Get Thrifty Weekend

Patch it, fix it, reuse it, get the most out of it! Get money saving tips from the past.

Discover how people never threw anything away and found a use for everything, observe how you can live more sustainably today. Learn how to make something out of what you think is nothing, upcycle and repurpose items.

Find out about the art of mending at our Make do and Mend stall, meet the Fripperer and try on some clothes at our medieval second hand market hall, get foraging tips and discover how almost any type of leftover can be turned into something useful.

Get imaginative and learn how to transform your garden with some upcycling, pick up tips on how to grow flowers from seed and create a flower display from recycled materials. And don’t forget to meet our Blacksmiths! These were the original recyclers, so visit our forge to see how they repaired items and recycled materials.

Have got some old tools at home that you no longer use? Or are you looking to replace something? Over this weekend you can also visit the Tools for Self Reliance stand to donate or buy second hand tools and find out how doing this helps fund craft and workers in Africa.

There will be lots of demonstrations and activities taking place over the 40 acre site this weekend, so why not come along to pick up some new ways get thrifty at home.

We suggest that visitors pre-book tickets to guarantee their visit.

Information for Visitors

The Museum’s 40 acres site, historic gardens and buildings are fascinating places to learn about rural history. Visitors can purchase grain from the Shepherds Hut (coffee cart) and feed the hungry ducks on the mill pond. Whilst enjoying the great outdoors and fresh air, look out for the heavy horses and other traditional breed farm animals including pigs, chickens and geese. There are a number of lovely woodland trails, including a woodland play area for children to explore.

Our waterside café will be open or visitors can bring a picnic as there are plenty of picnic areas available on site. Takeaway refreshments will be available from our Shepherd’s Hut (coffee cart) located near the Stables. Dogs on 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.

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