Enjoy our Gardens with the National Open Gardens Scheme
2 July 2026 * Rescheduled date *
Explore our beautiful historic gardens as part of the National Open Garden Scheme.
On Thursday 2 July, between 10am and 4pm, you can purchase a special garden ticket, through the National Open Garden Scheme, that allows you to view both the gardens at Chiltern Open Air Museum and Milton’s Cottage in one day. We have a variety of gardens across our 45-acre site including a cottage garden, traditional kitchen garden, an arts and crafts garden, Victorian fernery, wildflower meadow, Dig for Victory allotment, and apple and cherry orchards. Each garden compliments the historic story of the historic building in its location.
Our gardens are looked after by a team of amazing volunteers, who will be around on the day to discuss our plants and the work that they are doing. Our cafe and shop will be open on the day and you will also be able to purchase plants.
Only our gardens will be open on this day.
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.