Planning your School Visit
Planning a school visit to Chiltern Open Air Museum? Here are a few tips to make the most out of your experience.
Before your school visit
Do a pre-visit: The office staff are very supportive, take a map with you and physically walk the distances – it’s further than you think.
Use the Museum risk assessment it makes life a lot easier. There is a lot of content, but you can cut and paste the bits most relevant to you.
Check through your paperwork: We all know that mistakes can be made so check in advance that your timetable matches with what you think you have booked. Mistakes can be put right in advance but it is much harder to adapt on the actual day of your visit.
Relax: The site is secure and peaceful, it’s lovely to sit outside with your kids on the Village Green and eat lunch together. The Museum encourages the children to play and enjoy the spaces – though too much screeching does feel out of place. I always anticipate that the day will run smoothly and the quality of learning will be great.
On the day of your visit
Clothing: Remember it’s an open air site – so dress for the weather! Sunhats when it is hot and waterproofs at all times of the year. Children need to have their legs and arms covered because of possible tics in the long grass – even when it’s hot. School uniform really doesn’t work here with the possible exception of a sweatshirt for identifying which children belong to you.
Footwear: Avoid open toe sandals, even in the Summer, as the ground is uneven (particularly in the woods). Send a letter home stipulating trainers and remind the kids the day before. Wellies are best footwear when it’s wet.
Storing lunches: Ask the children to bring their lunch in a labelled plastic bag it’s much easier than transporting lots of lunch boxes. Sometimes you can leave your lunches in your lunch venue but there is always space to store them whilst your workshops take place if this isn’t possible.
Tea and Coffee: In February, March and November you can get a self-service tea and coffee in Skippings Barn – there is an honesty box so bring small change with you. During the rest of the year you buy tea and coffee from the cafe in Skippings Barn.
Ask things: We are an approachable friendly team and love to answer questions. We genuinely want you to have the best possible day.
How to get here
We are close to several main routes and can be reached from the M25 at Junction 17. Follow the brown tourist signs to the Museum via Denham Way and Chalfont Road.
The Museum is also signposted from the A413 at Chalfont St Peter and Chalfont St Giles.
Look out for the Comer Homes Newland Park Development signs and we’re on the left down the main driveway. We have a large car park with dedicated disabled parking.
By car
The Chiltern Line from Marylebone or the Metropolitan Line from Baker Street to Chalfont & Latimer Station or Chorleywood Station are within short taxi rides of the Museum.
Train Helpline: 08457 484950 | www.chilternrailways.co.uk
By Train
There are no buses to Newland Park. The nearest bus stop in Chalfont St Giles, around 30 minutes walk away, is on the A30, and 353 routes.
Advice for Coach Drivers
The Museum is in a rural setting and approaches down country lanes. The lane to the Museum from the Maple Cross direction is particularly narrow. We recommend that coaches approach the Museum from Chalfont St Peter. Turn off the A413 at the Waggon and Horses Pub, and then drive up Chesham Lane to join Gorelands Lane.
By Bus
Newland Park, Gorelands Lane
Chalfont St Peter, HP8 4AB