Weald and Downland Open Air Museum

At the heart of the Museum's collection are over 45 historic homes, farms and workplaces that have been rescued from destruction and restored as far as possible to their original form.

The houses range from a tiny 13th century flint cottage to a pair of timber-framed Victorian agricultural labourers' cottages from the 1860s. Other houses include Bayleaf medieval farmstead, a wonderful example of a timber-framed hall-house from the early 15th century, a toll cottage built for a new turnpike road in 1807 at Beeding Sussex and Walderton Cottage, dating originally from medieval times but demonstrating "modernisation" to a 17th century building.

Many of the houses contain reproduction period furniture and furnishings and the tools and utensils of everyday life. There are seven period gardens which demonstrate the development of ordinary household gardens between 1430 and 1895. Period vegetables, flowers and herbs are grown.

The Museum also features farm buildings including barns, a granary, cattle sheds and a stable. Among the places of work featured are a 17th century watermill, a market hall, carpenters shop, working smithy, Victorian schoolroom and a working Tudor kitchen.

The Downland Gridshell is the Museum's conservation centre and home to its collection of rural artefacts. This spectacular structure was runner-up for the Stirling prize and can be viewed by tour daily. Private research visits may be arranged, please telephone.

Special events are held throughout the year, call or see our website for details.

General Information:

• Café
• Gift and bookshop
• Woodland crafts
• School and adult education programme
• Dogs on lead
• Please phone for details of disabled access