Hire Our Spaces at the Museum for Your Special Occasion
Looking for a unique location for a wedding, birthday, or special event? Hire our spaces at the Weald & Downland Living Museum and celebrate in the heart of the beautiful South Downs National Park in West Sussex.
Set across 40 acres, the Museum features over 50 historic buildings dating from 950AD to the 19th century, carefully re-erected from their original sites across South East England. With period gardens, a mill pond, and even traditional farm animals, our venue offers an unforgettable backdrop for any occasion.
Whether you are planning a wedding, anniversary, memorial, or private celebration, our versatile spaces provide the perfect setting. Hire our spaces at the museum to create memories that last a lifetime.
If you are interested in booking our venue for your special occasion, please get in touch to discuss how we can help. To arrange a viewing, please contact the team at venuehire@wealddown.co.uk or on 01243 811023.
Downland Gridshell
The first building of its kind to be built in the UK, the Gridshell is a unique and exquisite setting for both seated and standing events of up to 180 people.
With its shell-like shape made from solid oak, the Downland Gridshell is an architecturally awe-inspiring and dramatic building that is surrounded by the peaceful and beautiful woodland.
Hire fee: From £6,000 + VAT
Availability: Any day (subject to availability)
Capacity: 180
Crawley Hall
Crawley Hall is situated in the heart of the Museum’s medieval market square. Surrounded by historic buildings and cobbled paths, this charming timber-framed barn is an ideal choice for special birthday celebrations, anniversaries and memorials.
Hire fee: From £500 + VAT
Availability: Any day (subject to availability)
Capacity: 50
Waterside Terrace & Café
As one of our more modern spaces, the Waterside Terrace & Café is the perfect location for more relaxed events with beautiful views of the millpond. From drinks receptions, special birthday celebrations, anniversaries and memorials, this venue has a blank canvas to do all.
Hire fee: From £3,500 + VAT
Availability: Monday to Thursday (6–11pm)
Capacity: 100
Catering
When it comes to catering your function, there are a variety of options you can choose from.
Whether it’s catering for 10 people or 200 people, our recommended list of suppliers are on hand to deal with all of your requirements. We work closely with local suppliers to provide catering options to suit your budget and occasion.
Our drinks packages can be tailored to suit your needs ranging from sparkling wine, tea/coffee and soft drinks. Please enquire for more bespoke information.
