Butser Ancient Farm
Petersfield, East Hampshire
Photo: nick macneill, CC BY-SA 2.0Photo: nick macneill, CC BY-SA 2.0
A working farm on the South Downs with historic buildings, open fires and livestock, run as a living museum of ancient farming. Visitors can look around, buy snacks and bring a picnic.
Highlights
- Historic buildings with open fires
- Working farm with livestock
- Special events and workshops, where dogs are not allowed except assistance dogs
Good to know
- Well-behaved dogs are welcome on a lead, except at special events
- Overnight stays are not normally allowed on site
- Book online to save £1 per ticket
Getting there
Butser Ancient Farm, Near Petersfield, Hampshire, PO8 0BGParking: Free parking on site. Petersfield is the nearest station. Bus 37 runs from Petersfield to Clanfield, then a 20 minute walk.
Get directionsChecked on 19 October 2026 against butserancientfarm.co.uk. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check
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What's on at Butser Ancient Farm
Photo: nick macneill, CC BY-SA 2.0Bronze Casting Workshops - October
A one-day bronze casting workshop at Butser Ancient Farm near Petersfield, held on Saturdays 10 and 24 October 2026 from 10:00 to 15:30. Participants choose a design based on real archaeology, such as a sword, axehead, knife or torc, and cast it in sand using Bronze Age methods. Groups are limited to two people per session, and the fee includes farm entry, tuition and materials, so it suits individuals, couples or friends with an interest in archaeology and making things.
Photo: nick macneill, CC BY-SA 2.0Corn Dolly Workshop ~ Intermediate Weaves
A one-day corn dolly workshop at Butser Ancient Farm near Petersfield, running Sunday 25 October 2026 from 10:00 to 15:00. Taught by one of the last remaining tutors of this traditional rural craft, it is aimed at people with some previous experience who want to learn intermediate weaves.
Photo: nick macneill, CC BY-SA 2.0Time Traveller Holiday Club - activity days
A half-term holiday activity club for children aged 6 to 13, running Monday 26 to Friday 30 October 2026 from 09:00 to 17:00. Children take part in hands-on historical activities at Butser Ancient Farm near Petersfield, set in the Hampshire countryside. It suits families looking for a week of structured activities during half term.
Photo: nick macneill, CC BY-SA 2.0Bow Making Course
A multi-day bow making workshop at Butser Ancient Farm near Petersfield, running from Tuesday 27 to Friday 30 October 2026. Participants learn to craft their own bow using simple bushcraft tools and explore bow design through the ages. It suits anyone interested in traditional craft and bushcraft skills.
Photo: nick macneill, CC BY-SA 2.0Roman Reenactment Weekend
Butser IX Roman Legion hosts a Roman living history and combat reenactment weekend at Butser Ancient Farm near Petersfield. Visitors can explore the open air site and find out what life was like in Roman Britain. The weekend suits families and anyone interested in history.
Photo: nick macneill, CC BY-SA 2.0The Folklore of Plants
A fireside workshop at Butser Ancient Farm near Petersfield, running on Saturday 31 October 2026 from 10:00 to 12:30. Participants hear old stories about familiar flowers through a year of nature, then finish by making scented Saxon Amulet Beads. Suits families, couples and friends interested in folklore and traditional crafts.
More things to do in Petersfield
Nearby
Queen Elizabeth Country Park
Over 2,000 acres of open access woodland and downland with three waymarked walking trails, two permissive bike trails and a play area. The top of Butser Hill, the highest point on the South Downs, is nearby.
Photo of Havant: Robin Webster, CC BY-SA 2.0Staunton Country Park and Farm
A farm in the middle of Havant with pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, llamas and alpacas, plus gardens to explore. No advance booking is needed.
Photo of Petersfield: Liam mansfield, CC BY-SA 2.0Petersfield Heath
About 69 acres of open land with a 22 acre pond, a short walk from Petersfield town centre. There is a children's playground, boat hire in summer and wildfowl on the pond.