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Rural Life Living Museum

Tilford, United Kingdom•4.6(1k)•Heritage Site, Museum

Discover ancient heritage and inspiring collections of rural machinery, artefacts and countryside objects across historic buildings in the Surrey Hills.

Rural Life Living Museum offers families an immersive journey into countryside heritage set within an ancient site featuring historic buildings and extensive collections. Visitors can explore rural machinery, implements, cycles, fire engines and artefacts that bring rural life history to vivid life. The museum welcomes all ages with diverse attractions ranging from traction engines in steam to curated exhibitions of historical objects. The venue caters specifically to families with toddler-focused sessions, school visits, and youth group programmes. The on-site Market Garden Café provides refreshment options, while the museum is pushchair-friendly and dog-friendly, making it accessible for visitors of all ages from infants upwards. The setting combines indoor and outdoor exploration opportunities, allowing guests to wander through countryside buildings and surrounding grounds. Beyond general visits, the museum offers educational experiences including adult courses (such as blacksmithing), collection-based loan boxes for classrooms, and community outreach programmes. Special events like Railway Wednesdays and seasonal activities keep the programme fresh throughout the year. The venue also accommodates private hire for celebrations, meetings, and special events, making it a versatile destination for both casual family days out and organised group experiences.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 – 16:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 16:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 16:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 16:00
Friday: 10:00 – 16:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 16:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor & Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

0 months (newborn)+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Market Garden Café

On-site café at the museum

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Google Reviews

4.6(1k reviews)
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Hannah Wild

Hannah Wild

2 months ago

What an amazing hidden gem! We came here as where were supposed to go was closed. So glad we did as this place is amazing. The staff are all so friendly with a lovely cafe selling some delicious homemade cakes. There's loads of parking and it's not expensive to get in. There's loads to see, more than you think when you first walk in. It really gives the experience of stepping back in time. There's lot's to read and discover about how people used to live. Please support this wonderful museum.

I
Izzie Goacher

Izzie Goacher

4 months ago

We've been a couple times now, firstly for Christmas with the train, it was a cute experience and my children loved the site and exploring how life used to be as well as the agricultural side of things.. I loved learning about the history and the trees, theres so much to see and do for all ages. My children enjoyed the school building and then the old school park too. Then the 2nd time we went for mothers day tractor rally, it was really good, great collection of different tractors and the people and volunteers are just so friendly. We used the cafe both time and food was great and comes out quickly and reasonably priced. Theres toilets its all accessible and id recommend to everyone. We will be frequent visitors

A
Antony

Antony

5 months ago

Not the best time of year (raining) but still a fantastic day out. So much to see and do for all ages, will attempt to revisit later in the year to enjoy this wonderful location at it's best.

A
Alan West

Alan West

5 months ago

There's plenty to see here. The wife and I had a very pleasant afternoon checking the place out. This was our first visit and will most definitely bring our 7 & 5 year old granddaughter's here. They will enjoy seeing all the old fashion items that are on show.

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Charlotte F

Charlotte F

5 months ago

Had a lovely time here today despite the drizzly weather! The ticket price was great value given how much there is to see and there was a really interesting variety of buildings and exhibitions to look at. I also had an unexpected nosebleed and Bob and the other volunteers looked after me marvellously - they're a great bunch of people and if I didn't live so far away I'd love to volunteer here too! Some of them were doing some wood-turning and I even bought a lovely bowl to take home with me! I also stopped for a nice lunch in the cafe which was great.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at Rural Life Living Museum

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about Rural Life Living Museum

Is Rural Life Living Museum free to visit?

Rural Life Living Museum is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

What ages is Rural Life Living Museum suitable for?

Rural Life Living Museum is suitable for visitors of all ages, from babies through to adults.

Is Rural Life Living Museum dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Rural Life Living Museum.

Is there parking at Rural Life Living Museum?

Yes, Rural Life Living Museum has on-site parking.

Is there food at Rural Life Living Museum?

Yes — Market Garden Café is on site at Rural Life Living Museum. On-site café at the museum

Is Rural Life Living Museum pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Rural Life Living Museum is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at Rural Life Living Museum?

Rural Life Living Museum is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to Rural Life Living Museum by public transport?

Rural Life Living Museum isn't on a major public transport route — driving is recommended.
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