Opening Days for 2024

We are open Fridays to Mondays during term time and daily during Bucks school holidays. Our opening times are 10am until 5pm.

Tickets are available to book on the door (while avilable). Pre-bool your tickets online in advance you can save up to £1 per ticket.

Ticket Types

If the ticket date isn't showing as available under standard admission and is an open day, it will be a Premium Day and you will need to select the event on the general admission page to book.

School Holiday Opening Dates
We are open daily throughout these dates.

Easter 29th March to 15th April
May half-term 25th May to 2nd June
Summer holidays 20th July to 8th September
October half-term 26th October to 31st October (From Sunday 27th October we will be closing at the earlier time of 4pm).

Promotional Offers

If you have a valid 2 for 1 promotional voucher/card, including Gardener's World, this can only be used against tickets purchased on the door and not online tickets. One promotional card/voucher can be used for two people only and cannot be used for group entry.

Catering

Hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, sausage rolls, ice creams, cakes, and snacks can be purchased from our Skippings Barn. We have lots of picnic tables and lots of space for picnic blankets around our site.

You may wish to bring some spare change with you to roll into our well where you can hear our well spirits talk!

Mobility Scooters

We have mobility scooters that can be borrowed. Please email us on enquiries@coam.org.uk to check availability and book.

Dogs

Dogs on short leads are very welcome on site. Dogs are not allowed to go inside any of our furnished exhibit buildings.

Gift Aid

The Museum is a charity and all admission prices include a voluntary donation of 10%. If you are a UK tax payer please tick the box and fill out your details so that we can claim Gift Aid on your admission. Gift Aid donations to the Museum allow us to claim an extra 25% from the government on the total amount that you pay to us, at no extra cost to you.

Tickets are non-refundable but if you contact us at least 24 hours prior to the start of your booked slot we can reschedule your booking for you.

Come and celebrate St George’s Day with a weekend of knight and dragon inspired fun.

Visit Chiltern Open Air Museum on the 20th and 21st April to celebrate the legend of St George and the Dragon! There will be skill-at-arms, arming of the knight, knight training and battles throughout the day.

At 11am, watch as St George meets the Saracen and takes part in a skill-at-arms competition and crest melee. Following this visitors will be invited to take part in a Dragon Quest Trail around the site.

At 12.30pm come and take part in some squire training.

At 2.10pm, see the arming of the knight and see how he becomes a formidable force. Once fully armored, the knights will mount their steeds and begin training on the quintain and will work up to a mini joust. The quintain is a wooden target with a rotating arm. As they approach, they must strike the quintain with a lance, aiming for a particularly small target on the rotating arm, which will test the knights’ accuracy and agility. After perfecting their quintain training, they will advance to jousting training where two knights will duel with lances in hand once again. The dragon will then be summoned and a fierce battle between the knight and the beast will begin.

Please note that all activities are subject to change and weather.

Premium admission prices apply. Free entry for Annual Pass holders.

During Tudor times, May Day continued to be celebrated as an important festival, rooted in ancient beliefs and traditions. The arrival of May marked the end of winter and the beginning of spring, symbolizing the renewal of life and the return of warmth and sunlight. This transition from the harsh, cold months to a season of growth and fertility was eagerly anticipated and celebrated.

May Day was a time to rejoice and make merry, as people welcomed the arrival of spring and the promise of a bountiful year ahead. It was a time to gather and feast, with communities coming together for large meals and communal celebrations. Food and drink were abundant, and people indulged in merrymaking and revelry.

At this special event, the Suffolk Free Company and Myal Pyper will transport us back in time to the Elizabethan era, giving us a unique insight into the lives and festivities of that period.

Upon the Village Green the May Tree needs preparing, round which, for your enjoyment and to join in with, there will be music and dancing to the finest tunes and the most popular dances of the time. Noise is a big part of the May Day celebration, to awaken Spring, and, further to that end, there will be a display of fire power, featuring the black powder weapons of the day showing just how effective they can be at defeating that old adversary, the cabbage! The soldiers will lead new recruits (the audience!) of all ages in a military drill, and there will be a display of fine swordsmanship.

In between, you can wander amongst the encampment and see what is being eaten, drunk, made and mended. There will be sumptuous food being prepared and a variety of crafts people about their business, all for you to engage with or just listen, as you wish, though there will be no broom makers, this is considered extremely bad luck at May Day, as is going fishing!

This May Day event at Chiltern Open Air Museum promises to be an immersive and engaging experience for all ages. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and educational day out, this celebration of Elizabethan life is not to be missed. Join us as we step back in time and celebrate May Day in true Elizabethan style!

Please note that all activities are subject to change and weather. There will be gun fire and canon bangs during displays.

This is a Premium Admission event. Free entry for Annual Pass holders.

Join us this May half-term for an unforgettable educational and thrilling experience as you witness the battles of our Roman Gladiators. Prepare to be amazed as provincial gladiators take the stage and engage in fierce combat.

Our gladiators come from a variety of backgrounds, including criminals, barbarians, prisoners of war, disgraced soldiers, and thrill seekers. Each fighter will put their lives on the line, fighting not only for their own survival but also for the entertainment of the crowds and the Emperor.

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of ancient Rome as you cheer for your favorite gladiator and witness their incredible skills and bravery. Marvel at the strategies, strength, and agility displayed by these skilled warriors.

But remember, the fate of our gladiators lies in your hands. Will you choose to spare a life or seal their fate? With each cheer or jeer, you have the power to decide who will live and who will die.

The gladiators will be brought to life by Britannia, one of the largest (and oldest) re-enactment groups in the U.K., they will be demonstrating the excitement and brutality of life in the late Roman period. Britannia has worked on over 150 TV and film projects, including Ridley Scott’s Gladiator and CBBC’s Horrible Histories.

This event promises to be both educational and entertaining, providing a unique opportunity for families to learn about the fascinating world of Roman gladiators while also enjoying an action-packed day out. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience – book your tickets now and witness the epic battles of our Roman Gladiators!

Please be aware that all activities are subject to change and weather.

This is a Premium Admission Event. Free entry for annual pass holders.

May Terrific Tuesday

The Museum’s Learning Team have created crafts and activities for this May half-term with the theme of wellbeing.

• Enjoy family crafts, clay modelling with the Dacorum and Chiltern Potters Guild, seed planting and more all included in the admission price
• Activities run from 11am – 3.30pm
• Drinks, light lunches, cakes and ice creams available to purchase
• Plenty of space for picnics
• Baby changing facilities
• Adventure playground
• Small working farm
• Ample free car parking
• Dogs welcome on short lead

Premium admission prices apply. Free entry to Annual Pass holders.

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Napoleonic era at this special Napoleonic Living History Weekend this June.

Witness the military encampments of Wellington, Blucher, and Napoleon’s armies, each meticulously recreated to offer a glimpse into the past. Engage with passionate reenactors who will share the untold stories of the men and women behind the armies – the unsung heroes who kept them fed, clothed, marching, and loved.

Watch spectacular displays and thrill at the musket, cavalry, and artillery displays that will transport you to the heart of Napoleonic warfare. Feel the ground shake as cannons roar, horses charge, and muskets fire – an experience that brings history alive before your very eyes.

This event will be brought to you by around 100 reenactors from the Napoleonic Association. Indulge your curiosity and interact with individual units, giving you a unique opportunity to explore the background and daily lives of those who shaped history. Discover the passion and dedication that drives each unit to recreate the past with authenticity and precision.

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary weekend of living history, military prowess, and cultural immersion. Secure your tickets today and witness the Napoleonic era in all its glory!

This is a premium event weekend. Free admission for Annual Pass holders.

Experience the excitement of medieval jousting as it makes a triumphant return to Chiltern Open Air Museum. This highly anticipated event promises to be a feast for the senses, as the clash of steel and the thundering of hooves fill the air.

Step into a world of knights in shining armor and witness displays of incredible skill and horsemanship. Be captivated by the bravery and agility of these armoured knights as they engage in thrilling jousting battles.

The jousting displays will transport you back in time to the medieval era, where chivalry and noble competition reigned supreme. The brightly colored and elaborately designed costumes will only enhance the visual spectacle.

As you watch the noble knights charge towards each other, lance in hand, feel the anticipation and excitement building in the crowd. Cheer them on as they demonstrate their expertise and determination in these exhilarating contests of strength and bravery.

This event is not to be missed. Whether you’re a medieval enthusiast, a family looking for a day of excitement, or simply someone in search of a unique and thrilling experience, the medieval jousting displays will surely leave you in awe.

So mark your calendars and prepare to be amazed as Chiltern Open Air Museum hosts this unforgettable event. Don’t miss your chance to witness the spectacular sight of medieval jousting, where history comes alive before your eyes.

Jousting displays will be at 12.30pm and again at 3pm.

Please note that all activities are subject to change and weather.

Premium admission prices apply. Free entry for Annual Pass holders. We expect this event to be popular so we recommend that you pre-book your tickets.

The Classic Vehicle Show is back and it promises to be a weekend filled with nostalgia and excitement. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a motorcycle lover, or simply appreciate the beauty of classic vehicles, this event is not to be missed.

The main attraction at the Classic Vehicle Show will be the stunning collection of classic cars and motorcycles. You’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with these beauties, with owners on hand to share their stories and knowledge. It will be the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow vehicle enthusiasts and share your passion for all things classic.

So mark your calendars and join us for a weekend celebration of classic vehicles. It’s an event that will not only transport you back in time but also create lasting memories. We look forward to seeing you there!

Premium admission prices apply for visitors. Free entry for Annual Pass holders.

We’re pleased to be holding our annual Classic Vehicle Show again this year.

All classic motor vehicles up to and including 1999 are welcome to enter. Those year 2000 onwards are also welcome if they meet the following criteria:-

Genuine Supercars/Sports
American 
Unique modified or custom
Particularly rare or interesting.

Please note we have introduced a charge to exhibitors to help fund the museum’s running costs and upkeep. The entry cost is £5 per motor vehicle (includes the driver and one passenger).

If you are bringing more than one vehicle, please add a ticket for each.

All vehicles must be entered prior to the event and exhibitors should arrive on-site between 8am and 10am. 

This is one of our favourite events of the year, and we are greatly looking forward to welcoming you and your fantastic vehicles to the Museum.

This is a unique opportunity to learn about the less savoury aspects of Victorian life in a fun, family-friendly environment with the ‘Ragged Victorians'!

Meet costumed re-enactors in our buildings and around the Museum site. Look out for shady characters including the rat catcher and his rats; street urchins, rogues and vagabonds. This Ragged Victorians event is great for kids who are learning about the Victorians at school. Watch out for pickpockets!

Activities may be subject to change.

This is a premium admission event. Free entry for Annual Pass holders

At the small village of Ceadeles Funtan (The modern day Chalfonts – meaning the chalk springs) a warband of Vikings have arrived and taken over the village as a base of operations to raid further into Saxon territory. They have ransacked the village, taken prisoners as Thralls (Slaves) and are busy plotting their next move whilst making loose with the food and drink they have pillaged from the Saxon villagers.

However unbeknownst to the Vikings, a Fyrd (or local militia ) of Saxons has been dispatched from Aegel’s burgh (The Saxon fortified settlement of Aylesbury) to deal with the situation. The Saxons arrive and demand the Vikings return to the Danelaw but emboldened by their success so far and their warlike bravado they refuse and fighting breaks out. As the two sides form shield walls the fate of the village hangs in the balance…Will the vicious Vikings succeed and continue to raid and pillage the area or will the Christian forces of Wessex overcome their heathen enemy and restore order to the land?

Get involved in games, music, storytelling and fun activities from the Viking Age. Then join us to watch as the raid unfolds and see who wins in the battle between the Vicious Vikings and the Christian forces of Wessex. There will also be some have-a-go archery.

This is a Premium Admission Event. Free entry for Annual Pass holders.