Enjoy our Gardens with the National Open Gardens Scheme
25 June 2026
Step into summer at Chiltern Open Air Museum and explore our beautiful historic gardens as part of the National Open Garden Scheme.
For one special day in June, visitors are invited to discover the rich variety of gardens across our 45-acre site. From cottage garden planting and traditional kitchen gardens to wildflower meadows and orchard spaces, each area reflects how people have shaped and enjoyed the landscape through time.
Discover Heritage Gardens
Explore a range of traditional cottage gardens, typical of the Chilterns heritage, that surround our rescued historic buildings.
Including:
A 1940s Dig for Victory Allotment
Astleham Manor Garden - inspired by renowned British horticulturalist and garden designer Gertrude Jekyll
Leagrave Cottage Garden
Post WWII Prefab Garden
Victorian inspired Fernery and Cottage Garden
Explore Acres of British Woodland
Apple & Cherry Orchards
Our heritage farm includes orchards with traditional apple species such as D’Arcy Spice, Golden Harvey, and Langley Pippin.
Cherry growing in the Chiltern Hills has a long and distinctive history, shaped by the region’s chalky soils and favourable microclimate. At COAM we continue this tradition with our own heritage cherry orchard where you can learn about the region’s rich history of growing cherries.
Step Into the Past with Our Annual Memberships
Get unlimited daytime entry to the Museum for a whole year. Step inside the museum’s collection of historic rescued buildings and visit the living history & vintage events.
Event Information
Tickets can be purchased from the National Open Gardens Scheme website or on the door
Tickets for this special NGS opening day include entry to Milton’s Cottage in nearby Chalfont St Giles.
Open between 10am-4pm
The Museum Café and Shop will be open
This is a garden-only event so the Museum buildings will be closed
About the National Open Garden Scheme
The National Open Garden Scheme is a UK charity that opens beautiful gardens to the public to raise money for nursing and health charities. Since 1927, garden visits and events have helped support important causes while encouraging people to enjoy gardens, learn about plants and experience the wellbeing benefits of spending time in green spaces.
A grant from the National Open Garden Scheme has funded the development of the garden outside of the Museum’s Blythe Road ticket office.
General Museum 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.