Welcome to the Chilterns
1 - 31 August
To celebrate 50 years of preserving and celebrating the Chilterns we're putting on an exhibition during August exploring the history and present of our local area. From hillforts to HS2, red kites to railways, and chalk to canals, explore why the Chilterns is so special.
Discover the Wildlife and Significant Landscapes of the Chilterns
The Chilterns are one of England's most important landscapes for wildlife. The mix of ancient woodland, chalk grasslands and streams, and farmland supports many native plants and animals, while several non-native species have also thrive here.
Explore How Industry and Ingenuity Built the Chilterns
The towns of the Chilterns were shaped by a combination of natural resources, transport links, skilled craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship. While the area is known today for its countryside, many of its towns grew because local people found innovative ways to turn the landscape's resources into thriving industries.
Industry in the Chilterns was built on woodlands, clean water, skilled craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial innovation. Furniture making, papermaking, brewing, straw plaiting, and quarrying all helped small market towns grow into prosperous communities, demonstrating how local resources and human ingenuity shaped the region's economy over several centuries.
Creating a New Exhibition Space
This project has included bringing to life the Living Van as a new exhibition space.
The Living Van arrived on site in 1998 along with the Greens road roller and the Fordstone Major tractor.
Renovation of the interior of the Living Van in preparation for this exhibition has taken place over the last six months. We’re excited that this will be the first time that visitors have been able to go inside the van.
Making the Exhibition Accessible
Due to the Living Van being raised up on wheels, visitors have to ascend a number of steps to enter the van.
In order to make the exhibition accessible for those with mobility issues, many of the objects on display will be available to view within our free digital guide, along with videos that explore the exhibition topics in more detail.
Scan the QR codes when you enter the museum site, or download Bloomberg Connects from your apps store.
Exhibition Information
Included in General Admission to the Museum
Exhibition being displayed in the Living Van (by Haddenham Cottage)
Running throughout August and open between 10am and 5pm
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.