Do You Know the Difference Between a Blacksmith and a Farrier?
Our resident blacksmith tells us the history of the trade and the differences between a blacksmith, a wheelwright and a farrier.
Rogues and Highwaymen
On 2 & 3 August Chiltern Open Air Museum will be taken over by the Rogues and Highwaymen of the Suffolk Free Company. But what were highwaymen and why are they notorious in British history?
Meet Tim Harris - Traditional Chairmaker
In the lead up to our Heritage Crafts Weekend on 26 & 27 July, we take a moment to meet some of the traditional craftspeople that will be at the event. If you go down to the Museum woods, you’ll often find Tim Harris chairmaking in our traditional Bodger’s Area.
Meet Mark Harding - Blacksmith
In the lead up to our Heritage Crafts Weekend on 26 & 27 July, we take a moment to meet some of the traditional craftspeople that will be at the event. Most weekends you’ll find Mark Harding at work in our Victorian Garston Forge, either demonstrating traditional blacksmithing techniques or leading experience days.
The History of Newland Park
Chiltern Open Air Museum is based within the old grounds of Newland Park in Chalfont St. Giles. We take a look at some of the history of the house and surrounding area including Gott’s Obelisk.
Meet Flow and Romily - The Outside Dyers
In the lead up to our Heritage Crafts Weekend on 26 & 27 July, we’re meeting some of the talented craftspeople who will be demonstrating their skills at the event. Our second makers to meet are Flow and Romily - The Outside Dyers.
Colours of History: the Lost Art of Natural Dyeing
Since prehistoric times, humans have been dyeing their clothes to show individuality, status and allegiance. People have used plants, minerals (and even animals!) to add colour to fabrics. Now, it’s almost impossible to imagine using these methods. Where did people get the different colours? How did they dye it? And when did this all change?
Meet Jonny Cope - Flint Knapping & Bronze Casting
In the lead up to our Heritage Crafts Weekend on 26 & 27 July, we take a moment to meet some of the traditional craftspeople that will be at the event. Next we meet Jonny Cope, a regular heritage craft demonstrator and workshop leader at the Museum.
Meet Elaine - Lacemaking
In the lead up to our Heritage Crafts Weekend on 26 & 27 July, we take a moment to meet some of the traditional craftspeople that will be at the event. This time, we’re looking at the craft of lacemaking with expert reenactor Elaine who can often be seen at the Museum bringing history to life for many different time periods.
Free WW2 Themed Workshop for 5 Schools
As part of the VE80 celebrations grant from the UK Government through Arts Council England we are offering 5 schools a FREE trip to COAM to experience a WW2 themed workshop on a strictly first-come, first-served basis providing the trips occur before January 2026. As well as offering the sessions totally free, we can also contribute a bursary of up to £500 to pay for travel.
Meet the Middlesex Woodturners
In the lead up to our Heritage Crafts Weekend on 26 & 27 July, we take a moment to meet some of the traditional craftspeople that will be at the event. Next up, it’s the Middlesex Woodturners.
Meet Judith - 18th Century Spinning
In the lead up to our Heritage Crafts Weekend on 26 & 27 July, we take a moment to meet some of the traditional craftspeople that will be at the event. This time it’s the turn of a familiar face at the Museum - Judith, our 18th Century Spinning expert.
Meet Alan Paulus - Wheelwright and Traditional Bucket Maker
In the lead up to our Heritage Crafts Weekend on 26 & 27 July, we take a moment to meet some of the traditional craftspeople that will be at the event. Our first maker is Alan Paulus - wheelwright and traditional bucket maker.
The History of Lacemaking in the Chilterns
Lacemaking is one of the heritage crafts showcased at the Museum but when and where did lace originate and why was it so important to Buckinghamshire?
Chiltern Open Air Museum Photography Exhibition 2026
Calling all photographers! You could see your images of the Chilterns on display in one of our historic buildings by entering our photo competition.
Charcoal Burning
Charcoal burning has been done in the Chilterns woodlands for centuries. Find out how we make charcoal at the Museum.
Take Pride in Your Heritage
June is Pride month - celebrating the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer culture and communities. COAM champions inclusivity through our Heritage Stories project, collecting stories from members of the Chilterns community; often a reminiscence sparked by one of our rescued buildings or an object from the Museum's collection.
COAM Highly Commended at Museums + Heritage Awards
Chiltern Open Air Museum scooped second place in the Visitor Accessibility Award category and were awarded Highly Commended at the Museums + Heritage Awards.
What was it like living in a 1940s Prefab?
Visiting the 1940s prefab at Chiltern Open Air Museum is like stepping back in time. Why were the prefabs built, what was it like to live in them, and why were their gardens cherished by those who moved into a prefab in the 1940s?
Commemorating VE Day 80
As we mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe the Museum remembers World War 2 and the impact on the people of the Chilterns with a series of events and exhibitions throughout the year.
Finding Us
Newland Park, Gorelands Lane
Chalfont St Peter HP8 4AB