Butser Ancient Farm

Butser Ancient Farm is an open-air museum with reconstructed Iron Age buildings based on archaeological evidence. The structures feature wooden walls, wattle and daub construction, and thatched roofs that replicate how people built homes over 2000 years ago.

The site was founded in 1972 as an archaeological experiment to understand Iron Age living and farming methods. Through decades of research and reconstruction, it has revealed important information about agriculture and settlement patterns from that era.

Visitors watch demonstrations of fire-making, pottery, and grain processing as they were done thousands of years ago. These activities reveal the practical skills that shaped daily life in ancient farming communities.

The site sits in open countryside with limited shelter, so sun protection and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Plan to spend several hours here to explore the reconstructed buildings and watch the demonstrations fully.

The farm actively works fields using ancient methods, demonstrating how labor-intensive agriculture was in Iron Age times. This living practice reveals why communities needed to live and work together for survival.

Location: Windmill Hill

Inception: 1970

Address: Chalton Lane, Chalton, Hampshire PO8 0BG

Phone: +442392598838

Website: https://butserancientfarm.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 50.94300,-0.97700

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03