Living History: A Taste of the Past

 

Step back in time and experience history through the senses. Join us for a weekend of living history ‘A Taste of the past’, where the sights, sounds, and smells of the past come alive.

 

Over the weekend you can meet historical interpreters as they bring some of the Museum historic houses to life with demonstrations on how life might have been for the families that lived and worked in them.

 

Learn about the daily rural life of a Victualling House

Join food historian, Marc Meltonville, as he demonstrates life in a Victualling House, in the House from Walderton.

A Victualling house is historically defined as a public eating house that provided food and sometimes overnight accommodation for travellers. These establishments were often part of a private house or small inn and were common in the 17th century and earlier, offering rest and refreshment.

Hear about the social engagement in a Georgian Coffee House

Meet Ian Pycroft from Black Knight Historical and the team, as they demonstrate a bustling Georgian Coffee House in Tindall’s cottage.

Georgian coffee houses were popular in the 17th and 18th-century as social hubs that acted as centres for business, politics, and intellectual debate across England. They could also be known as “penny universities” because a penny admission included a cup of coffee and access to conversation and news.

 

Have a rest at the Toll House

See Robert the Toll Keeper, as he will be managing the toll house and showing his hospitality on how he might have served tea, cheese scones and crumpets to weary travellers.

The roll of a toll house was to collect the tolls for the use of the road and to pay towards the road maintenance. Historically toll houses would sometimes also offer food and drink, but it was not their primary official purpose. Some toll houses functioned as small shops or even bakeries (depending on their location). Others even acted as early tea rooms, as noted in the history of the Beeding Toll House.

Over this weekend you will get to see how food and hospitality played an important role in daily life. Along with many other varying demonstrations across the Museum’s 40 acre site.

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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.