The Rural Life Living Museum in Tilford welcomed thousands of visitors this weekend for its third annual Surrey Hills Spring Fair.
With perfect outdoor weather, the event celebrated Surrey’s finest food, drink, art, and crafts, while bringing together the county’s most talented artisans, craftspeople, and independent stallholders in a showcase of local heritage.

This year’s fair marked a special occasion for the museum, which had recently faced the threat of closure. Thanks to a remarkable community fundraising effort, the museum has been able to recover, allowing it to open its doors for the summer season.
Ed Fagan, director of the Rural Life Living Museum, said that the event had already attracted more than 3,000 people by the Saturday alone.

He said: “As many people may be aware, the museum found itself in financial crisis in August last year, and we raised over £150,000 to remain open.

“So, we’re here, we’re open, and we’re running for 2025, which is really great. We’re not completely out of the woods yet, but we’re hoping to build our visitor numbers and move forward into the future.”
The opening event of the season drew a crowd eager to explore the museum’s rich collection and immerse themselves in the traditions of the countryside.

Throughout the museum’s expansive 10-acre site, visitors had the opportunity to explore over 80 stalls, engage with volunteers demonstrating age-old crafts, and take part in a wide range of countryside traditions.

Stalls offered everything from handicrafts, fudge, gins to Filipino food, ensuring a diverse range of treats for every visitor.
Another highlight of the weekend was the museum’s unique blend of interactive activities and live demonstrations.

This year’s event featured a working sawmill, along with live wood turning and blacksmithing demonstrations, offering an authentic taste of the region’s craftsmanship.

The Old Kiln Light Railway added a nostalgic touch with scenic train rides across the museum’s grounds.

The event was produced in partnership between Surrey Hills Enterprises and the Rural Life Living Museum.