Pitstone Green Museum
Rural life museum in the buildings of a Victorian farm near Ivinghoe Beacon, with workshops, engines, vehicles and craft stalls on open days.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Pitstone Green Museum grew out of the Pitstone Local History Society, formed in 1963 and later renamed the Pitstone & Ivinghoe Museum Society. The society collected tools and objects from farming and village life in the surrounding area. The collection was first kept at Vicarage Farm in Ivinghoe and moved to Pitstone Green Farm when more space was needed.
The farm was mostly built around 1830 on land linked to the Countess of Bridgewater, and the Hawkins family farmed it from 1808. Part of the Big Barn is older, dating from the 17th century, and was moved to the site when the farm was built. In 1991 the owner granted the society a 99-year lease, and after his death in 2001 the farm was given to the National Trust as part of the Ashridge Estate.
Today the museum is laid out around the old farmyards, including the Rick Yard, Sheep Yard, Cart Shed Yard, Chicken Yard and Reception Yard. Displays cover farming, country life and the local trades of an area of about 25 miles around Pitstone, with re-created workshops, stationary engines and historic vehicles. It is run by volunteers and opens on a limited number of days each year.
Highlights
- Re-created workshops of a blacksmith, wheelwright, plumber and brush maker
- 37 HP Crossley gas engine and other stationary engines
- Elliott shop moved from Ivinghoe village
- Historic vehicles and working model railways
- Craft stalls, demonstrations and seasonal entertainment on open days
Permanent exhibitions
- Rural life and local trades – Re-created workshops and shops, including a blacksmith, wheelwright, plumber, brush maker and the Elliott shop, with farming tools and engines.
- Farmyards, vehicles and collections – Several farm yards with barns, historic vehicles, working model railways and displays such as the Cook Collection.
- Founded
- 1967
- Operated by
- Pitstone & Ivinghoe Museum Society
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £11 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | £9Concessions for over-65s |
| Children & teens | £4.50Ages 5 to 16. |
| Seniors | £9Over 65. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · Carers of disabled visitors enter free. |
| Groups (10+ people) | £8 per personAdult group tour including tea or coffee with biscuits and use of the meeting room. |
| Families | £302 adults and 3 children. |
| Family ticket (1 adult and 3 children) | £19 |
| School party (per person) | £4Teachers and supervisors enter free. |
Credit cards are accepted.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Most of the main exhibits can be reached by wheelchair. The Cook Collection can only be reached by stairs. There are accessible toilets. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | £30 · 2 adults and 3 children. |
|---|
Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times. Family tickets are available.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
Free car park in the Orchard.
The museum is just off the B489 between Aston Clinton and Dunstable. Enter from Vicarage Road, about 100 metres from the roundabout at the end of Marsworth Road, opposite the village hall and green.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
On open days catering offers hot snacks, filled rolls and sandwiches, cakes and hot and cold drinks.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
Enquiries about premises hire go to the society secretary.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | School parties and adult groups can visit by arrangement through the society secretary. Seasonal extras on open days can include tractor rides, demonstrations and visiting displays. Smoking and vaping are not allowed on the site, and electric scooters are not allowed apart from disability equipment. |
