Name: Little Woodham Living History Village
Rating: 5.0

Little Woodham Living History Village

Little Woodham Living History Village, Barrington Close, Gosport, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

Website

Contact

Message

Description

Little Woodham Living History Village is a unique museum category attraction located in Rowner, Gosport. It is frequently cited as one of the best things to do with kids in Gosport because it transports families back to the mid-17th century. You can wander through a reconstructed hamlet and meet villagers who live and work exactly as they would have in the year 1642.

Visiting this step back in time is very affordable for a local family day out. Prices start from £5.00 for children, with family tickets available to keep costs down further. Because it is run by dedicated volunteers, the atmosphere is personal and focused on sharing historical skills rather than commercial thrills.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that offers total immersion in English heritage, this is it. It provides a quiet, educational day out where children can escape modern screens and see how houses were built, how food was cooked over open fires, and how clothes were made by hand. The village is set within ancient woodland, making the environment as much a part of the experience as the historical buildings themselves.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Live Demonstrations: This village features interactive exhibits where craftsmen like blacksmiths and weavers demonstrate 17th-century skills.
Authentic Buildings: An educational day out where you can explore thatched cottages and workshops built using traditional period techniques.
Nature and History: The site offers sensory play through the sights and smells of woodsmoke, herb gardens, and the surrounding woodland trails.
Costumed Characters: Meet the "villagers" who stay in character to answer questions about daily life during the English Civil War era.

Top 5 Highlights

The Blacksmith’s Forge: This is a "Helpful Peer" favourite because of the heat and noise. Kids love watching the sparks fly as the smith hammers glowing metal into tools or decorative items.
The Potter’s Workshop: Watch clay being transformed into jugs and bowls on a traditional wheel. It is a highlight because children can see exactly where everyday objects came from before plastic existed.
The Weaver’s Cottage: See how wool is spun and woven into cloth. It is a great spot because kids can touch the raw materials and understand the huge amount of work that went into a single shirt.
The Sawpit: A rare sight in modern times, where two people use a giant saw to cut logs. It is a highlight because it shows the physical strength required for 17th-century construction.
The Ale House: While they don't serve modern drinks, it is a must-see to understand the social hub of the village. The "Helpful Peer" tip is to ask the villager there what people drank instead of water back then!

Facilities

Toilets: Located at the entrance to the village; please note there are no toilets within the historical area itself.
Buggy Parking: The village paths are wood-chipped; while buggies are allowed, some parents prefer carriers as the ground can be uneven.
Food & Drink: There is no café inside the village. Most visitors bring a picnic to eat in the Alver Valley parkland or the designated picnic area at the entrance.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Dress for the Woods: The village is under a canopy of trees and can stay damp. Wear sturdy shoes or wellies even if it looks sunny at home.
Bring Cash: While the village often takes cards, having some cash is handy for small donations or items in the tiny gift shop.
Check the Calendar: Little Woodham is not open every day. They usually open on specific "Public Opening" weekends and Bank Holidays from April to October.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes! Toddlers love the woodland setting and the farm-like feel of the village. Under-3s are free, and they will enjoy seeing the "villagers" in their funny clothes.
How long does a visit take? Most families spend around 2 to 3 hours. This gives you enough time to chat with all the craftsmen and have a picnic in the woods.
Where is the best place to park? The Alver Valley Country Park car park (West entrance) is the best spot. It is very close to the village and provides easy access to the playground afterwards.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Gosport? While Little Woodham is mostly outdoors, the cottages provide shelter. It is one of the cheapest high-quality historical activities in the area.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The volunteers are incredibly patient with children, staying in character while making sure the history is easy to understand.
It is a very peaceful experience compared to busy theme parks; there are no loud noises or flashing lights.
The price is unbeatable for the quality of the interaction and the time spent there.

What Visitors Don't Like

The opening hours are limited to certain weekends, so you have to plan your trip carefully around their schedule.
Because it is a reconstruction of a 17th-century village, there is no on-site café, so you must bring your own snacks.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The Blacksmith's Forge: A fully working 17th-century style smithy.
The Potter's Kiln: Used for firing authentic lead-glazed earthenware.
The Weaver’s Loom: A traditional upright or horizontal loom for cloth making.
The Wood Turner’s Lathe: A pole-lathe used for creating wooden "treen" or bowls.
The Apothecary’s Garden: A collection of herbs used for medicine and cooking in 1642.
The Barker’s (Tanner’s) House: Where animal hides were prepared for leather.
The Seamstress’s Workroom: Focusing on hand-stitched period clothing.
The Charcoal Burner’s Camp: Showing how essential fuel was created.
The Village Well: A central point showing how water was manually retrieved.
The Scribe’s Desk: Demonstrating 17th-century handwriting and ink making.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Alver Valley Country Park: The village is located within this large park, which features a great adventure playground and a BMX track.
Wildgrounds Nature Reserve: Adjacent to the village, this is a restricted-access ancient oak woodland (check for permit requirements).
Lee-on-the-Solent Beach: A 10-minute drive away for a classic seaside finish to your day.
The Grange Farm: Nearby area within Alver Valley with further walking trails and birdwatching spots.

New for 2026

The 1642 Experience 2026: A new-for-2026 expanded programme of "Living History" weekends featuring larger skirmishes and campfire cooking demonstrations.
Refurbished Visitor Entrance: Improved accessibility features have been added for the 2026 season to make the woodland paths easier for all visitors.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

Website

Contact

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult: £7
Child (Under 18): £5
Concessions: £5
Family (2 adults and 3 children): £20
Under 3s: Free

Pricing URL: https://www.littlewoodham.org.uk/plan-your-visit

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Little Woodham does not offer commercial birthday party packages with catering. For private group visits or educational bookings: Contact Email: [email protected]

Opening times: 10.30 - 4.30 (last admission 3.30)

May: 2nd, 3rd, 4th (May Day), 23rd, 24th, 25th
June: 6th, 7th, 20th, 21st
July: 4th, 5th, 18th, 19th
August: 1st, 2nd, 15th, 16th (Craft Day), 29th, 30th, 31st
September: 19th, 20th
October: 3rd, 4th, 17th, 18th

Address: Little Woodham Living History Village, Barrington Close, Gosport, UK

Post Code: PO13 8AB

Council: Gosport

County: Hampshire

By Car: Use postcode PO13 8NZ. Follow signs for Alver Valley Country Park (West).
Parking: Use the Alver Valley Country Park car park. It is a short 5-minute walk through the woods to the village gate.
By Bus: Take the E1 or E2 Eclipse bus from Fareham or Gosport to the "Nimrod Drive" stop, then a 15-minute walk.