A bit about us

Learn about the history of the Chilterns

Step back in time and explore over 30 reconstructed historic buildings, including an Iron Age roundhouse, 1940s prefab, blacksmith’s forge, Victorian toll house, tin chapel, WW1 and WW2 Nissen huts, earthen cottage and working historic farm that is home to  goats, sheep, chickens, cows and farm cats. All set in 45 acres of beautiful Chilterns countryside.

As well as a collection of historical buildings the Museum boasts a number of small traditional gardens that complement them and suit their time periods. These include a formal Arts and Crafts garden, a pretty cottage garden, and a ‘dig for victory’ allotment next to the 1940s prefab. The cherry and apple orchards are full of heritage varieties, and the woods are carpeted with bluebells in spring.

In addition to the buildings and gardens there is a heritage adventure playground, woodland trail, sensory trail, orienteering course, gift shop and Tea Room. The site is dog friendly and dogs on short leads are welcome.

Special events

There are over 25 special and living history  events each year including Gladiator Games, Classic Vehicles Show, Ragged Victorians and Tudor Court Room as well as outdoor learning activities, experience days and tours that can be booked. Please visit www.coam.org.uk for full details.

Filming

The Museum is a popular filming venue and has been used for filming lots of popular television dramas and films including: Mary Queen of Scots, Downton Abbey, Call the Midwife, Grantchester, Taskmaster, Horrible Histories and many more.

Opening days

18 March to 26 October 2023, 10am – 5pm

Saturdays and Sundays only in March, September, October, and open daily in Bucks school holidays.

Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays April to August, and open daily during Bucks school holidays.

We will be closed on Saturday 6th May for the King’s coronation.

We will re-open for a special Festive Weekend on the 2nd & 3rd December.

Bucks school holiday dates

Easter holidays 1st April to 16th April
May half-term 27th May to 4th June
Summer holidays 22nd July to 3rd September
October half-term 21st October to 26th October

Find out event details at www.coam.org.uk

Groups

The Museum offers special rates for prebooked groups and has plenty of coach parking. Find out more

Accessibility

The Museum has accessible toilets and baby changing facilities.

There are wheelchair ramps into buildings. The Museum's pathways are compact gravel which doesn't give the smoothest wheel chair ride. However, the Museum has a number of mobility scooters that are available to use free of charge, we recommend booking these in advance to ensure that they are available. The Museum also has a golf buggy and can offer lifts for those with limited mobility.

Small portable loop systems are installed at the Ticket Office and Tea Rooms for use by visitors with hearing aids.

Weddings and Parties

Seven of the Museum's buildings are licensed for civil ceremonies including the Iron Age roundhouse, Victorian toll house, Henton tin chapel, Skippings barn, Northolt barn, Arborfield barn and Thame vicarage. The Museum's barn are also available to hire for receptions and parties.

Find out more about weddings at COAM

Chiltern Open Air Museum is a registered charity (no 272381) and all proceeds go towards their valuable conservation work.

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Accessibility

For visitors with mobility impairments

Blue badge holders

Concessionary rates are available for registered disabled visitors and a companion or carer is welcome free-of-charge.

Parking

There are designated parking spaces for blue badge holders close to the Museum entrance.

Wheelchairs & Electric Scooters

Electric mobility scooters are welcome on site. The Museum has a couple of off-road wheelchairs and electric mobility scooters available to borrow. These are free of charge, however, a security deposit is required while the scooter is on loan. As numbers are limited these are available on a first come first served basis, please ring the Museum Office on 01494 871 117 to check availability and to pre-book (lines are open Monday – Friday 9.30am – 4pm). Visitors are welcome to use personal mobility scooters around the site. Due to the size of our exhibit buildings mobility scooters are unable to go inside them.

The Museum has a golf buggy and our team of staff and volunteers are happy to provide lifts to those who need it. Please let a member of our team know if you require assistance.

The Museum has ramps into the prefab, Elliott and Sons Cafe, Henton mission room, WWI Nissen hut and Borehamwood dairy. Please be aware that our compact gravel paths are not ideal for wheelchairs and some paths can become very muddy in bad weather. We are in the process of seeking funds to make our pathways more accessible. We regret that the Woodland Walk is not suitable for wheelchairs.

For neurodiverse visitors

We have sensory backpacks available to borrow which include ear defenders (limited numbers).

View full accessibility guide

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