Butser Ancient Farm
- Rarars adventures
- May 23, 2021
- 4 min read
Welcome back! Last year we went to visit Butser Ancient Farm, with permission which meant we were allowed to ask questions if we wanted to, which is always a plus.
I'm going to quote from their website and share a little.
(Quoted from website)
Butser Ancient Farm is a not-for-profit community interest company with a focus on education and research.
The buildings at the farm are all based on evidence from archaeological excavations, and we test theories about the technologies, building techniques, and ways of life of ancient people by reconstructing elements of their homes and lives.
This helps us to better understand, educate about and learn from the past.
We welcome the public and educational groups to the farm year-round, with special events and workshops connecting people to our ancient past in a hands-on and fun way."
A Little History
(Quoted from website)
"The story of Butser Ancient Farm began with a decision in 1970 by the Council for British Archaeology to establish a working 'ancient farm' where archaeologists could experiment to test their theories on how people lived in Iron Ages times. Work started on a trial site know as Little Butser in 1972, with the first public Open Day in 1974.
The project was run by Dr. Peter J Reynolds, a pioneer in the field of experimental archaeology."
Our Visit
We went to visit Butser Farm last year in the summer (2020), and it was such an amazing experience we really enjoyed our day there, There is a lot of space and lots of different things to interact with while walking around you get to read about different parts of buildings while walking around. There are also people dotted around where they are doing demonstrations of different activities that were done in the Iron Age, and you also get the chance to interact as well, which is really good. there is so much history there and there are sheep there which you can buy a bag of food and feed the animals which are fun, there is seating dotted around in case you need to stop and rest, and there are teachers that come in to help with children with learning needs so everyone is involved and can share the experience and have hearing loops as well, which is amazing they have disabled toilets there as well and all the staff there are lovely and friendly so don't feel you like you can't ask questions you can they are more than willing to help assist.
There is a lovely cafe/gift shop there so don't forget to pop in and say hello and buy a little souvenir to remind you of your visit. or bring your own picnic as there is loads of outdoor space to sit down and look at the lovely views of the south downs.
The cafe and gift shop are all hard standing with a ramp leading in, the rest of Butser Farm is on the grass with is wheelchair friendly. The building that you are allowed in has been widened so that they are all wheelchair friendly, which is brilliant.
The CarPark is on a field but if you have a disabled badge you can park by the back of the cafe/gift shop where is closer and a little more hard standing.
They also hire out wheelchairs if needed but it might be worth calling or emailing them before you arrive to make sure you get one as it does get very busy, they also lend foldable chairs if you need to take one round with you if you need to seat down a lot. (if able I'd bring my own.)
They hold lots of different events throughout the year so do check their website and see what's happening while you're there! When we were there they had the Herigeas Hundas who do reenactments they were brilliant! well worth visiting while they are there I'll leave their links at the end.
We had such a lovely day here and I love the fact that they do hands-on learning. I also love that they are disabled-friendly and do everything they can to meet your needs.
They are aiming to reopen this year from the 12th of April you MUST pre-book your tickets if you don't have one you will not be allowed in this is to keep the public and staff safe.
Opening Times
you will need to check their website for all opening and prices
How to get to Butser Farm
Butser Ancient Farm
Chalton Lane
Chalton
Hampshire
P08 0BG
Public Transport
Petersfield Railway station is 5 miles away. The number 37 bus towards Waterlooville/Havant/Clanfield leaves from just outside the station. Get off at the Hampshire Hog Pub and we are a half-mile walk across the road bridge over the A3 and down the lane towards Chalton (Please take care as there are sections without pedestrian pavement.) Please check bus running times before organizing your visit to Butser.
They are also part of the South Downs National Park Cyclists and Walkers Welcome Scheme, with bike stands, freecycle repair kits, first aid, and supplies for walkers and cyclists exploring the South Downs.
Local Taxi Services
Petersfield Taxis:01730 303030
Petersfield station Taxi Rank: 0845 600 0650
5 ways cars: 01730 260442
LINKS
Here is the link to watch the visit of Butser Farm on YouTube:
Rarars Adventures would like to say a massive thank you again for letting us pop along for a visit to share with others what to expect while visiting.
