DAYSOUT
THE WEALD AND DOWNLAND LIVING MUSEUM
The Weald and Downland Living Museum first opened in 1967 , and since then it has been a fascinating and peaceful place for people to visit . I first went when I was about eight years old . It was a school trip , and one of the best ones I can remember . A standout moment for me was sitting on a sunny slope enjoying a picnic and writing a postcard to my grandparents . BY LISAMARIE LAMB
So , when I had the chance to go back all these years later , I was excited . Really excited . But , I was also worried – what if it wasn ’ t the same ? What if the place had changed immeasurably and I no longer recognised any of it ? Or , worse still , what if it hadn ’ t changed but it simply didn ’ t match up to the memories I had treasured all these years . Thankfully , I needn ’ t have worried . The Weald and Downland Open Air Museum is just as wonderful now as it was then .
Set in 50 acres of beautiful Sussex countryside , and located not far from Chichester , this award-winning museum has almost 50 different buildings set up on its site . Each building has been dismantled , transported to the museum , and then rebuilt just as it would have stood when it was first erected . Dating from the 13th to the 19th century , this is the one place in the UK where you can wander through buildings that real people have actually lived and worked in . Not only that , but the rooms have been filled with authentic furniture and materials , so that you can get a true sense of the place and the history surrounding it . You ’ ll find tools – particularly in the workshops – and farm buildings , beds , tables , and much more . In some houses there are guides who can answer your questions and , when we visited , we found a lovely lady who was making rugs in the kitchen of a Victorian farmworker ’ s cottage . It ’ s a surprising and unusual place with new and interesting things to be found around every corner .
The buildings include houses , schools , shops , and workrooms , and there is even a wonderful market hall dating from around 1783 , complete with a one-room jail cell beneath .
In addition to the buildings which are without question the museum ’ s star attraction , there are also some beautiful , peaceful woodland walks that can be taken nearby and you can spot rare breed pigs , cattle , sheep , poultry and horses on site . There are various cooking demonstrations that take place throughout the year too , as well as shows and events , most of which can be found at www . wealddown . co . uk / whats-on . Beware while wandering though reader , the site is even said to be haunted …
By Easter 2017 , the new visitor centre and waterside café will be complete , providing visitors with even more information and a relaxing place to enjoy a well-deserved treat – walk around this huge site for a day and you ’ ll have earned it .
The Weald and Downland Living Museum is a fabulous and full day out for the whole family . And , in case you were wondering , that sunny slope from my childhood is still the perfect place for a picnic and a spot of postcard writing .
* Please note that the museum is currently closed and will reopen for February half term ( 20th-24th ). Annual members continue to have access to the museum as a park during this time .
The Weald and Downland Museum Singleton Chichester PO18 0EU
01243 811363 office @ wealddown . co . uk www . wealddown . co . uk
WealddownMuseum wealddownlandmuseum
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