Saturday 22nd August 2026

CHILTERN DOWNS OPEN AIR MUSEUM

VICTORIAN WEEKEND 

Chiltern Open Air Museum in Chalfont St. Giles, Buckinghamshire was founded by volunteers in 1976 and opened to the public in 1981. The Museum is a charity that rescues threatened historic buildings, which would otherwise be demolished, and rebuilds and preserves them in a traditional Chilterns landscape.

Today encounter the Ragged Victorians across the Museum — from the rat catcher and his scurrying companions to sharp-eyed street urchins, rogues and wandering vagabonds. Watch the Rifle Brigade put new recruits through their paces with drill and discipline, and take your place in the Victorian schoolroom, where neat handwriting and good behaviour are expected at all times.

Explore historic buildings and the heritage farmyard to see how ordinary Victorians lived and worked — and for a lighter moment, brave the swing boats for a taste of traditional fairground fun (additional charge applies). But stay alert… quick fingers and cunning characters may be closer than you think.