Detectorist at work
Last year Neil Packenham-Walsh, Charlbury resident and keen metal detectorist, received permission from the Thomas Gifford Trust to survey The Playing Close. Over many months Neil systematically searched the area,…
Jump to our latest news
Charlbury Museum & Heritage Centre
We are now open for 2026 until 25 October
Our opening hours are: Saturdays 10.30 – 12.30 & 2.30 – 4.30 Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays 2.30 – 4.30
Our five rooms are full of exhibits and information revealing the history of this ancient market town. Through Stone Age arrow heads, the granting of a market charter in 1256, the history of the extensive royal forest of Wychwood, through centuries of farming and the growth of the gloving industry, we tell the story of our streets and buildings and of the people who have lived and worked here through the centuries. As well as items on display, we have a large collection of documents and photographs of Charlbury and its people at work and play.
Towns and communities all need to know the story of their past to foster a sense of belonging and understanding of the place we live in. Small museums can give us glimpse into how people lived their lives in the past, how and why places have changed over the years, and what can be learned from looking at the buildings and environment around us.
The museum is run entirely by volunteers. If you would like to help us in any way, either as a steward when we are open or in any other capacity, we would love to hear from you. Please email
Latest News
The museum has applied for accreditation which, if granted, will enable the museum to apply for grants to improve and develop the collection. As part of this, volunteers have been… The Playing Close has been at the centre of Charlbury life for hundreds of years. But it wasn’t always the tranquil, green space that it is today. In the past… After 75 years as part of the Charlbury Society, the Museum has now become a charity in its own right. We are now registered with the Charity Commission as a… On Sunday 25th August 2025, as part of the Charlbury Arts Festival, the museum organised a walk and talk event exploring the history of the Playing Close. A pleasing… Christopher Bartlett, and his wife Violetta, were famous honey producers who lived and worked in Charlbury. Before the first world war, at the age of 20, he already had over…
Conservation
The Playing Close
Museum becomes a charity
History of the Playing Close
Christopher Bartlett, Beekeeper