Crawfordjohn Heritage Venture Museum

14/05/2026

📚 The Journey to School

Think the school run is hard work?

Spare a thought for the children who once attended Whitecleugh School, at the western end of Crawfordjohn parish.

In “the old days”, there were no buses, cars or heated seats doing the hard work. Children as young as five sometimes had to walk as much as **four miles to school** — and then the same distance home again.

For many of them, there was no proper road. Just rough, boggy ground, swollen rivers, steep hills and, in winter, snow-covered tracks. And after all that, they still had jobs waiting at home on the farm.

It’s a remarkable glimpse into how much effort it once took to get even an elementary education — and a reminder that rural childhood could be very tough indeed.

You can read more in the museum display, or in the **Stormy Weather** book available at the museum.

📍 Crawfordjohn Heritage Venture Museum
🕑 Open Saturdays & Sundays, 2pm–5pm
🎟 Adults £1.50 | Children free

08/05/2026

A huge thank you to all the lovely visitors who came along last weekend — we were so grateful for the wonderful support and kind comments. 😊
Some of the feedback included: ⭐ “Fascinating” ⭐ “Excellent” ⭐ “Really interesting” ⭐ “A lovely hidden gem”
If you haven’t visited yet, we’d love to welcome you this weekend!

06/05/2026

🐑 From the Museum Collection: Hill Farming Life

Crawfordjohn’s history is closely tied to hill farming and the surrounding landscape.

This shepherd display gives a glimpse into the clothing and equipment associated with working outdoors in all weathers: heavy wool layers, a warm plaid or shawl, a walking stick or crook, and sturdy boots fitted with metal studs or irons on the soles to help them grip rough ground and last longer.

These practical details tell their own story of life in the hills - long days outdoors, hard ground underfoot, and work that carried on whatever the weather.

The museum preserves many objects, photographs and stories connected to rural life in and around Crawfordjohn.

📍 Crawfordjohn Heritage Venture Museum
🕑 Open Saturdays & Sundays, 2pm–5pm
🎟 Adults £1.50 | Children free

𝘼𝙣 𝙐𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙥𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙙 (first photo)
Jimmy Mackay was shepherd at Gilkerscleugh Mains Farm, Crawfordjohn in the 1950s. This picture shows him with part of his flock of Blackfaced sheep (generally known as “Blackies”).

𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙥𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙙’𝙨 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙙 (second photo_
The “plaid”, a large blanket of heavy woven cloth, was part of the traditional working clothing for a hill shepherd. Wrapped over and around the body, it provided a measure of protection...

02/05/2026

01/05/2026

🌿✨ WE’RE OPEN THIS WEEKEND! ✨🌿

Looking for something lovely to do over the bank holiday? 😊

Come along to the Crawfordjohn Heritage Venture Museum as we open for the season!

📅 Saturday & Sunday
🕑 2pm – 5pm
💷 Adults £1.50 | Kids FREE

Step inside and explore the story of local hill farming life – with fascinating displays, local history, and something for all ages 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

☕ And make a wee day of it! We’re right next door to the Colebrooke Arms for a cosy drink or some delicious food 🍰

🌦️ Rain forecast? No problem – we’re the perfect little indoor stop on a spring day out!

👋 A warm welcome awaits from our lovely volunteers:
👉 Saturday: Janet & Johnny
👉 Sunday: Louise-Clair & Mary

💚 Come along, bring the family, and support your local museum

📍 Crawfordjohn

👉 Feel free to share with friends or local groups!

22/08/2025

Only a week to go folks!
*Free Entry* secure your spot now! 😊

02/05/2025

ANNOUNCEMENT - Tomorrow (Saturday 3rd May) We are back open for the 2025 Season. Come and join us as we open our doors at 2pm - we can’t wait to see you!