Weald & Downland Living Museum

Weald & Downland Living Museum Be part of something historic… discover 1,000 years of history in our 40 acre rural Museum! Follow us on Instagram and Twitter
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Be part of something historic and discover Sussex rural history through the seasons, in the heart of the picturesque South Downs. See what rural living was like with over a 1,000 years of history to explore, and over 50 relocated historic houses covering the 40 acre site.

27/08/2026

While this weekend’s Charcoal Burn has sadly been cancelled due to the current wildfire risk, we still wanted to share a glimpse of this fascinating traditional craft.

Watch the video to see what we would have been doing this weekend – from building the burn to the careful process of turning wood into charcoal using techniques that have been practised for generations.

We’re disappointed not to be able to bring it to life for you in person this time, but we hope you enjoy discovering a little more about the skill, patience and tradition behind charcoal burning. 🔥

We hope it won’t be too long before we can fire up the charcoal burn again safely.

The harvest wasn't over when the grain was cut...Join us for Threshing Weekend (5–6 September) and discover the next sta...
26/08/2026

The harvest wasn't over when the grain was cut...

Join us for Threshing Weekend (5–6 September) and discover the next stage of the farming year as our Interpretation Team demonstrates a magnificent steam-powered threshing machine in action.

Watch triticale and oats being separated from the straw, then see our heavy horses transport the harvest across the Museum by traditional horse and cart, just as it would have been done for generations. The grain and straw will even be stored for use around the Museum throughout the year.

It's a fascinating opportunity to experience the sights, sounds and atmosphere of Britain's agricultural past brought to life.

Book your visit: https://www.wealddown.co.uk/events/threshing/

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With the current wildfire risk, and following consultation with West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and our insurers, we’v...
25/08/2026

With the current wildfire risk, and following consultation with West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and our insurers, we’ve made the difficult decision that it simply wouldn’t be responsible to go ahead with our Charcoal Burn this weekend (29–31 August).

Charcoal burning is such a fascinating traditional craft to see in action, so we know this will be disappointing for those who were looking forward to visiting. However, the safety of our visitors, staff, volunteers, our historic site and the surrounding countryside must come first.

Thank you so much for your understanding and support. We hope it won’t be too long before we can fire up the charcoal burn again safely.

New Job Opportunity!Group visits are one of the Museum’s most efficient sources of earned income, since a group arrives ...
24/08/2026

New Job Opportunity!

Group visits are one of the Museum’s most efficient sources of earned income, since a group arrives at a site that is already open and staffed and most of what they bring converts directly into charitable contribution. The function has until now operated reactively. This role changes that. The postholder will take ownership of group income as a commercial portfolio, approaching operators who do not yet visit us, growing midweek and off-peak season business where our capacity is greatest, and converting more of the enquiries we already receive. The role also remains the operational owner of the group bookings process and the main museum telephone line.

Please send a covering letter and CV to: [email protected] and answer the following questions:

Why do you want to work at the Weald & Downland Living Museum?

- To promote the museum, some travel to trade shows / networking events is expected in this role. Do you have a reliable means of getting to and from our remote site in Singleton and other locations?
- This role involves proactively contacting potential customers. How comfortable are you with making regular outbound calls to businesses, travel organisers or community groups to promote the Museum?

Closing date: 6th September 2026

On Sunday 30 August, we have a rare opportunity to see the traditional art of indigo dyeing! See historic dyeing techniq...
24/08/2026

On Sunday 30 August, we have a rare opportunity to see the traditional art of indigo dyeing!

See historic dyeing techniques brought to life as we work with a traditional sig vat, demonstrating the processes once used to create beautiful, lasting indigo-dyed textiles.

Come along, watch the process unfold and discover the skill, knowledge and craftsmanship behind this centuries-old method.

📅 Sunday 30 August
📍 Weald & Downland Living Museum

🔗 Plan your visit: https://www.wealddown.co.uk/plan-your-visit/

23/08/2026

The troops must be fed! Even the cooking and apothecary of an English Civil War encampment was brought to life as Day 2 of our War of the Three Kingdoms weekend comes to a close!

Looking for one last unforgettable summer holiday adventure? ☀️🏡As the summer holidays draw to a close, there's still pl...
23/08/2026

Looking for one last unforgettable summer holiday adventure? ☀️🏡

As the summer holidays draw to a close, there's still plenty to discover at the Museum. Meet Pete the Tudor Games Maker, enjoy delicious Georgian dairy tastings, join in with maypole dancing, explore our historic gardens and working watermill, and wander through over 50 rescued historic buildings.

It's the perfect chance to step back in time, try something new and make lasting family memories before the school term begins.

Will we see you this week? 👇

Plan your visit: https://www.wealddown.co.uk/plan-your-visit/

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23/08/2026

It’s not just guns and pikes! are bringing to life the whole world of English Civil War encampments! This includes games, crafts and work! Day 2 is underway!

22/08/2026

Day 1 of the War of the Three Kingdoms weekend is complete! It was a brilliant and immersive day seeing the English Civil War brought to life!

History comes alive this weekend! ⚔️🏕️Travel back to the 17th century as the War of the Three Kingdoms takes over the Mu...
21/08/2026

History comes alive this weekend! ⚔️🏕️

Travel back to the 17th century as the War of the Three Kingdoms takes over the Museum with immersive living history, costumed reenactors and authentic military displays. You can also discover the colourful craft of Saxon natural dyeing and, on Sunday, step inside a Victorian classroom with the School Mistress.

From battlefields to classrooms, it's a weekend packed with stories, skills and hands-on history for the whole family.

Who are you bringing along? 👇

Plan your visit: https://www.wealddown.co.uk/plan-your-visit/

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Address

Town Lane, Singleton
Chichester
PO180EU

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

01243811363

Website

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