Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings

Avoncroft Museum is a unique open-air museum on the outskirts of Bromsgrove, between Worcester and Birmingham. Since it opened to the public in 1967, it has rescued and rebuilt over 30 historic buildings, spanning 700 years. These buildings reveal the hidden lives of the people who once constructed, worked and lived within them, enabling visitors to delve into the past and discover how it continues to shape their lives today.

The Museum brings to life the stories of everyday people who once laboured in agricultural fields and industrial forges, reflecting a way of life that has changed beyond recognition, as well as revealing the passions of committed individuals who strove- and continue to strive- to protect and preserve our heritage for future generations.

As you explore our beautiful, rural 19-acre site, with stunning views across the Worcestershire countryside, you will encounter a wide range of working buildings and homes through the ages, from the iconic windmill to the tin church to the evocative 1940s prefab. Passionate volunteers bring these spaces to life through a range of talks and demonstrations, including blacksmithing, milling, cooking, cleaning and washing, enabling visitors to fully immerse themselves in history.

The Museum is also home to the National Telephone Kiosk Collection. A fascinating collection of interactive kiosks which are sure to entertain, and perhaps confuse, the current mobile-phone generation. Thankfully, our committed and passionate volunteers will be on hand to guide visitors through the process and to reveal the fascinating history of telephonic communications.

Modern creature comforts are also well catered for, with a cosy and welcoming tearoom located in the historic 17th century ‘String of Horses’ serving simple but delicious food and a range of hot and cold food and drinks. There is also a giftshop, an introductory gallery revealing the story of Avoncroft from its pioneering beginning to the present day, fully accessible toilets, and baby-change facilities.

The site is mainly flat, with good paths making the majority of the site fully- accessible. There is plenty of outside space and it is dog friendly. There are two adventure play areas for children and engaging trails and family-friendly activities to get involved in, particularly during the school holidays (following Worcester County school holiday timetables).

Allow a minimum of two hours for a visit, but it can easily be a whole day out, especially when there are seasonal activities taking place, or if you want to ride the model railway (operated by the Bromsgrove Society of Model Engineers). Please note, there is a small, additional charge for the model railway.

For open days, ticket prices, and the model railway timetable, please visit our website:avoncroft.org.uk. The website also provides details regarding volunteering, memberships, and our upcoming programme of events, including:

Ticket for all events are available on Avoncroft website www.avoncroft.org.uk