What’s On This Month…
There’s always something new to discover at the Weald & Downland Living Museum. Just as life in the past changed with the seasons, our demonstrations and hands-on activities vary from day to day, reflecting the rhythms of the people who once lived and worked in our historic buildings.
Our interpretation team, supported by visiting specialists and our fantastic, knowledgeable volunteers, brings different parts of the Museum’s collection to life each day, offering fresh stories, skills, and insights to enjoy.
Alongside our regular programme, a range of additional interpretation activities and demonstrations will be taking place. Please be aware that these may change due to circumstances beyond our control, so if there’s something you’re particularly keen to see, we recommend checking on the day of your visit and keeping an eye on our social media channels for any news.
February:
February 16 – Life at Home
Spend time in a late 19th-century cottage, Whittaker’s, and enjoy another chance to learn how our historic Lurgashall Watermill supported local communities.
Ideal for: A relaxed half-term visit with time to explore at your own pace.
February 20 – Textiles and Tidying Up
Learn about Tudor household management in the Gallery, watch flax being processed in Horsham Shop, and see colourful rag rugs created before your eyes in the Gallery.
Don’t miss: The contrast between fine and practical textiles tells a powerful story about class and comfort.
February 21 – A Journey Through Time
Travel through multiple centuries in one day: meet a Regency toll keeper in the Toll House, explore Tudor and 17th-century homes, examine artefacts, and discover how spices transformed early modern cooking in Winkhurst Kitchen.
Make time for: The spice talks, they’re lively, sensory, and engaging.
February 22 – Games, Homes, and Roads
Enjoy Tudor games in Bayleaf, step inside pre-Victorian and Victorian homes, and visit a Regency Toll House.
Great for: Visitors who enjoy a variety of history and interpretation across the Museum.
February 23 – Mill & Morning Tasks
A quieter day ideal for relaxed exploration. Visit Whittaker’s Cottages, explore artefacts in the Gallery, see Tudor cooking in Winkhurst Kitchen, and enjoy a short Watermill talk.
Perfect if: You prefer calm, conversational visits with plenty of time to linger.
February 24 – Tudor Family Life
Focus on rural Tudor living at Bayleaf Farmhouse and deepen your understanding of women’s roles through engaging talks at Winkhurst Kitchen.
Worth doing: Compare questions you ask in the Farmhouse and Kitchen, you’ll get different perspectives on the same time period!
February 25 – Wool, Fire, and Forge
Watch traditional knitting in the Gallery and flax processing in Horsham Shop, then learn about the Smithy and Historic Gardens through a series of short expert talks.
Don’t miss: Seeing how raw materials became everyday necessities.
February 26 – Sound and Skill
Enjoy live music in the Gallery, explore the life of a Tudor Yeoman Farmer in Bayleaf, and see flax processing techniques up close in Horsham Shop.
Tip: Let the music open your visit with some fun!
February 27 – Hearth and Home
Experience the warmth of a medieval fire in Bayleaf, explore Victorian cottage life in Whittaker’s, and see Tudor household skills demonstrated throughout the day.
Perfect for: Anyone fascinated by how people created comfort with limited resources.
February 28 – A Perfect Farewell to February
End the month by visiting our 16th-century farmhouse at Bayleaf, Whittaker’s Victorian cottages, and the collection’s artefacts in the Gallery – an ideal snapshot of everyday life across the centuries.
Finish strong: Say goodbye to Winter with a jam-packed day at the Museum!
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Information for Visitors
The Museum’s 40 acre site, historic gardens and buildings are fascinating places to learn about rural history. Visitors can purchase grain from the Museum shop and feed the hungry ducks on the mill pond. Whilst enjoying the great outdoors and fresh air, look out for our working animals, which can include the Heavy Horses, Sheep and Ducks. There are a number of lovely woodland trails, including a woodland play area for children to explore.
Why not enjoy breakfast, brunch or lunch at our Waterside Café? Visitors can also bring a picnic as there are plenty of picnic areas available on site. Takeaway refreshments will also be available from our seasonal Shepherd’s Huts located around the Museum.
Dogs on short leads are welcome and there is ample free parking. Please note that the Museum is a no-smoking site. Visitors with access needs are advised to read our accessibility page in advance of their visit.
All activities are subject to change.
