Hunker Down & Hibernate

At the end of the harvest, food would need to be prepared to last through the long and cold winter months.

Over this weekend we will explore how we would traditionally get ready for winter, by stocking up the pantry, filling up the wood store and preserving our harvest.

With demonstrations around the Museum, you can learn how we used to salt, pickle, ferment, dry and preserve our food.

We will also be talking about how people survived the Winter months, how they kept warm and how their working day would change to the hours of daylight. Along with looking at the life of the animals, how this would change at this time of year and how nature would get ready to hibernate.

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.