National Museum of Rural Life

Take a walk or tractor-trailer ride to the farm

A walk from the museum to the farm takes about 10 minutes on paths overlooking fields and hedgerows. Or take a ride on the Farm Explorer tractor-trailer to travel to the farm in style, enjoying the sights as you go. Reserve your seat at the information desk inside the museum (tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis).

Follow the Willow Sculpture Trail

Inspired by the wildlife often spotted around the museum site, and the animal residents at the farm, willow artist Anna Cross has created a beautiful collection of sculptures to discover as you explore outdoors. From swifts to sheep and a cockerel to a cat, follow the trail to see if you can find all seven types of willow animal on a walk to the farm.

Visiting with little ones? The museum’s Garden Detectives gallery takes an interactive and larger-than-life look at the plants and animals that live in the great outdoors. Learn fascinating facts about nature and experience the sounds and smells of a real garden – all without getting your hands dirty!

Or dress up as a beekeeper, brush up with bee books, and do some ‘waggle dancing’ in the museum’s bee area as you find out all about the importance of pollinators.

Take a break in the museum’s Shielings Café, serving up home baking, hot and cold dishes, children’s meals and freshly brewed teas and coffees. Or bring your own picnic to enjoy in the outdoor play and picnic area.

Test your skills or take a break in the outdoor play park with swings, slides and a stationary ride-on tractor.