The Chiltern Open Air Museum in Buckinghamshire was founded by volunteers from the Chiltern Society in 1976, and opened to the public in 1981. The Museum is a charity that rescues threatened historic buildings that would otherwise be demolished and rebuilds and preserves them in a traditional Chilterns landscape. The Museum is an independent charity and receives no government funding. All operating costs are funded via admission charges, memberships, private hire, filming, school visits, catering and shop sales, and donations.
Chiltern Open Air Museum is situated in the Chiltern Hills and offers a beautiful open space for people enjoy a step back in time with buildings from past eras. The Museum is a not-for-profit organisation and the Chiltern Chamber are proud to share information about this wonderful local facility.
In particular, Chiltern Open Air Museum’s Accompanied Walks programme provides an opportunity for members of the community who need some encouragement and support, or who have little or no opportunity to venture outdoors and interact with other people. Since launching in Autumn 2020, the Walks have helped improve the wellbeing of more than 600 local people.
Participants include people experiencing conditions such as social isolation, bereavement, dementia, as well as unpaid carers and those with additional support needs. This year, we are working with BucksVision to expand the programme to people with sight loss.
The programme, under the Social Prescribing umbrella, allows participants to enjoy a one-hour walk (or be driven in a golf buggy) around the Museum’s grounds—home to 37 heritage buildings, beautiful gardens, parkland and woodland. Participants can bring a companion or carer for moral support, and free transport to and from the Museum is provided if needed. Walkers can engage with the setting, learn about local history, or simply enjoy conversation. There is time for refreshments and a further chat at the end of the visit, along with an invitation to return. Thanks to grant funding, the Walks are free of charge.
Participants benefit from a dose of ‘vitamin green’ by spending time in nature in a safe, supported environment alongside cognitive and sensory stimulation and meaningful social contact. The knock-on wellbeing benefits include an increase in confidence, a greater ability to manage existing health conditions, and a diversion from negative thoughts.
In recognition of its positive community impact, Accompanied Walks received the ‘Best Local Social Prescribing Award 2022’ from the Social Prescribing Network and the College of Medicine.
Please visit our website to find out more: Chiltern Open Air Museum
