Diwali 2025: the Festival of Light at the Museum
In October 2025, Chiltern Open Air Museum once again welcomed visitors from across the local community to its Diwali Celebration. After the success of last year’s event, the museum was thrilled to host the Festival of Light for the second year running – and this one was even bigger, brighter, and more joyful.
Living Conditions Through the Years
Step back in time at Chiltern Open Air Museum and explore how home life and comfort have evolved through history. From the smoky Iron Age roundhouse and simple timber cottages to the Victorian wychert home and modern 1940s prefab, discover how living conditions changed over the centuries and what “comfort” once meant.
The Gunpowder Plot & Bonfire Night: The Story Behind the Sparks
Discover the fascinating story behind Bonfire Night. Learn how the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605 inspired centuries of fireworks, bonfires, and community celebrations across Britain. Explore the history of Guy Fawkes and the traditions that light up Buckinghamshire each November.
The Other Jekyll: Walter, Robert Louis Stevenson’s Friend and Gertrude’s Brother
Explore the story of Walter Jekyll — brother of famed Arts and Crafts garden designer Gertrude Jekyll and friend of Robert Louis Stevenson. His name inspired Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and connects to the Jekyll garden design tribute at Astleham Garden, Chiltern Open Air Museum, where her naturalistic planting style lives on.
The Historic Origins of Halloween
Discover the ancient roots of Halloween at Chiltern Open Air Museum. Learn how the Celtic festival of Samhain evolved into today’s celebration of pumpkins, lanterns, and trick-or-treating. Explore centuries of autumn traditions that honour harvest, remembrance, and community as the year turns from light to dark.
Halloween Spectacular: Costume Competition
Coming to our Halloween Spectacular on 31 October? Dress in costume when you visit and you could win a family annual membership to the Museum. Find out how…
LGBTQ+ Campfire Heritage Stories
In front of a warm and welcoming crowd, representatives from the local LGBTQ+ community shared their stories of challenges and triumphs at the Campfire Heritage Stories event at the Museum last Sunday.
Inspired by a basket of Museum objects and facilitated by the Museum’s Outreach Programmer Jacqui Gellman, our storytellers shared their memories along with members of the audience. The event was recorded by oral historian Jonathan Kempster and will form part of the Museum archives, making their heritage stories accessible to Museum visitors for years to come.
Barnett Waddingham Donate to Museum Tree Planting Project
Chiltern Open Air Museum recently welcomed a donation from leading UK professional services consultancy Barnett Waddingham towards our new tree planting project.
Now you can help the Museum revitalise its woodland by donating to the tree planting project.
A Visit From the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire
Yesterday Chiltern Open Air Museum welcomed Pippa Kirkbride, the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, to meet its volunteers.
Diwali Celebration Awarded National Lottery Funding
Chiltern Open Air Museum is delighted to announce that we have received funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to support Diwali celebrations at the Museum in both 2025 and 2026.
Liberty of London’s Chiltern Connections
The luxury department store Liberty of London is known around the world for its close connection to art and culture but did you know that it has its roots in the Chilterns?
Harvest Festivities in the Chilterns
Discover the history of harvest festivities in the Chilterns.
The “Bloody Code”: Crimes and their Punishments in the 18th Century
Crimes and their punishments were often utterly bizarre in England until well into the 19th century and were extremely unequal and unfair. We take a look at the British Legal System in the 17th Century and its legacy.
Chiltern Open Air Museum Awarded Prestigious Heritage Learning Award
Chiltern Open Air Museum are delighted to be named as one of 19 winners for this year’s Sandford Award, which includes a dynamic mix of museums, historic landmarks and an archaeological park, that are all reshaping how we connect with the past.
Chalk, Cherries and Chairs: The History of the Chilterns
The Chiltern Hills have enjoyed sustained prosperity over centuries thanks to a rich blend of geography, geology, and human ingenuity. We explore the origins of the Chilterns and why the area is so special.
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.
Finding Us
Newland Park, Gorelands Lane
Chalfont St Peter HP8 4AB