Chiltern Open Air Museum Limited
Museum which rescues historic buildings under threat in Chilterns Area and re-erects them within a 45 acre traditional landscape with interpretation for visitors. The buildings range from domestic, agricultural to rural industrial dating from 15c to post WW2. Activities include historical re-enactments, rural craft demos, traditional farming practices with livestock. Lifelong learning is provided.
Activities & Mission
Museum which rescues historic buildings under threat in Chilterns Area and re-erects them within a 45 acre traditional landscape with interpretation for visitors. The buildings range from domestic, agricultural to rural industrial dating from 15c to post WW2. Activities include historical re-enactments, rural craft demos, traditional farming practices with livestock. Lifelong learning is provided.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Local Authority
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 83% of UK Heritage charities with income £100K to £1M (sample: 392). How is this calculated?
Higher than 29% of UK Heritage charities with income £100K to £1M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 26% of UK Heritage charities with income £100K to £1M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £951,552 | £1,137,727 | £999,430 | £3,824,311 | £227,678 | 43 / 240 |
| 2024 | £816,715 | £1,040,027 | £1,025,712 | £3,997,778 | £414,566 | 37 / 225 |
| 2023 | £902,753 | £986,283 | £971,533 | £4,233,798 | £187,920 | 37 / 200 |
| 2022 | £772,275 | £683,547 | £584,001 | £4,318,207 | £113,288 | 14 / 250 |
| 2021 | £963,538 | £724,061 | £707,349 | £4,229,479 | £0 | 16 / 250 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about Chiltern Open Air Museum Limited
What does Chiltern Open Air Museum Limited do?
Museum which rescues historic buildings under threat in Chilterns Area and re-erects them within a 45 acre traditional landscape with interpretation for visitors. The buildings range from domestic, agricultural to rural industrial dating from 15c to post WW2. Activities include historical re-enactments, rural craft demos, traditional farming practices with livestock. Lifelong learning is provided.
How much income did Chiltern Open Air Museum Limited report in 2025?
Chiltern Open Air Museum Limited reported total income of £952k and reported expenditure of £1.14m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is Chiltern Open Air Museum Limited?
Chiltern Open Air Museum Limited has a program ratio of 105.0%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 83% of UK Heritage charities with income £100K to £1M (sample of 392 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was Chiltern Open Air Museum Limited registered as a charity?
Chiltern Open Air Museum Limited was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 18 November 1976 as charity number 272381. It has been registered for 50 years.
Who runs Chiltern Open Air Museum Limited?
Chiltern Open Air Museum Limited is governed by a board of 9 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does Chiltern Open Air Museum Limited operate?
Chiltern Open Air Museum Limited operates in Buckinghamshire, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.
Is Chiltern Open Air Museum Limited a registered charity?
Yes — Chiltern Open Air Museum Limited is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 272381.
Details
Newland Park
Gorelands Lane
Chalfont St. Giles
HP8 4AB
Registry Information
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Trustees
Also governs 1 other charity
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Sectors & Classifications
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated