Events at Chiltern Open Air Museum range from historical re-enactments, environmental awareness, traditional crafts, heritage stories and family fun.
Discover our annual lineup of special events and activities that breathe life into history at our picturesque 45-acre site in rural Buckinghamshire.
Events at a glance
May Day Merriment
Be transported back in time to the Elizabethan era, and have an insight into the lives and festivities of that period. There will be music and dancing and a display of firepower. Soldiers will lead new recruits (the audience!) in a military drill, and there will be a display of fine swordsmanship. In between, you can explore the encampment and see what is being eaten, drunk, made and mended.
Qigong Taster Session
This taster session will follow a typical Qigong class starting with a gentle head to toe warm up which will prepare the mind and body for learning the first few moves of Shibashi, and finishes with a pat down. This will give an excellent insight into the approach to learning and practicing the technique. Practiced regularly, the series of movements become a moving mediation.
Bound for Normandy!
To tie in with the 80th D-Day commemorations COAM is thrilled to welcome popular Soprano Fiona Harrison to perform her D-Day show, "Bound for Normandy!" which features popular British, American and French songs from WWII.
Roman Gladiators
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of ancient Rome as you cheer for your favorite gladiator and witness their incredible skills and bravery. Marvel at the strategies, strength, and agility displayed by these skilled warriors.
Terrific Tuesday: May Half-term
Join us for themed family crafts and activities and hands on clay modelling.
Napoleonic Living History Weekend
Watch spectacular displays and thrill at the musket, cavalry, and artillery displays that will transport you to the heart of Napoleonic warfare. Feel the ground shake as cannons roar, horses charge, and muskets fire. Discover the untold stories of the men and women behind the armies – the unsung heroes who kept them fed, clothed, marching, and loved.
Green Festival
Mark your calendars for a one-of-a-kind green event happening this June! Join us for a day filled with sustainable fun, as we come together to support the environment and make a positive impact.
Qigong Taster Session
This taster session will follow a typical Qigong class starting with a gentle head to toe warm up which will prepare the mind and body for learning the first few moves of Shibashi, and finishes with a pat down. This will give an excellent insight into the approach to learning and practicing the technique. Practiced regularly, the series of movements become a moving mediation.
Medieval Jousting
Step into a world of knights in shining armor and witness displays of incredible skill and horsemanship. Be captivated by the bravery and agility of these armoured knights as they engage in thrilling jousting battles.
An Evening of Opera
Our Evening of Opera is a love story built around your favourite opera classics all sung by the stars of tomorrow and played by a stunning string quintet. Follow four characters’ journeys through a kaleidoscope of arias, duets, and ensembles by Mozart, Rossini, Puccini, Verdi, Rodgers & Hammerstein and many many more.
Classic Vehicles Show
The Classic Vehicle Show is back and it promises to be a weekend filled with nostalgia and excitement. Whether you're a car enthusiast, a motorcycle lover, or simply appreciate the beauty of classic vehicles, this event is not to be missed.
Heritage Crafts Weekend
We are hosting a special weekend showcasing heritage craft demonstrations. Visitors will have the opportunity to step back in time and witness traditional crafts in action, including blacksmithing and straw plaiting.
Terrific Tuesday - July
Join us for themed family crafts and activities and hands on clay modelling.
Clash of the Queens
Join us this August for a unique look into the lives of two cousins who became Regnant Queens … and rivals!
Discover the trials and tribulations of being a female ruler in 16th Century Britain and discover how their lives became inextricably linked.
Britain At War
Watch multiple re-enactment groups depicting different wartime periods throughout Britain's history. Visit the living history camps and watch a variety of displays from across the nation's history.
Victorian Weekend
This is a unique opportunity to learn about the less savoury aspects of Victorian life in a fun, family-friendly environment with the ‘Ragged Victorians'!
Viking Raid
Watch Viking re-enactments and battles. Get involved in games, music, storytelling and fun activities from the Viking Age. Then join us to watch as the raid unfolds and see who wins in the battle between the Vicious Vikings and the Christian forces of Wessex.
Harvest
Discover the fascinating traditions of our farming history. Learn about apple pressing and traditional crafts.
Wild About Wool
Join us for our special Wild About Wool knitting event and discover different types of textile crafts.
St George and the Dragon
Join us on St George's Day to celebrate the legend of St George and the Dragon! Prepare to be captivated and entertained by a magnificent mounted masquerade, as we bring to life the thrilling tale of good versus evil, filled with chaos, mythology, enigmatic characters, epic battles, and a touch of romance. And, of course, there will be a fearsome dragon!
Terrific Tuesday - Earth Day
Join us on 9th April as we celebrate Earth Day with a range of exciting family activities. Come get involved in various crafts and games with an Earth Day twist.
Terrific Tuesday - Easter
Join us on 2nd April for a fun-filled Easter event! Get ready to unleash your creativity and make some Easter-themed crafts.
Easter Weekend
Discover our fascinating historic buildings and immerse yourself in our new willow sculptures and have fun participating in our Easter trail and family activities. You can even experience the thrill of pony-riding! Don't miss the chance to put on a pair of 3D glasses and delve into our captivating mini 3D photography exhibition.
What Our Visitors Say
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Lots of spooky fun for all the family at the Halloween event. Loads to look at and activities to do.”
Halloween Spectacular
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“Brilliant shows and exhibits, such friendly and knowledgeable people.”
Gladiator Games
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The quality of the exhibits was superb… a superb gem of a place for all the family
Britain At War
Finding Us
You can find us just a short drive from Junction 17 on the M25.
Newland Park, Gorelands Lane
Chalfont St Peter, HP8 4AB