On Your Doorstep Days
£5 Doorstep Days Discover History on Your Doorstep this May Bank Holiday Weekend
Enjoy a fantastic-value day out at your local museum with our special £5 Doorstep Days this Early May Bank Holiday weekend.
It’s the perfect opportunity to explore close to home for less—meet friends, wander at your own pace, and soak up the atmosphere of our beautiful open-air Museum and its historic buildings. Whether you’re revisiting a favourite spot or discovering us for the first time, our Doorstep Days make it easier than ever to enjoy a relaxed and affordable day out.
What’s On
Step into the past and experience history brought to life across the Museum:
Charcoal Burners Camp
Experience our annual May charcoal burn demonstration, where traditional techniques are showcased in a fascinating live setting. Charcoal burning is both an art and a science—a carefully controlled process requiring skill, patience, and precision. Our knowledgeable interpreter Jon Roberts, alongside the Interpretation Team, will guide you through this historic craft across the weekend.
Living History & Demonstrations
Saturday, 2 & Sunday 3 May:
18th Century Cottage Life – Join food historian Marc Meltonville in Tindall’s Cottage as he demonstrates historic cooking and domestic life.
Flax Processing Demonstration – Discover the traditional craft of flax processing with heritage maker Paul Henry at the Horsham Shop in Market Square.
16th Century Winkhurst Kitchen –See the kitchen come alive with our interpretation team as they recreate daily life from the Tudor period.
Yeoman Farmer Experience – Learn about seasonal work and rural life in a 16th-century farmhouse, where our Yeoman Farmer will be carrying out authentic daily tasks.
The Toll House –Meet the Toll Keeper and explore what life was like living and working on a historic toll road.
In addition
on Sunday, 3 May:
19th Century Railway Worker’s Cottage – Learn about how homelife may have been for the busy railway workers.
Traditional May Themed Folk Songs and Stories – Hear stories and song under the Titichfield Market Hall at 11am, 12.30pm and 2.15pm.
Timed Talk – Spices in the 16th Century in Winkhurst Kitchen at 12.30pm.
On Monday, 4 May:
19th Century Railway Worker’s Cottage – Learn about how homelife may have been for the busy railway workers.
16th Century Winkhurst Kitchen –See the kitchen come alive with our interpretation team as they recreate daily life from the Tudor period.
Timed Talk – An introduction to our working watermill from Lurgashall.
Special Feature over the Bank Holiday Weekend:
Take a sneak peek inside the famous barn featured in The Repair Shop, filmed right here at the Museum—a unique behind-the-scenes opportunity not to be missed.
Plan Your Visit
Pre-booking is strongly recommended to guarantee entry and help us manage visitor numbers throughout the weekend.
Make the most of your May Bank Holiday and discover history right on your doorstep for just £5.
The Museum Waterside Café opens at 9am, so you can start your day with a hearty Weald & Downland Breakfast or tea and toast! See our café menu to find out more (Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy and Gluten free options are available).
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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.
