We are temporarily shut today – sorry for any inconvenience!
Welcome to the Weald and Downland Living Museum, a captivating destination that takes visitors on a journey through centuries of rural life in the South East of England.
Whether you’re in the mood for indulging in a splendid Sunday pub lunch, discovering our daily culinary delights, or simply unwinding with a pint of Butcombe and a Scotch egg, you’ll experience an authentic British pub atmosphere.
Our generously proportioned rooms, blending rustic refinement with modern aesthetics, mirror our commitment to excellence and the allure of rural life.
The Weald and Downland Living Museum is not your typical museum; it’s a living, breathing experience. Spread across 40 acres of beautiful countryside, this open-air museum is home to over fifty historic buildings, each meticulously preserved and restored to its original glory. From medieval farmhouses to Victorian cottages, every structure tells a story of bygone eras, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of those who once inhabited them.
As you wander through the cobbled streets and winding pathways of the museum, you’ll find yourself transported back in time. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of centuries past as you explore fully furnished interiors, traditional gardens, and working demonstrations of ancient crafts and trades.
One of the highlights of the museum is the working farm, where you can see rare-breed animals and experience traditional farming methods in action. From ploughing fields with heavy horses to shearing sheep by hand, the farm provides a fascinating insight into the agricultural practices of yesteryears.
At the Weald and Downland Living Museum, learning is an interactive experience. Engage with knowledgeable staff and volunteers who are passionate about sharing their expertise and preserving historical traditions. Take part in workshops and demonstrations covering a wide range of topics, from blacksmithing and woodworking to bread making and traditional cooking.
For younger visitors, the museum offers a variety of educational programs and activities designed to spark curiosity and imagination. Whether it’s dressing up in period costumes, participating in historical games, or trying your hand at old-fashioned crafts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Throughout the year, the Weald and Downland Living Museum plays host to a diverse array of events and festivals celebrating different aspects of rural life and heritage. From medieval fairs and Tudor banquets to vintage vehicle rallies and agricultural shows, each event offers a unique opportunity to experience the past in a fun and entertaining way.
More than just a tourist attraction, the Weald and Downland Living Museum plays a vital role in preserving and safeguarding our cultural heritage for future generations. Through conservation efforts, research initiatives, and community outreach programs, the museum ensures that the stories of the past continue to inspire and educate long into the future.
The White Horse is approximately 10 minutes from the Weald and Downland Living Museum. Here are some directions:
Turn left onto Town Lane
Turn left onto A286
Turn right onto Binderton Lane
Slight left
Turn right onto B2141
Turn right
The White Horse will be on your left.
