Housed in an eighteenth century oak-framed barn and seventeenth century cart shed close to the village centre, the Woodchurch Village Life Museum collection is extremely varied and traces the story of the settlement from its earliest beginnings right up to the present day. Find out what life was like at school during the reign of Queen Victoria, discover more about hops and hop-picking, see how a huge American airbase was constructed on the edge of the village in time for D-Day, understand why food was rationed during the Second World War and how much you were allowed each week, discover the uniquely Kentish sport of goal running, meet the 'Fat Boy' of Woodchurch and much more.
The collection includes an elegant Brougham coach, farm wagons, Stone Age and Roman artefacts, shop and inn signs, a toy collection, historic agricultural tools, a milk float, an iconic red telephone box, First World War trench art, household items from the 1920s, '30s and '40s – all with a connection to the parish of Woodchurch. Several of the permanent displays feature audio recordings of villagers recalling personal experiences – a doodlebug landing on a local farmhouse and what it was like to be a Land Army Girl in the 1940s are just two of the stories you can hear.
The ground floor exhibition space is fully accessible to wheelchair users and visitors with reduced mobility. We are a supporter of Kids in Museums and have a number of child-friendly activities including a fun picture quiz children (and adults, too) can complete. All of the museum displays have been designed to be informative and accessible to visitors of all ages.
Historic Periods
Opening Times
Good Friday until end September:
Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, 10am – 4pm
E-badge
Even if you can't visit our site, you can earn our e-badge by making an completing one of our jigsaws then logging in and entering the code revealed on the Wheels of Time My E-badges page.Cost
Free, donations appreciated
More information
Telephone:01233 860240
Website: https://woodchurchheritagetrust.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodchurchmuseum/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wvlmuseum
Facilities
Toilets onsite
Parking
Wheelchair accessible
Address
Susans Hill, Woodchurch, Ashford
TN26 3RE