Reception/shop
A purpose built area designed to welcome visitors to Church Farm.
Withern
Cottage
A wonderful example of a Lincolnshire "mud and stud" thatched
cottage. It was moved from the nearby village of Withern, re-erected on
site and opened in 1982. It is simply furnished to give an insight to
the living conditions of an agricultural labourer in the late 18th century.
The well established cottage garden is stocked with traditional shrubs
and flowers.
Cowshed
Imagine the sight and hear the cows in the stalls waiting to be milked.
See the fascinating displays of implements and machinery relating to Lincolnshire
livestock such as the Longwool Sheep, Red Poll cattle and the Curly Coat
pig. Find out about 'gripping pipes' and 'mud slights' in the drainage
section.
Little Barn
Leading from the drainage section is the Little Barn; featuring a photographic
display and information of agricultural life through the ages.
Stable
Horses provided much of the power on the farm. Hearing the sounds, smelling
the straw and leather evoke a vivid picture of those wonderful animals.
Farmhouse
Across the yard, step inside the Farmhouse. The building is dated around
1760 with 19th century additions. It has been furnished to the period
1900-1910. The kitchen retains a working coal fire range where baking
is regularly demonstrated. Rooms such as the pantry, parlour, nursery
and bedroom are set out as if the occupier has just stepped outside for
a moment. It all contributes towards that "lived in" feeling
that makes visitors feel so at home when they explore Church Farm.
Wash House
Call in at the wash house with Dolly tubs, mangles and irons.....hear
about washday before the days of the automatic washing machine!
Orchards and Gardens
A variety of traditional Lincolnshire apple trees populate this area.
Herbs and ground cover plants hug the front garden of the farmhouse.
Summerhouse
At the bottom of the orchard nestles an octagonal summerhouse. It started
life as a small pavilion at Skegness Cricket Ground but now attractively
blends in as a convenient rest area.
Workshops
Leaving the orchard to the right are the village workshops of the Blacksmith
and Wheelwright, hear the sound of the hammer on the anvil and see the
displays of the tools of their trade; then onto the Plumber and Tinsmith
and discover a little about the farm pump.
Lincolnshire Livestock
Behind Havenhouse Barn a path leads to the paddock where a small flock
of Lincolnshire Longwool sheep can be found. The Longwool is classified
as a Rare Breed and is blessed with a distinctive fleece. Its numbers
are now fortunately on the increase. It is planned to introduce other
livestock breeds to keep the sheep company.
Boothby Barn
This timber framed building is the latest addition to the Church Farm
Museum complex. It was dismantled and moved from its previous site at
nearby Welton le Marsh, to be re-erected here. It was first opened to
the public in March 1998, and now houses a Hornsby Traction Engine and
Threshing Drum.
Havenhouse Barn and Waggon Hovel
Retracing the route leads to the entrance of this magnificent brick barn
and adjacent Waggon Hovel. Wheeled farm vehicles can be seen sheltering
in the Hovel. Stairs leading up from ground level towards an education
room available to school groups.
Havenhouse Barn itself has two floors. Upstairs is a temporary exhibition
gallery which hosts a variety of different exhibitions, ensuring there
is always something new to experience. Downstairs is set aside as a refreshment
area, where light snacks are prepared and served by the Friends of Church
Farm Museum throughout the Summer.
Complete the trail by returning to the shop to purchase a gift or souvenir
of your visit, from the variety on display.
Visitor
Information
Groups and Bookings
The museum site can cope with large parties of people at any one time,
however, we encourage group leaders to ring us prior to their visit. The
Museum will be pleased to assist in making your visit a memorable one
through friendly advice and answering your enquiries. There are special
discount rates for group bookings. Open evenings and refreshments can
be arranged. Please telephone for further details.
School visits
Many schools use the Museum for specific projects and participate in a
number of organised Activity Days. The Museum indeed lends itself towards
being used as a base for GCSE and National Curriculum coursework. Work
sheets are available. Special discount admission rates apply. Please ring
for further details.
Parking
There is a sizeable parking area provided free for our visitors. It comfortably
accommodates both cars and coaches.
Refreshments: Teas and snacks are served with a smile by the Friends of
Church Farm Museum, please ring for opening times.
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