Chiltern Open Air Museum
Chiltern Open Air Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
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See what travellers are saying
- Sue D16 contributionsExploring back in time...We had a brilliant day here, plenty to do and see. Carparking lots of spaces. Came here the Mayday and was lovely to see various activities going on. Friendly and helpful staff. Excellent value for money we felt... And lots of picnic tables around. We didn't eat on the restaurant as too our own. Thank you for such a magnificent day.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 April 2023
- Peter FOrpington, United Kingdom31 contributionsAlways a Good Day Out.We've been to Chiltern Open Air Museum for two of their event days now, Vikings and Traditional May Day Festival and on both occasions it hasn't disappointed. There is plenty of activities scheduled throughout the morning and then repeated in the afternoon. Between or before, there is plenty to walk around and see in the museum, especially the recreated historic buildings and a walk through the woods.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 June 2023
- linden-sHigh Wycombe, United Kingdom340 contributionsGreat for kids of all agesI took my two grandsons (5 and 12) here for a visit. I didn't have high expectations, especially for the older grandson, but they both loved it. So much so, I paid the additional cash in order to get an annual pass for us and added my granddaughter as well. One further visit will pretty much pay for the entire pass so anything else will be free of charge. There were several activities (clay, cave painting, fire starting etc) and the grounds are vast, with lots of buildings of various ages which are interesting, and stuff in the woods such as charcoal burning and wood turning. We were there for several hours. Only one criticism which won't apply to us ever again - the cafe on site is hopelessly inefficient with very long queues (friendly staff though) - too small and extremely expensive (£2 for 330ml of water, £3.50 for a smallish sausage roll). However there are loads and loads of tables and seats all around the place outside. Next time we'll take our own picnic and I'll then give a perfect rating.Visited August 2023Written 3 August 2023
- Julie CRickmansworth, United Kingdom98 contributionsGreat historic day outMulti Period Weekend I visited COAM today to support a couple of family members who were involved in this multi period event . We were charged £15 each to get in which, having visited before I thought a little steep. However I later apologised to the ladies in the ticket office because the fee was worth every penny . Excuse my lack of history but we had world war 1 and 2 , Archers , Jousters,Crimean , and a few more plus the usual kitted our houses . We had a lovely tea a brownie in the barn . We watched a jive lesson , a horse demo and some impromptu singing . The sun shone after a day and a half of rain . Dogs are welcome on leads . Lovely day outVisited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 August 2023
- antoncarthHigh Wycombe, United Kingdom630 contributionsA nice museumThis museum is a hidden gem in Buckinghamshire. Unfortunately it’s not quite famous attraction, but will not let you down if you pass the entrance. There are around fifteen renovated houses who shows traditional old professions people used to do 100 years ago. Duration of visit from 1 to 2 hours. It’s also pet friendly and available for kids. Definitely a place I strongly recommend.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 August 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
298 reviews
Excellent
165
Very good
96
Average
22
Poor
4
Terrible
11
Steve J
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Business
I was part of a disabled group invited to assess how their disabled facilities.
They got a thumbs up from the group and also appreciated the other thoughts we had too.
They got a thumbs up from the group and also appreciated the other thoughts we had too.
Written 12 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pam L
Bedford, UK41 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Many interesting buildings depicting different times in history, including some working exhibits and interactive games .
Fantastic range of places to picnic, and on site cafe it weather is not suitable for picnics.
Fantastic range of places to picnic, and on site cafe it weather is not suitable for picnics.
Written 21 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlinaRC
Hertfordshire1Â 526 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Chiltern Open Air museum is a great day out, whether you are local to the area and want to find out more about its past, or visiting from further away and want something a bit off the main tourist trail. It has a really friendly, relaxed feel, with staff and volunteers making history accessible.
The outdoor museum consists of about 35 buildings that have been rescued, and brought to the site over the past 40 years. These are in a parkland setting with woodland walks, farmland and orchards. The buildings are grouped - so some farm buildings form a farmyard, while at Wood End traditional workplaces mean you can explore the furniture and woodworking traditions of the Chilterns.
The site is very well maintained, with reasonably good access, considering the constraints of the historic buildings. The main paths are all surfaced, and it is still a very worthwhile place to visit with limited mobility. Its good to check out the programme for any special events - the day we were visiting there was costume making in the school room, where volunteers where making costumes for other volunteers. In Haddenham Croft Cottage, a costumed volunteer explained about the unusual design and building materials, and how the cottage was used over time. While in the woodland ' bodgers' - traditional wood turners - were demonstrating their craft.
While much of the history is 'old' there are some within living memory - the post-war prefab, complete with vegetable garden, and the 1970s child's bedroom. While almost all of the buildings have been moved there, a few are recreations from scratch, including and iron age round house.
On the practical side there is a cafe on the village green, and in peak season a restaurant is also open at Wood End. The cafe serves a limited but tasty menu of cakes, hot drinks and lunches, including soups and sausage rolls. Vegetarian and vegan choices available. Public transport access is very limited, and involves a taxi from Chorleywood station.
The outdoor museum consists of about 35 buildings that have been rescued, and brought to the site over the past 40 years. These are in a parkland setting with woodland walks, farmland and orchards. The buildings are grouped - so some farm buildings form a farmyard, while at Wood End traditional workplaces mean you can explore the furniture and woodworking traditions of the Chilterns.
The site is very well maintained, with reasonably good access, considering the constraints of the historic buildings. The main paths are all surfaced, and it is still a very worthwhile place to visit with limited mobility. Its good to check out the programme for any special events - the day we were visiting there was costume making in the school room, where volunteers where making costumes for other volunteers. In Haddenham Croft Cottage, a costumed volunteer explained about the unusual design and building materials, and how the cottage was used over time. While in the woodland ' bodgers' - traditional wood turners - were demonstrating their craft.
While much of the history is 'old' there are some within living memory - the post-war prefab, complete with vegetable garden, and the 1970s child's bedroom. While almost all of the buildings have been moved there, a few are recreations from scratch, including and iron age round house.
On the practical side there is a cafe on the village green, and in peak season a restaurant is also open at Wood End. The cafe serves a limited but tasty menu of cakes, hot drinks and lunches, including soups and sausage rolls. Vegetarian and vegan choices available. Public transport access is very limited, and involves a taxi from Chorleywood station.
Written 2 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Analemmatic
Balsall Common, UK120 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Great little museum, a fascinating range of buildings with lots of interest, from iron age roundhouse to medieval barns to post war prefabs
Good cafe as well - enjoyed our lunch there
Good cafe as well - enjoyed our lunch there
Written 11 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
antoncarth
High Wycombe, UK630 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
This museum is a hidden gem in Buckinghamshire. Unfortunately it’s not quite famous attraction, but will not let you down if you pass the entrance. There are around fifteen renovated houses who shows traditional old professions people used to do 100 years ago. Duration of visit from 1 to 2 hours. It’s also pet friendly and available for kids. Definitely a place I strongly recommend.
Written 27 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SueFaleiro
23 contributions
May 2023 • Family
So glad to be a member. Such a charming place to visit. Love the event days. Good place to remind kids how to live simple.
Written 13 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie C
Rickmansworth, UK98 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Multi Period Weekend
I visited COAM today to support a couple of family members who were involved in this multi period event .
We were charged £15 each to get in which, having visited before I thought a little steep. However I later apologised to the ladies in the ticket office because the fee was worth every penny .
Excuse my lack of history but we had world war 1 and 2 , Archers , Jousters,Crimean , and a few more plus the usual kitted our houses .
We had a lovely tea a brownie in the barn . We watched a jive lesson , a horse demo and some impromptu singing .
The sun shone after a day and a half of rain .
Dogs are welcome on leads .
Lovely day out
I visited COAM today to support a couple of family members who were involved in this multi period event .
We were charged £15 each to get in which, having visited before I thought a little steep. However I later apologised to the ladies in the ticket office because the fee was worth every penny .
Excuse my lack of history but we had world war 1 and 2 , Archers , Jousters,Crimean , and a few more plus the usual kitted our houses .
We had a lovely tea a brownie in the barn . We watched a jive lesson , a horse demo and some impromptu singing .
The sun shone after a day and a half of rain .
Dogs are welcome on leads .
Lovely day out
Written 6 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
linden-s
High Wycombe, UK340 contributions
Aug 2023
I took my two grandsons (5 and 12) here for a visit. I didn't have high expectations, especially for the older grandson, but they both loved it. So much so, I paid the additional cash in order to get an annual pass for us and added my granddaughter as well. One further visit will pretty much pay for the entire pass so anything else will be free of charge. There were several activities (clay, cave painting, fire starting etc) and the grounds are vast, with lots of buildings of various ages which are interesting, and stuff in the woods such as charcoal burning and wood turning. We were there for several hours. Only one criticism which won't apply to us ever again - the cafe on site is hopelessly inefficient with very long queues (friendly staff though) - too small and extremely expensive (£2 for 330ml of water, £3.50 for a smallish sausage roll). However there are loads and loads of tables and seats all around the place outside. Next time we'll take our own picnic and I'll then give a perfect rating.
Written 3 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharon W
3 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Really enjoyed our trip to the museum. Interesting buildings and information well set out. Knowledgable building guides when we encountered them- maybe could have been a few more. Had lunch in the cafe which was good and not bad value. Lots of families with children using the play areas and running around. Lovely relaxed feeling. Dog friendly which was great. Plenty of seating. Only one downside was the people in the entrance shop. They didn’t speak to welcome us, didn’t try and be helpful or speak as we left. We aren’t chatty people and don’t require a massive interaction- however we felt unwelcome.
Written 23 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter F
Orpington, UK31 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
We've been to Chiltern Open Air Museum for two of their event days now, Vikings and Traditional May Day Festival and on both occasions it hasn't disappointed. There is plenty of activities scheduled throughout the morning and then repeated in the afternoon. Between or before, there is plenty to walk around and see in the museum, especially the recreated historic buildings and a walk through the woods.
Written 23 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ninismith86
Aylesbury, UK52 contributions
What age range is the open air museum suitable for? Thanks
Helen L
Chalfont St. Giles, UK
The Museum is suitable for all ages.
Ali0818
London, UK343 contributions
I cannot make it on a terrific Tuesday or special event day, but still want to take the children. Is there still plenty to do? Is it worth it?
Matt W
Uxbridge, UK24 contributions
Very much so, there's plenty of free parking and once you enter there's lots to see and do, the old buildings are part of it but there are outfits for kids to dress up in, victorian games to play with, animals to see, lots of woodland to run around, a playground area and a well that has funny sound recording when you roll a coin down, I bring a handful of small coins each time for this. There's also candle making which the kids like so yes it's worth it.
lucymagee
Aston Clinton, UK4 contributions
Can you use Tesco vouchers for the Victorian Christmas days? Will all the buildings be open on those days? My partner wants to see the Iron Age house.
Bertie16
Devon, UK113 contributions
Hi, sorry I was only a visitor myself,contact Chiltern administration maybe the thing to do ,Regards Bertie.
Laura P
Aylesbury, UK2 contributions
free entry?
Helen L
Chalfont St. Giles, UK
Hi Laura
Thanks for your enquiry. As a registered charity and independent museum which costs over £1000 to run each day and receives no regular external funding, I'm afraid that we are not able to offer free entry. Details of our admission charges can be found on our website.
denis s
London, UK87 contributions
how do I GET THERE ON THE TRAIN ........................WE are happy to walk from the nearest station or take a bus if this is possible
Hamish42
London, UK540 contributions
Hi there,
Whichever station you choose you would need to get a taxi to the Museum as it is approached down narrow country roads.I would not advise walking on them.
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Claim your listingCHILTERN OPEN AIR MUSEUM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Chiltern Open Air Museum
- Chiltern Open Air Museum is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 - 17:00
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- Restaurants near Chiltern Open Air Museum:
- (0.54 km) Rowan Cafe
- (4.15 km) The Three Oaks
- (6.22 km) Bistro Twelve Twenty
- (6.66 km) DARMON deli
- (7.05 km) The Kitchen Croxley