often participate in or observe activities that illustrate historical crafts and daily routines, making learning fun and memorable. The museum's design encourages curiosity and discovery, allowing families to wander through different historical periods at their own pace. TikTok

With its blend of historical buildings, animal encounters, and engaging activities, the Weald & Downland Living Museum offers a rich and rewarding experience for visitors of all ages, fostering an appreciation for history and the natural environment. TikTok

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