Join us for a special Harvest Weekend and discover the rich traditions of our farming history. This family-friendly event is packed with live demonstrations, hands-on heritage skills, and the sights and sounds of the countryside.
Experience the sights and smells of a traditional harvest as you explore rural crafts, heritage displays, and working demonstrations. Watch the threshing machine in action, separating grain from straw as it would have done over a century ago, and learn about the Swing Riots, a pivotal moment in agricultural history.
See the heavy horses up close and take a ride on a traditional carriage.
Meet the Tudor re-enactors from The Companye of Merrie Folke and find out what life was really like during harvest time in Tudor England. From food to farming, clothing to customs, they bring the past to life in vivid detail.
Enjoy the energy and colour of traditional Morris dancing, and see our talented sheepdogs at work, skilfully herding our Oxford Down sheep—a rare breed with a proud local history.
Explore historic rural skills in action: visit the Bodger’s Area to learn how bodgers once crafted wooden chair legs in the woods, and stop by our charcoal kiln and saw pit to see how woodland resources were once used for everything from fuel to furniture.
Step inside Henton Chapel to see our beautiful Harvest display, created with produce grown in our own gardens and allotments, celebrating the bounty of the season. Watch as our traditional bakers shape and bake a magnificent harvest loaf, and see apple pressing in action, turning orchard fruit into fresh juice.
Don’t miss the fiery forge, where our blacksmith will be at work shaping metal using traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations.
Whether you’re fascinated by farming, love history, or are simply looking for a wholesome, hands-on day out, Harvest Weekend is a celebration of rural life not to be missed.
You may also like the following events from Chiltern Open Air Museum:
|
