Rural Life Living Museum

The Rural Life Living Museum is an open-air museum and visitor attraction which collects and preserves objects associated with farming and goods used by local craftsmen circa 1750-1960. Many aspects of village and rural life are displayed recalling a way of life once common to the local people. The museum is distributed over ten acres of field, woodland and barns. The programme of events offers the perfect way to experience the museum as volunteers set about to bring the museum alive by educating and entertaining visitors with crafts, demonstrations and hands-on activities.

Opening Times

Restrictions apply. Please see our website for details.

Location details

Rural Life Living Museum
Reeds Road
Tilford, Farnham
Surrey

01252 795571

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Children & Families

The Museum hosts several events aimed at families. These include Activity Thursdays, All Hallows Eve and Santa Specials. The events provide a range of activities for families to do together. Sited around the museum are a range of “hands on”, self-led activities, which are popular with visitors of all ages, for example dressing up clothes, rag rug making and a transport corner with a play table, books and a child’s pedal bike and car.

All the activities relate to the museum exhibits and are designed to enhance a visit by providing a more interactive experience allowing visitors to engage with the collection. There are also a series of trails available to families as they enter the museum. They range from a general introduction to the museum to a Romany trail.

Schools & Teachers

As part of a tailor-made day we offer a choice of 12 different workshops which take place in our period buildings. This generates empathy for those taking part. For example, our “Monday Washday” workshop is held outside our Victorian Laundry and “Stories of the Home Guard” takes place in our WWII room, where there is a genuine Morrison Shelter.

It is also possible for schools to ask for bespoke programmes. All the educational workshops are led by an enthusiastic team of Volunteers, several of whom are retired teachers.

Students & Young People

The museum hosts work experience students and offers volunteering opportunities as part of the Duke of Edinburgh programme. The work experience and volunteering opportunities are adapted to the student’s interests and career goals to ensure that they are having a fulfilling experience that will be useful to them later in life.

Adult & Community

Large groups/coach parties welcome by prior arrangement. Coach parking will be made available in the main carpark for pre-booked groups. Pre-booked groups of 10 or more may deduct 10% from the prices for visits on Thursdays and Fridays only. Tours can be available upon request.

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