Heritage crafts in action
Come and see heritage crafts in action at Chiltern Open Air Museum. Visitors will have the opportunity to step back in time and witness traditional crafts in action, including blacksmithing, straw plaiting, bucket making, lace making, bodging, spinning, natural dyeing and more.
Blacksmithing, one of the oldest professions in human history, will be on full display. A skilled crafts person will display their expertise in shaping and forging iron, using traditional techniques to create practical and decorative items. Visitors can witness the rhythmic sounds of hammers hitting anvils, as sparks fly in the air!
Straw plaiting, another traditional craft that was once a significant cottage industry in rural areas will be demonstrated at the event. A skilled practitioner will demonstrate the delicate process of transforming straw into intricate patterns and braids. Visitors can see first-hand the meticulous skill and precision required to create these beautiful straw plaits. You can also see bobbin lace making in action and discover the techniques used to create different styles of lace.
The last traditional bucket maker in the UK will be showing how traditional buckets were made. The Museum’s team will also be busy working in the woodland bodging area showing the skills and items that historic bodgers would have made. You can learn about how our ancestors dyed their clothes, the processes involved and the plants that they used to create different pigments.
Whether you are an enthusiast of heritage crafts or simply looking for a unique
Book Tickets
Book your tickets now to join us for traditional craft demonstrations
This is a Premium admission day
Free entry for COAM Annual Members
The event will run from 10am until 5pm
Event Information
With 45 acres at your disposal, there is plenty to explore, including woodlands and an exciting adventure playground
Dogs on short leads are welcome but must not go inside residential buildings
Light lunches, drinks, cakes and snacks are available to purchase from our Skippings Barn
Sensory backpacks are available to borrow (subject to availability)
Mobility scooters are available to borrow (subject to availability - pre-booking is advised)
Lots of free parking
Photography and filming may take place during this event for the Museum archives and publicity. These photographs and video footage may appear in promotional or educational materials including on our websites, social media pages, newsletters, or in newspapers and magazines. If you do not wish to be photographed, please speak to the photographer. For further details please email marketing@coam.org.uk
