Cricket pavillion, wagon shed and school house.
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Rural Life Living Museum Tilford

4.6
·921 reviews·Tilford, United Kingdom

An open-air museum preserving rural heritage with historic farming, crafts, and a charming light railway.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends & Special Events

More demonstrations and activities

CrowdMedium
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Cricket pavillion, wagon shed and school house.

Rural Life Living Museum Tilford

Best Time

Weekends & Special Events

More demonstrations and activities

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An open-air museum preserving rural heritage with historic farming, crafts, and a charming light railway.

4.6
(921 reviews)

"A great family outing with lots to see and touch for little ones!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun

Bring your furry friends! This museum is very dog-friendly, making it a great outing for the whole family.

👟 Comfy Shoes Essential

You'll be doing a lot of walking across fields and woodlands, so wear comfortable shoes!

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 921 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Old Kiln Light Railway

Old Kiln Light Railway

Narrow gauge railway

Chug along on a charming narrow gauge railway, a delightful experience for all ages.

Victorian School Room

Victorian School Room

Barn exhibit

Step back in time in the Victorian school room, complete with a playable piano and vintage toys.

Working Iron Furnace & Blacksmith

Working Iron Furnace & Blacksmith

Demonstration areas

Witness the sparks fly at the working iron furnace and blacksmith forge, brought to life by volunteers.

Arboretum & Woodland Trails

Arboretum & Woodland Trails

Outdoor areas

Wander through over 100 species of trees in the arboretum and explore peaceful woodland paths.

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Planning Your Visit

Best for Little Explorers

This open-air museum is a hit with families, especially toddlers and young children. Interactive exhibits, a playground, and plenty of space to roam make it a smooth day out. Consider visiting during special events for added excitement.

Plan for a Full Day

With over 10 acres of fields, woodlands, and barns, plus a light railway and blacksmith demonstrations, you can easily spend hours here. Pack a picnic or enjoy the cafe, and don't forget comfortable shoes for exploring!

Best Times

When
Weekends & Special Events
Why
More demonstrations and activities
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Quieter exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Come with me to the Black Country Living Museum! I’ve been out of Yorkshire visiting family, which meant I got to visit this incredible living museum. Have you been? #blackcountrylivingmuseum #daysout #thingstodo #westmidlands #livingmuseum
@yorkshirefi
108.6K likes • 1.7M views

🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun

Bring your furry friends! This museum is very dog-friendly, making it a great outing for the whole family. Reddit

👟 Comfy Shoes Essential

You'll be doing a lot of walking across fields and woodlands, so wear comfortable shoes! Reddit

The Classic Car Show 2025 at The Rural Life Living Museum. The Rural Life Living Museum is owned and operated by the Old Kiln Museum CIO, registered charity number 1200370. The Museum receives no external funding and is dependent on ticket sales and donations to continue operating. We really appreciate your support. #therurallifelivingmuseum #localmuseum #surreyhistory #tilford #farnham #whatso...
rurallifelm
38 likes • 500 views
🌟 RURAL LIFE LIVING MUSEUM 🌟 📍 Tilford, Surrey 💰 Donations Needed to keep it open! This is a super day out for the whole family and full of so much history. We went today.....here's the story...... The Rural Life Living Museum is unique collection of the discarded buildings, implements and objects of everyday life, collected by Madge and Henry Jackson since 1968. The couple opened their ba...
jameswebsterproperty
7 likes • 625 views

🧺 Picnic Perfect

There's a lovely picnic area, so pack your lunch or grab a bite at the cafe. Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities Galore

With over 10 acres and diverse exhibits, you'll find endless spots for great photos. Reddit

Bring friends and family to the Surrey Hills Spring Fair on April 5th & 6th in Tilford at the Rural Life Living Museum 📅 5th & 6th April 📍 Rural Life Living Museum 🎟️ Tickets: £12.50 early bird / £15 on the day (link in bio) 👶 Kids under 16 go FREE 🐾 Dogs welcome on leads 🚗 Free parking available#surreyhills #surreyhillsenterprises #supportlocal #surreylife #artisanmarket #visitsurrey #familyfun ...
surreyhillsenterprises
34 likes • 1.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun

Bring your furry friends! This museum is very dog-friendly, making it a great outing for the whole family. Reddit

👟 Comfy Shoes Essential

You'll be doing a lot of walking across fields and woodlands, so wear comfortable shoes! Reddit

🧺 Picnic Perfect

There's a lovely picnic area, so pack your lunch or grab a bite at the cafe. Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities Galore

With over 10 acres and diverse exhibits, you'll find endless spots for great photos. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(921 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Rural Life Living Museum for its engaging and interactive exhibits, making it a hit with families and young children. The dog-friendly policy and the opportunity to see working demonstrations at the blacksmith forge and iron furnace are frequently highlighted as positives. While not the largest open-air museum, it offers a substantial amount to see and do for a pleasant few hours or a full day out.

"I took my toddler and baby to the Fire Engine rally and we had a brilliant day out. The day was well-run, well advertised and a big hit with my toddler. The facilities were great, we loved the little book library too and each area of the museum had something to captivate my toddler which made the whole day go smoothly. The receptionist was friendly, eager to help answer questions and make our day a pleasure. The activities at the rally were well thought out and educational. A great family outing!"

Jenny Brice

"It's not the largest of the open-air museums I have seen, but still, there was plenty to do a see. Good place to visit with kids and also it's very dog friendly. We spent here 2.5 hours here at a slow pace."

Gr3at White

"You don't have to be a huge history enthusiast to visit this amazing place located in Tilford near Farnham. The Rural Life Living Museum formerly known as the Old Kiln Agricultural Museum and the Rural Life Centre, it is an open-air museum of country life run by the Old Kiln Museum Trust. It covers over 10 acres of field, woodland and barns, and collects and preserves objects associated with farming and goods used by local craftsmen between 1750 and 1960. There is also an arboretum with over one hundred species of trees. The museum displays farming through the seasons, local hop growing, tools and crafts allied to country industries and needs. The social history of village life from the 19th century is displayed covering school life, domestic work, period shops and trades. There is a working iron furnace and a woodyard, both run by the volunteers. It also hosts the narrow gauge Old Kiln Light Railway and a Blacksmith's forge. I spent almost the whole day here. There are places to shelter when it rains, a picnic area for lunch, kids playground and secluded benches to take a break. The Market Garden Café serves a variety of hot and cold food and there is always tea and cake to finish off a great day out! I must have takeno over 300 photos and videos, but unfortunately I can't put them all in one review, so you'll have to go there and see for yourself how amazing this place is."

Tom G

What People Like

Great for families and kids
Interactive exhibits
Dog-friendly

What People Dislike

Can be quiet on weekdays

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in Tilford, near Farnham. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes in advance is recommended.

Yes, there is parking available at the museum, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally and for special events. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.

Yes, the museum is open on weekdays, though it may be quieter than on weekends or during special events. This can be ideal for a more relaxed visit. Reddit

The museum is an open-air site with fields and woodlands, so accessibility can vary. Some areas might be challenging, but many exhibits are within barns and accessible spaces. It's advisable to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility queries.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices can vary, and it's recommended to check the official website for current ticket costs. Special events may have different pricing. Reddit

While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially for special events, can save time and guarantee entry. Check the museum's website for their booking policy. Reddit

Discounts may be available for seniors, children, or families. Information on pricing and potential discounts is usually found on the museum's official website.

The museum is run by a trust, and it's unlikely they have reciprocal agreements with other museum memberships. It's best to confirm directly with the museum if you have a specific membership in mind.

Refund policies typically depend on the booking terms and conditions. For specific details, refer to the museum's website or contact them directly.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Explore historic farming implements, demonstrations at the iron furnace and blacksmith forge, ride the Old Kiln Light Railway, visit the Victorian school room, and wander through the arboretum. Reddit

Absolutely! It's highly recommended for children, with interactive exhibits, a playground, and plenty of space to run around. Toddlers and babies also have captivating elements. Reddit

Yes, volunteers often run demonstrations at the working iron furnace and blacksmith's forge, adding a dynamic element to your visit. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally encouraged. Many visitors find it a very photogenic place with its diverse exhibits and natural surroundings. Reddit

Facilities include a playground, picnic areas, secluded benches, restrooms, and the Market Garden Café serving food and drinks. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the Market Garden Café offers a variety of hot and cold food, as well as tea and cake. Reddit

Yes, there is a picnic area, so you are welcome to bring your own food and enjoy it on the grounds. Reddit

It's best to check the current menu at the Market Garden Café for specific dietary options. Menus can change seasonally.

The cafe typically serves hot drinks like tea and coffee, as well as cold beverages. Reddit

Prices at museum cafes can vary. Visitors have generally found the cafe to be a pleasant place to get refreshments. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The working blacksmith forge, the Victorian school room, the light railway, and the arboretum offer unique photographic opportunities. The rustic barns and farming implements are also very picturesque. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted at heritage sites and museums to protect visitors and artifacts. It's essential to check the museum's policy on drones before flying one.

For professional photoshoots, you will likely need to contact the museum in advance to arrange permissions and potentially a fee. This is standard practice for most attractions.

Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light, ideal for photography. However, the variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits means good photos can be captured throughout the day.

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain indoor exhibits to protect delicate items. Always be mindful of other visitors.

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