Open air museums in England

The North of England Open Air Museum, also known as Beamish Museum, is a renowned open-air museum situated in County Durham in the United Kingdom. It was awarded the European Museum of the Year in 1987. The museum is located southwest of the city of Newcastle upon Tyne in northeastern England and covers an area of 120 hectares.

The Black Country Living Museum is a significant open-air museum situated in Dudley, England. It is nestled in the heart of the historic Black Country, which was once a prominent coal mining area. This location offers a unique insight into the region's rich industrial past, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in history and culture.

Blists Hill Victorian Town is an open-air museum situated in the Madeley area of Telford, Shropshire, England. The museum is built on the site of a former industrial complex, providing a unique setting for visitors to explore. The location's industrial past adds a layer of historical depth to the museum, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in the Victorian era.

The National Coal Mining Museum for England, located at the site of Caphouse Colliery in Overton, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England, is a significant historical site. It was initially opened in 1988 as the Yorkshire Mining Museum and later achieved national status in 1995. The museum provides a comprehensive insight into the history and evolution of the coal mining industry in England.

The Yorkshire Air Museum & Allied Air Forces Memorial is located in Elvington, York. It is situated on the site of the former RAF Elvington airfield, which was a Second World War RAF Bomber Command station. This museum is a significant location for those interested in aviation history and the role of the RAF during the Second World War.

The Cambridge University Botanic Garden, one of the most significant botanical gardens in the UK, is conveniently located between Hills Road and Trumpington Road. This prime location makes it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike. The garden is a hub of botanical diversity, showcasing around 8,000 species across its 16-hectare area.

The Weald and Downland Living Museum is a unique destination for those interested in historical architecture. Located in Singleton, north of Chichester in Sussex, the museum offers a glimpse into England's architectural past. It's an ideal place for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone curious about England's past.

Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park is a museum in Nuneaton. The museum features exhibits related to: weapons and war, social history and archaeology.

KIDS GO FREE! Discover the Painted Hall, one of the most iconic sights in London, located at the heart of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site. An awe-inspiring artwork covering more than 3,700m walls and ceiling recounting tales of kings and queens alongside mythological, historical,

Set within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just outside Dorking, Polesden Lacey was the weekend party house of incomparable socialite Margaret Greville from 1909 until 1942. Discover collections of Fabergé, mailoica and Dutch Old Masters in the house; wander the fomal gardens

Torre Abbey, located in Torquay, Devon, is a historic building that serves as an art gallery. It was originally established in 1196 as a monastery for Premonstratensian canons. This rich history adds a unique charm to the Abbey, making it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in history and art.

Amberley Museum is an open-air industrial heritage museum located in Amberley, near Arundel in West Sussex, England. It offers a unique insight into the industrial history of the region, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in the past. The museum is easily accessible and provides a variety of exhibits and collections to explore.

The Stockwood Discovery Centre, previously known as the Stockwood Craft Museum, is one of two museums in Luton that offer free admission. This makes it an accessible and affordable option for tourists looking to explore the local history and culture of the area.

Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings is an open-air museum located in Stoke Heath, a district of Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, England. The museum is unique in that it houses a collection of rescued buildings that have been relocated to its site. These buildings, which were under threat of demolition at their original locations, have been carefully dismantled, restored, and re-erected at the museum, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of architectural styles and historical periods.

The Tangmere Military Aviation Museum is situated on the grounds of the former RAF Fighter Command airfield Tangmere in West Sussex. It is conveniently located near the A27 and the South Downs National Park, making it easily accessible for tourists. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of military aviation in a location steeped in history.

Shibden Hall is a historic house of significant importance, listed as Grade II*. It is situated in a public park in Shibden, West Yorkshire, England. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore not only the historic house but also the surrounding park.

The Village Church Farm, previously known as the Church Farm Museum, is an open-air museum located near Skegness in Lincolnshire, England. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the local and agricultural history of the region.

The East Anglia Transport Museum, located in Carlton Colville, a suburb of Lowestoft, Suffolk, is an open-air transport museum. It houses numerous historic public transport vehicles, many of which are in full working order. Visitors can experience a unique journey back in time as they explore the various exhibits.

The Shuttleworth Collection is a unique museum situated at the Old Warden Aerodrome in Bedfordshire. It houses a wide range of aircraft and automobiles, all meticulously restored and maintained. The museum is renowned worldwide for the diversity of its exhibits, making it a fascinating destination for aviation and automobile enthusiasts.

Kent Life, previously known as the Museum of Kent Life, is an open-air museum situated in Sandling, near Maidstone. It is conveniently located next to Allington Locks on the east bank of the River Medway, making it easily accessible for visitors. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of Kent in an open-air setting.

The open-air museum at Morwellham Quay offers a variety of attractions for visitors. These include a restored 19th-century village, the docks and quays, a restored ship, and the George and Charlotte copper mine which can be toured by a small train. Additionally, there is a Victorian farm and a nature reserve with trails for those who enjoy outdoor activities.

The Royal Gunpowder Mills is a significant historical site located in Waltham Abbey, England. It is one of the three Royal Gunpowder Mills that were established in the UK, with the others being in Ballincollig and Faversham. Among these, Waltham Abbey is the only site that has remained virtually intact, offering a unique glimpse into the past.

Wheal Martyn Museum and Country Park is a museum in St Austell. The museum features exhibits related to: social history, science and technology, land transport, trade and commerce, natural sciences, archives and industry.

The Tanfield Railway, situated in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, and County Durham, England, is a museum railway that offers a unique experience for visitors. It boasts of being the oldest railway still in operation in the world, providing a glimpse into the rich history of rail transport in the region.

Kinver Edge is a high heath and woodland escarpment located just west of Kinver, approximately four miles west of Stourbridge and four miles north of Kidderminster. It is situated on the border between Worcestershire and Staffordshire in England. The area is currently owned by the National Trust, a charity organization that works to preserve and protect historic places and spaces in the UK.

Knebworth House, located in the parish of Knebworth in Hertfordshire, England, is a notable English country house. It holds a Grade II* listing, indicating its significant historical and architectural value. This status is granted to particularly important buildings of more than special interest.

Chiltern Open Air Museum is a museum in Chalfont St Giles. The museum features exhibits related to: land transport, social history and decorative and applied art. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: a reconstruction of an iron age house, and many more, 1940s prefab and toll house.

Located in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, England, Claymills Pumping Station is a restored Victorian sewage pumping station. This historical site offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the engineering marvels of the Victorian era. Visitors can explore the station and learn about its history and the role it played in the local community.

Cogges Manor Farm, located in Cogges near Witney in Oxfordshire, England, is a heritage centre that was once a working farm. It is currently operated by a charitable trust and is open to the public. The farm offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and culture of rural life in England.

The Food Museum, previously known as the Museum of East Anglian Life, is situated in Stowmarket, Suffolk, England. The museum's primary focus is on the agricultural history of East Anglia, which it presents through a variety of exhibits and living history demonstrations. This provides visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about the region's rich agricultural past in an engaging and interactive way.

West Stow Anglo Saxon Village is a unique combination of an archaeological site and an open-air museum. It is situated near West Stow in Suffolk, eastern England. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history of the area, from the Mesolithic period through to the early Anglo-Saxon period. The site is known for the small village that existed here between the mid 5th century and the early 7th century CE.

The Dean Heritage Centre, situated in the valley of Soudley in Gloucestershire, England, is a museum dedicated to preserving and documenting the social and industrial history of the Forest of Dean and its inhabitants. The Centre's mission is to ensure that the rich history of the area, from its industrial past to its social evolution, is not lost but instead shared with visitors from all over the world.

The Rural Life Living Museum is situated in the charming village of Tilford, Surrey, which is near Farnham in southern England. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore the museum and also enjoy the surrounding countryside.

The Apedale Heritage Centre is situated at the historical site of Staffordshire's Apedale Mine. It is conveniently located just outside the village of Chesterton, near Newcastle-under-Lyme, within the serene surroundings of the Apedale Community Country Park. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history of the area while enjoying the natural beauty of the park.

Flag Fen is a significant prehistoric site from the Bronze Age, located near Peterborough, in Cambridgeshire, England. It is believed to have been a religious site, adding to its historical and cultural significance. Visitors can explore this ancient site and gain insights into the religious practices and beliefs of the Bronze Age people.

Visit Acton Scott Heritage Farm - a great day out for the whole family! Located near Church Stretton in the Shropshire Hills. We are an independent charity promoting heritage farming, traditional skills and rural crafts.

One of the highlights of the Butser Ancient Farm is the facility's collection of Iron Age house replicas and a Roman Villa rustica. These structures were constructed as part of a television series, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to step back in time and experience the living conditions of ancient civilizations.

The Yorkshire Museum of Farming is situated in the scenic Murton Park, close to the city of York in England. The museum spans an impressive 14 acres (5.7 ha), providing ample space for its extensive collection and various activities. It's an ideal destination for those interested in the history of farming and rural life.

The Staffordshire Regiment Museum, located in Staffordshire, England, is a military museum dedicated to preserving the history of the Staffordshire Regiment, its predecessor regiments, and its successor, the Mercian Regiment. The museum's collection spans from 1705 to the present, offering a comprehensive look at the regiment's history.

The Mill Green Museum is a unique attraction in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, England. It is a working watermill that dates back to the 17th century. This historical site offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the traditional methods of milling. Visitors can witness the mill in operation, providing a fascinating insight into the history of milling in England.

The Buckinghamshire County Museum is situated in the heart of Aylesbury, a town in Buckinghamshire, England. This central location makes it easily accessible for visitors, offering a convenient starting point for exploring the rich history and culture of Buckinghamshire.

Eling Tide Mill, nestled in the charming town of Eling in Hampshire, England, holds the distinction of being one of the only two remaining operating tide mills in the United Kingdom. This unique feature makes it a point of interest for visitors who are keen on exploring historical and operational mills.

The Burwell Museum and Windmill is a historical site located in the charming village of Burwell, in the county of Cambridgeshire, England. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of the region.

Ilkley Manor House, situated in the charming town of Ilkley in West Yorkshire, England, serves as a local heritage museum, an art gallery, and a live venue. The establishment of the Manor House in its current form dates back to 1961. It was created with the aim of preserving local archaeological artefacts, particularly those of Roman origin, which were at risk of being lost due to the expansion of the spa town.

Situated in the middle of Wanstead Park, The Temple was designed in the 18th century as a feature for the formal gardens of Wanstead Park, complete with a classic portico. These days The Temple serves as a visitor centre, where you can discover the story of Wanstead House and the park that surround

Located within Salisbury’s magnificent Cathedral Close, the house is one of Salisbury’s most charming destinations. Arundells is the former home of Sir Edward Heath KG MBE, Prime Minister and Statesman. Sir Edward bequeathed Arundells to the Charitable Foundation set up in his name following his dea

The 2ft heritage narrow-gauge railway is adjacent to Kempton Steam Museum and offers rides to the public from March to November every Sunday (and some Saturdays). The Museum houses the largest fully operational triple-expansion steam engine in the world. and is 'in steam' only seven weekends a year,

Little Woodham, also known as 'The Living History Village of Little Woodham' or 'The Seventeenth Century Village', is a living museum that offers a unique experience of life in a rural village during the mid-17th century. It provides an immersive experience where visitors can step back in time and explore the daily life, trades, and crafts of the period.