Activities free with your admission! *
Normal entrance prices apply.
Members of the Dark Ages Society will be in residence in our Saxon hall, transporting visitors back to 884 AD. Explore aspects of Saxon and Viking life with ancient skills demonstrations and displays including early mediaeval board games, textiles and weaponry.
The year is AD 884. The Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex is officially at peace with the Vikings, who have settled in the lands of East Anglia. However the Vikings still send raids across the border!
King Alfred expects every settlement to provide warriors to join the fyrd (pronounced ‘feerd’). The fyrd was a fighting force of ordinary villagers and farmers led by a core of trained and experienced warriors. Its main job was local defence against raids but the fyrd could be mobilised across the whole kingdom.
Cynric Thegn (pronouned kin-rich thain) is the “shire reeve” for this part of Wessex and will be inspecting the fyrd on Saturday!
As with all our open weekends there will be the chance to get hands on with the ancient past and learn a craft skill from members of the Butser team, meet our rare-breed animals and explore our timeline of ancient homes.
Discover Anglo Saxon and Viking life
Meet Saxons and Vikings at the Saxon hall.
Watch craft and ancient skills displays
Get hands-on and learn an ancient skill like spinning or carving chalk as you explore our open air site.
Please be aware many of our guided activities and demonstrations are delivered by our wonderful volunteers and may be subject to change on the day.
Annual Passholders get free admission to the farm any day we’re open for general admission — you only need to visit twice before you’re quid’s in! Learn more.
DOGS: Please feel free to bring your dogs with you! We just ask that they are well-behaved and kept on leads at all times.
REFUNDS: If we aren’t able to open the farm on the day of your visit, you will of course be completely refunded. Unfortunately in any other circumstances we aren’t able to offer refunds.