Description
The Village Church Farm Museum is Skegness's only open-air museum and is set on an original farmstead. As one of the best things to do with kids in Skegness, this heritage museum and farm features a collection of historic buildings, vintage machinery, and traditional gardens. It offers a peaceful step back in time for families looking to explore Lincolnshire's rural history in an engaging, outdoor setting.
Admission to the museum is free, although donations are encouraged to help with the upkeep of the site. Some specific events or seasonal activities held throughout the year may carry a separate charge.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines fresh air with local history, this museum is a fantastic choice. It provides a perfect setting for an educational day out where children can roam freely between old cottages and see real farm tools from centuries ago.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
What makes The Village Church Farm Museum unique?
The museum is unique because it is built around the original "Church Farm," featuring a farmhouse that dates back to the 1760s. Unlike standard museums, it offers a hands-on educational day out where the buildings themselves are the exhibits, surrounded by orchards and traditional wildflower meadows. The site focuses on the "living history" of Lincolnshire, providing interactive exhibits through its seasonal events and volunteer-led demonstrations.
- Original Farmstead: The site is a rare survivor of the pre-resort era of Skegness, offering a glimpse into life before the town became a holiday destination.
- Open-Air Layout: The spacious grounds allow for a safe, outdoor environment where children can experience sensory play with nature.
- Community Spirit: It is run largely by dedicated volunteers who bring the history of the tools and buildings to life for visitors.
Top 5 Highlights
- The 1760s Farmhouse: Step inside the oldest house in Skegness to see how a farming family would have lived over 250 years ago.
- The Mud and Stud Cottage: A rare example of a traditional Lincolnshire building technique that kids find fascinating because of its earthy construction.
- Vintage Tractor Collection: A hit with vehicle-loving children, these old-fashioned machines show how much farming technology has changed.
- The Victorian Schoolroom: Children can see where students sat in the past and compare it to their own modern classrooms.
- The Orchard and Gardens: A beautiful spot to see traditional fruit varieties and local plants, providing a quiet space for a family walk.
The Village Church Farm Museum includes several key historical structures and collections:
- The 18th-Century Farmhouse (The heart of the original farm).
- Mud and Stud Cottage (Traditional local architecture).
- The Withern Cow Shed (Housing agricultural displays).
- Victorian Schoolroom (Educational history exhibit).
- Agricultural Machinery Collection (Tractors and horse-drawn tools).
- The Blacksmith's Forge (Traditional ironwork demonstrations during events).
- Wagon Sheds (Storing vintage transport vehicles).
- The Print Shop (Historic printing equipment).
Beyond the Main Attraction: The museum is located just a short distance from the main Skegness Beach and the Natureland Seal Sanctuary, making it easy to combine a morning of history with an afternoon at the seaside. Hildreds Shopping Centre is also nearby for those needing a break from the outdoors.
21.82 miles
