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Monday 10am - 4pm Tuesday 10am - 4pm Wednesday 10am - 4pm Thursday 10am - 4pm Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 4pm Sunday 10am - 4pm

Rural Life Living Museum

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Rural Life Living Museum

Bringing our Rural Heritage to Life One of the biggest private collections of village and rural life. There is so much to explore!
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The Rural Life Living Museum is a country life museum, assembled by the late Mr & Mrs Henry Jackson and now run by a charitable trust. It is pleasantly distributed over ten acres of field, woodland and barns, and comprises a large number of implements and devices marking over 150 years of farming. Many aspects of village and rural life are also displayed in realistic individual settings. Meet the

blacksmiths
Have a ride on the train
Find out what the Woodies are up to

29/05/2026

A great big thank you to everyone who made May Half Term at the museum so much fun!

We loved welcoming Huxley's Birds of Prey Centre, Horsham, West Sussex on Wednesday as part of The Hedgehogs Farnham funded Community Day.

Cygnets Art School Farnham also had a wonderful time in the School Room running art club sessions for visitors, and I think you'll agree - there are certainly some extremely talented young people amongst us!

And as always, a huge thank you to our museum volunteers who made such a fantastic effort in the heat to make sure our visitors had a lovely time.

We're open 10am - 4pm if you'd like to come and shelter from the sun amongst our shaded woodland.

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.

28/05/2026

🚗 The Great Parks Car Run – Celebrating 28 Years! 🚗

Join us for the 28th year of the much-loved Great Parks Car Run, bringing together an incredible collection of classic and vintage vehicles in the beautiful surroundings of the museum.

From elegant cars dating back to 1926 through to newer classics from 1992, you’ll see a fantastic variety of motoring history on display, from iconic Cobras to charming Austins and so much more.

✨ PLUS an Alfa Romeo car group will also be stopping off around lunchtime, giving visitors another fantastic selection of cars to enjoy during the day!

Whether you’re a dedicated car enthusiast or simply looking for a great day out, this event promises stunning vehicles, a friendly atmosphere, and a wonderful celebration of classic motoring.

Come and be part of a tradition that’s been delighting visitors for nearly three decades.

🎟️ Tickets can be purchased via the General Admission section. www.rural-life.org.uk

Please note: This is a private car club event and the museum cannot accept exhibitor bookings for this show.

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.

27/05/2026

🌞🎪 Stall Holders Wanted for The Rural Life Living Museum’s Summer Fair! 🎪🌞

We’re looking for fantastic stall holders to join us at our upcoming Summer Fair!

Whether you create beautiful arts & crafts, sell handmade items, offer local produce, promote your business, or have something unique to share, we’d love to hear from you!

✨ Arts & Crafts
✨ Handmade Gifts
✨ Local Products
✨ Small Businesses
✨ Food & Treats
✨ And much more!

This is a great opportunity to showcase your products, meet the local community, and enjoy a fun summer event at the museum.

📩 Interested in booking a stall or finding out more? Send us a message or contact us today!

Please share with anyone who may be interested 🌻

For more information and to buy tickets visit: www.rural-life.org.uk

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.

26/05/2026

🔥 Not long to go until our Fire Engine Rally! 🔥🚒

Join us on 4th & 5th July 2026 for a fantastic day out for the whole family!

Expect flashing lights, sirens, red paint, and plenty of action throughout the day!

🚨 Live demonstrations include:
🔥 A dramatic rescue from the saw pit
🚂 A fire at the railway station
🐈 Saving a cat from the roof of the cricket pavilion
…and many more thrilling displays!

There’ll also be plenty of hands-on fun:
👨‍🚒 Climb into the cab of selected fire engines
🧰 Explore inside the lockers
🚒 Take a ride around the Museum on a vintage fire engine

Whether you’re a fire engine enthusiast or just looking for a brilliant family day out, this is an event not to miss!

🚒 Vehicle Owners! If you’d like to enter a vehicle, please email:
📧 [email protected]

We can’t wait to welcome you for a weekend packed with excitement and nostalgia

For more information and to buy tickets visit: www.rural-life.org.uk

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.

22/05/2026

May Half Term 2026 at the Rural Life Living Museum!

All Week:
🌿 Spring Spotter Nature Trail (free)
🪺 Make‑and‑take Bird’s Nest craft (free, Wagon Shed)

Monday 25 May:
🌞 Bank Holiday Monday - we're open! 10am - 4pm.

Tuesday 26 May:
🔥 Smelting with Fergus in the Romany Area

Wednesday 27 May - Railway Wednesday and Community Day (thanks to funding from Farnham Hedgehogs):
🦅 Huxley’s Birds of Prey - Displays at 11am & 2pm
🚌 Hoppa Buses are providing a free shuttle service from Hale Community Centre and the museum as part of Community Day.
🎨 Cygnets Art School - Drop‑off sessions (10:30–12:00 & 13:00–14:30, £22 per child, 16 spaces)
🚂Railway Wednesday - the Old Kiln Light Railway, Tilford Surrey nlightrailway will be running - hooray!

Thursday 28 May:
✨ Activity Thursday - family fun, arts and crafts and more Cygnets Art sessions throughout the day.

Friday 29 May:
⚒️ Adult Blacksmith Course

A full week of creativity, heritage, and hands‑on fun right on your doorstep.

*Please note all activities can be subject to change and volunteer availability.

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.

21/05/2026

🚗 The Great Parks Car Run – Sunday 7th June 🚗

Join us as we celebrate the 28th year of the Great Parks Car Run, a much-loved event bringing together an outstanding collection of classic and vintage cars in the beautiful surroundings of the museum.

From elegant vehicles dating back to 1926 through to newer classics from 1992, the run showcases a wonderful mix of motoring history. Expect to see everything from iconic Cobras to charming Austins, each with its own story to tell.

Whether you’re a lifelong car enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxed day out surrounded by stunning vehicles, the Great Parks Car Run offers a friendly atmosphere, timeless cars, and a true celebration of classic motoring.

Come along and be part of a tradition that has been delighting visitors for nearly three decades.

🎟 To purchase tickets for this event, please visit the General Admission section. www.rural-life.org.uk

Please note: This is a private car club event and the museum is unable to take exhibitor bookings for the show.

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.

20/05/2026

Join us for our Working Weekend on the 23rd & 24th May! 🚜✨

On Saturday, we’re delighted to welcome the Farnborough Craft Guild, showcasing a variety of traditional skills and crafts throughout the day.

It’s the 4th weekend of the month, which means the Museum team will be getting the “toys” out to play! Working Weekends bring our vast collection to life, giving visitors the chance to experience everything from tractors and the flour mill, to spinning and weaving, woodturning, vintage fire engines, buses, bicycles and much more.

Each month is a little different, depending on the season and the availability of our talented craftspeople and volunteers, making every visit unique.

These weekends are always warm, welcoming and family friendly, perfect for a relaxed day out, while also offering plenty for steam and engine enthusiasts who enjoy a cuppa and a catch-up while talking shop with our knowledgeable volunteers.

Welcome — come in and explore! 🚂🧵🪵☕

For more information and to buy tickets visit: www.rural-life.org.uk

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.

19/05/2026

🚂🔥 Steam at Work 2026 🔥🚂
📅 Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd August

Join us for the Rural Life Living Museum’s biggest steam event of the year — and experience steam power as it was meant to be seen… at work!

Unlike traditional rallies with rows of polished engines, Steam at Work is a fully working event where engines are powering machinery, hauling loads, moving around the site, and bringing history to life across our beautiful 15-acre museum grounds. 🌳⚙️

This year’s event will feature:
🚜 Full-sized traction engines
🛣 Road rollers
🚛 Steam lorries
🎠 Showman’s engines
🚂 Miniature engines across the site
⚙️ Stationary & portable steam engines in action
🛠️
And of course, our very own railway! The Old Kiln Light Railway will be running throughout the weekend with steam locomotives and heritage diesel engines offering rides through the Museum grounds. 🚂

Don’t miss the spectacular Grand Parade of Engines each afternoon at 14:00!

Come and enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and atmosphere of working steam in the heart of the Rural Life Living Museum, the perfect way to celebrate summer with family and friends. ☀️

For more information and to buy tickets visit: www.rural-life.org.uk

📢 Exhibitor entries are welcome for full-sized engines, miniatures, and stationary engines.
To enter, please email: [email protected]

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.

18/05/2026

🌿 Join Our Volunteer Team 🌿

The Rural Life Living Museum is always looking for volunteers to help keep our museum thriving. From caring for our grounds and collections to welcoming visitors on events and maintaining historic objects, there’s a role for everyone.

Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and we welcome people of all ages and backgrounds to join our friendly community.

As a volunteer, you’ll enjoy:
✨ Free museum entry all year
✨ Discounts in our shop and café
✨ Special events and social gatherings
✨ The chance to learn new skills and meet new people
✨ Making a difference for a charity

Whether you can help regularly or just occasionally, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch to arrange a visit and find out more about volunteering with us.

Please note: Unfortunately, we are currently unable to offer Duke of Edinburgh placements or work experience opportunities.

For more information and to buy tickets visit: www.rural-life.org.uk

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.

17/05/2026

🇫🇷 The Citroën & Renault Car Rally 🇫🇷

Join us on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June for a fantastic weekend celebrating these beloved French classics! 🚗✨

Enjoy stunning vehicle displays from across the decades and meet knowledgeable experts around the site who’ll be happy to chat all things Citroën and Renault. It’s the perfect summer weekend for French car enthusiasts and families alike.

Please note: the museum does not take exhibitor entries for this show as it is hosted by a private club

For more information and to buy tickets visit: www.rural-life.org.uk

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.

Address

Reeds Road, Tilford
Farnham
GU102DL

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 4pm
Tuesday	10am - 4pm
Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm
Saturday	10am - 4pm
Sunday	10am - 4pm

Telephone

01252795571

Website

http://www.rural-life.org.uk/

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