October Half Term: Plagues & Potions
Something rather strange is happening at the Museum…
The year is 1665 and the Black Death is about to spread across the country. A local village healer has prepared a protective potion in readiness of the plague arriving at the Museum, but some mischievous spirits have scattered the precious potion ingredients across the historic buildings!
Families must help gather the lost potion ingredients, uncover clues from the past, and complete the Plagues & Potions Challenge before it’s too late…
Take part in the Plagues & Potions Trail everyday over the October Half Term.
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Haunted Hambrook
Hambrook Barn has been given a spooky makeover and is filled with terrible toys and ghastly games. Take part in:
- Eyeball and spoon race
- Pin the spider on the web
- Ghostly beanbag toss
- Besom broomstick racing
- Poisoned apple bobbing are in store.
Keep an eye out for the giant hairy spiders above your head!
Other activities over the week include:
Spooky Craft Activities
27–29 October | 10am – 3.30pm
Get creative with Halloween-inspired crafts and make a spooky keepsake to take home.
Make a Medieval Plague Potion
27–29 October | 10am – 3.30pm
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the world of Medieval medicine to make a protective potion. This hands-on activity offers a gruesome insight into how people in the past may have tried to fight off some terrifying diseases.
Ghost Stories with The Bard Dawn
27 & 29 October | 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm
Gather round the fire and get ready to be told a ghostly tale or two if you are feeling brave enough!
Spooky Victorian School
28 October | 10.30am – 12.30pm & 1.30 – 3.30pm
Meet our frightfully strict Victorian school teacher who will teach you the art of spooky paper sculpting to create an origami bat.
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Information for Visitors
Discover 40 acres of history, nature, and countryside charm at the Weald & Downland Living Museum near Chichester, West Sussex. Explore our collection of historic buildings, working farm animals, and heritage gardens, and experience what rural life was like in centuries past.
Come Rain or Shine You Can Explore and Enjoy
Stroll through our beautiful open-air museum, where you can see authentic period homes, workshops, and barns set within the stunning South Downs landscape. Enjoy peaceful woodland walks, spot wildlife, or visit the woodland play area — perfect for children to explore and learn through play.
Meet Our Working Animals
Look out for our Heavy Horses, Sheep, and Ducks, who help bring the Museum to life. Visitors can even feed the ducks on the mill pond — grain can be purchased in the Museum shop.
Relax and Refuel
Take a break at our waterside café, serving delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. You’re also welcome to bring a picnic, with plenty of scenic spots around the site to enjoy. During the warmer months, Shepherd’s Hut kiosks offer takeaway drinks and snacks around the Museum.
Useful Visitor Information
- Dogs on short leads are very welcome across the site.
- Free parking is available for all visitors.
- Please note: the Museum is a no-smoking site.
- Visitors with accessibility needs can find detailed information on our Accessibility page.
Please note that all activities and demonstrations are subject to change and may vary depending on the weather or season.
