Rural Life Living Museum

Rural Life Living Museum Bringing our Rural Heritage to Life One of the biggest private collections of village and rural life. There is so much to explore!
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The Rural Life Living Museum is a country life museum, assembled by the late Mr & Mrs Henry Jackson and now run by a charitable trust. It is pleasantly distributed over ten acres of field, woodland and barns, and comprises a large number of implements and devices marking over 150 years of farming. Many aspects of village and rural life are also displayed in realistic individual settings. Meet the

blacksmiths
Have a ride on the train
Find out what the Woodies are up to

It's Father's Day this Sunday 21 June. Are you looking for a last minute gift or inspiration? You could:🎟️Gift the fathe...
19/06/2026

It's Father's Day this Sunday 21 June. Are you looking for a last minute gift or inspiration?

You could:

🎟️Gift the father figure in your life an Annual Pass for the Museum. Enjoy unlimited access to the museum day-to-day and entry to our exciting events throughout the year, there’s always something new to discover. *Excluding Santa Specials.

🎉Visit our shop! We're fully stocked with some beautiful products from local artisans and makers; including TatarekPottery , Farnham Beekeepers Association honey, Naked Nanny soap, items from the Old Kiln Forge , and Artefact Coffee ! What a fantastic way to support your local museum and make someone smile.

📍Come and see us! We're open this weekend 10am - 4pm. The Old Kiln Light Railway, Tilford Surrey will be running on Saturday and Sunday. And we'll be welcoming Berkshire Bedlam Morris Dancers on Sunday 21 June from 12pm onwards. Why not bring a picnic and enjoy the sunshine, or the shade, in our lovely museum grounds.

The Rural Life Living Museum is owned and operated by the Old Kiln Museum CIO, registered charity number 1200370. The Museum receives no external funding and is dependent on ticket sales and donations to continue operating. We really appreciate your support.

Photography ©MichaelBacon.affcc.uk.

Dear School Trip bookers, Our 2026 Autumn Term calendar is already starting to fill up. If you'd like a time travelling ...
18/06/2026

Dear School Trip bookers,

Our 2026 Autumn Term calendar is already starting to fill up. If you'd like a time travelling day full of engaging hands-on learning, email [email protected] today to book your class in for an unforgettable school trip.

We can cover local history, Victorians, World War Two, History of Toys, science, nature, art and so much more. Chat with our friendly learning team who will help you bring your topic to life.

For more information visit: https://rural-life.org.uk/learning

The Rural Life Living Museum is owned and operated by the Old Kiln Museum CIO, registered charity number 1200370. The Museum receives no external funding and is dependent on ticket sales and donations to continue operating. We really appreciate your support.

Photography ©MikeCarrington.affcc.uk.

As the summer of sport has begun, we're taking a look at some of the athletic artefacts in our collection.Tucked in the ...
17/06/2026

As the summer of sport has begun, we're taking a look at some of the athletic artefacts in our collection.

Tucked in the exhibition of sporting is the framed textile flag donated to the Brightwell Bowling Club in September 1956 by Captain Les Lord. It was used as their standard from 1956 to 1976. We would love to hear any stories from anyone who remembers it. Comment down below and please do share with your friends.

The Rural Life Living Museum is owned and operated by the Old Kiln Museum CIO, registered charity number 1200370. The Museum receives no external funding and is dependent on ticket sales and donations to continue operating. We really appreciate your support.

Toddler Time has been a delight these past two weeks. Thank you to all the families who’ve joined us so far. Your little...
16/06/2026

Toddler Time has been a delight these past two weeks. Thank you to all the families who’ve joined us so far. Your little ones have been busy exploring, discovering, and enjoying sensory play in our beautiful outdoor spaces.

It's thanks to generous support from the Community Foundation for Surrey that we’re able to offer these sessions, great for those ages 18 months - 4 years old.

Perfect for toddlers who love to:
• Get hands‑on with nature
• Build confidence outdoors
• Explore heritage in playful ways
• Move, imagine, and discover

Book your next Toddler Time session and come explore with us!

Timings: 10:00am - 11:00am

Dates: Mondays during Surrey School Term Time

For more information and to buy tickets visit: https://rurallifemuseum.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/77796?catID=73590

The Rural Life Living Museum is owned and operated by the Old Kiln Museum CIO, registered charity number 1200370. The Museum receives no external funding and is dependent on ticket sales and donations to continue operating. We really appreciate your support.

🚗🌼 Join Us for a Fantastic Working Weekend at the Museum! 🌼🚗Make a day of it at our Working Weekend on 27th & 28th June,...
15/06/2026

🚗🌼 Join Us for a Fantastic Working Weekend at the Museum! 🌼🚗

Make a day of it at our Working Weekend on 27th & 28th June, where the museum comes to life with working exhibits, demonstrations, classic vehicles, and fun for all the family!

This special weekend will feature a display of Citroën and Renault rally vehicles, showcasing some of the most iconic and innovative cars from rallying history.

Throughout the weekend, you’ll also be able to:
🚜 See working objects and machinery from around the museum in action
🚜 Climb aboard and sit on a tractor
🪵 Watch fascinating woodyard demonstrations
🚗 Enjoy the Citroën and Renault rally car display
🎨 Take part in children’s activities and family-friendly fun
☕ Relax with refreshments available on site

On Sunday, we’re also delighted to host the Tilford Horticultural Summer Show, making it the perfect opportunity to enjoy both events in one visit.

Whether you’re interested in engineering, classic vehicles, rural history, gardening, or simply looking for a great family day out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

We look forward to welcoming you for a weekend full of action, discovery, and hands-on fun!

For more information and to buy tickets visit: www.rural-life.org.uk

The Rural Life Living Museum is owned and operated by the Old Kiln Museum CIO, registered charity number 1200370. The Museum receives no external funding and is dependent on ticket sales and donations to continue operating. We really appreciate your support.


🚗✨ CLASSIC CAR SHOW – EXHIBITORS WANTED! ✨🚗Join us on Sunday 20th September for a fantastic Classic Car Show at the Rura...
13/06/2026

🚗✨ CLASSIC CAR SHOW – EXHIBITORS WANTED! ✨🚗

Join us on Sunday 20th September for a fantastic Classic Car Show at the Rural Life Living Museum, Farnham!

Whether you’re a classic car enthusiast, collector, or simply love a great day out, this promises to be a wonderful event set amongst the unique historic surroundings of the museum.

🏁 We’re now looking for exhibitors!
Do you own a classic, vintage, veteran, sports, military, or interesting vehicle? We’d love to hear from you and welcome your vehicle to the show.

Visitors can enjoy:
🚗 A wide range of classic vehicles
🏛️ Exploring the museum’s fascinating exhibits
☕ Refreshments and food
🛍️ Autojumble and stalls
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A great family day out

📅 Date: Saturday 20th September
📍 Rural Life Living Museum, Farnham

Please share this post with fellow classic vehicle owners and enthusiasts, we look forward to seeing you there!

For more information and to register as an exhibitor visit: www.rural-life.org.uk

The Rural Life Living Museum is owned and operated by the Old Kiln Museum CIO, registered charity number 1200370. The Museum receives no external funding and is dependent on ticket sales and donations to continue operating. We really appreciate your support.


🛍️ Exciting New Arrivals in the Museum Shop! 🛍️There’s never been a better time to visit our museum shop! We’ve stocked ...
10/06/2026

🛍️ Exciting New Arrivals in the Museum Shop! 🛍️

There’s never been a better time to visit our museum shop! We’ve stocked our shelves with a wonderful range of local produce, unique gifts, and treasures for all ages.

☕ Artefact Coffee – expertly roasted and full of flavour.

🍬 Mummy Makes Fudge– handmade, delicious, and perfect as a treat or gift.

🍓 Jam Packed Preserves Limited – locally made jams, chutneys, and preserves bursting with taste.

🍯 Honey from Farnham Beekeepers – pure local honey produced by dedicated beekeepers from our neighbours.

📖 NEW Edition Available! – Discover the story of how the museum began with the latest edition of the book by our original founder, Madge Jackson. A fascinating read for anyone interested in our heritage and history.

We’ve also added a fantastic selection of:

🧸 Children’s toys and traditional gifts
👜 Beautiful cotton quilted bags
🍽️ Stylish enamelware for the home and garden
🎁 Unique souvenirs, homewares, gifts, books, and plenty more special finds you won’t see on the high street!

Whether you’re searching for the perfect present, a taste of local produce, or a little something for yourself, our shop is full of wonderful discoveries.

Pop in during your next visit and see what’s new, every purchase helps support the museum and its work preserving local history.

The Rural Life Living Museum is owned and operated by the Old Kiln Museum CIO, registered charity number 1200370. The Museum receives no external funding and is dependent on ticket sales and donations to continue operating. We really appreciate your support.


🚗🏍️ Join Us for the Museum’s First TVR & Classic Iconic Motorcycle Day! 🏍️🚗We’re delighted to invite you to the museum’s...
09/06/2026

🚗🏍️ Join Us for the Museum’s First TVR & Classic Iconic Motorcycle Day! 🏍️🚗

We’re delighted to invite you to the museum’s very first TVR & Classic Iconic Motorcycle Day!

Joining us will be an incredible display of TVRs from across Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire TVRCC, alongside a fantastic collection of motorcycles spanning the decades. From a stunning 1915 Triumph to 1950s and 60s bikes and scooters, iconic machines from the 1980s, 90s pocket rockets, military motorcycles, and everything in between, there will be something for every enthusiast to enjoy.

Visitors can experience an eclectic mix of classic motorcycles, TVR sports cars, and the museum’s exhibits, many of which will be working and being driven around the site by our amazing volunteers and exhibitors throughout the day.

🍔 The Market Garden Café will be open serving refreshments
🍦 Ice cream van on site
🏛️ Full access to all museum exhibits included
🔧 Autojumble stalls for browsing and bargain hunting

Interested in having a stall at the autojumble? We’d love to hear from you, please get in touch to book your space.

Whether you’re a lifelong enthusiast or simply looking for a great family day out, come along and enjoy a wonderful celebration of classic motoring and motorcycling history.

We look forward to seeing you there

For more information and to buy tickets visit: www.rural-life.org.uk

The Rural Life Living Museum is owned and operated by the Old Kiln Museum CIO, registered charity number 1200370. The Museum receives no external funding and is dependent on ticket sales and donations to continue operating. We really appreciate your support.

📣 Group Visits Just Got Better!Planning a trip to the museum with a group, friends or an organisation? Book your group a...
08/06/2026

📣 Group Visits Just Got Better!

Planning a trip to the museum with a group, friends or an organisation? Book your group admission during June and enjoy 15% OFF all general admission tickets!

🏛️ Explore fascinating exhibits
👥 Clubs, societies, and large groups.
💰 Save 15% when you book this month

📅 Offer valid on group admissions booked throughout June.

Why not book a guided tour as well. A great way to experience the museum and learn about British rural history and the museum made in the garden of our Founders.

Don’t miss out, secure your visit today and make your museum experience even more memorable!

For more information and to buy tickets visit: www.rural-life.org.uk

The Rural Life Living Museum is owned and operated by the Old Kiln Museum CIO, registered charity number 1200370. The Museum receives no external funding and is dependent on ticket sales and donations to continue operating. We really appreciate your support.


❤️ National Volunteers’ Week – Could You Help Keep Our Museum Looking Its Best? ❤️As National Volunteers’ Week comes to ...
06/06/2026

❤️ National Volunteers’ Week – Could You Help Keep Our Museum Looking Its Best? ❤️

As National Volunteers’ Week comes to a close, we’d like to say a huge thank you to all of the incredible volunteers who help make the Rural Life Living Museum such a special place.

Our volunteers play a vital role in preserving our historic site and helping us provide memorable experiences for visitors. As an independent museum with no external funding, we rely heavily on the support, skills, and dedication of our volunteer team.

We are currently looking for volunteers with an interest in:

🌿 Gardening
🚜 Grounds Maintenance
🪚 Carpentry and Woodworking
🎨 Painting and Decorating

Whether you’re an experienced tradesperson, a keen gardener, retired and looking for a rewarding way to spend your time, or simply someone who enjoys practical, hands-on work, we’d love to hear from you.

Volunteering is a fantastic way to:
✔ Meet new people
✔ Share your skills and experience
✔ Learn something new
✔ Stay active and involved in your local community
✔ Help preserve an important part of Surrey’s rural heritage

You can volunteer regularly or as and when you’re available—every contribution makes a difference.

If you’d like to find out more about joining our volunteer team, please visit www.rural-life.org.uk or contact us at [email protected].

Together, we can help care for the museum, preserve traditional skills, and ensure future generations can continue to enjoy and learn from our unique collection.

❤️ Thank you for supporting your local independent museum.

The Rural Life Living Museum is owned and operated by the Old Kiln Museum CIO (Registered Charity No. 1200370). The museum receives no external funding and relies on admissions, donations, memberships, and volunteers to continue operating.

Address

Reeds Road, Tilford
Farnham
GU102DL

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

01252795571

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