The museum is located a mere 3 miles south of Kingussie on the out-skirts of Newtonmore and well worth a visit if you’re visiting the town. As well as being a visitor attraction, it is important for understanding and preserving the local history of the Highlands, the way of life and the people who lived and worked here.
The Highland Folk Museum
The Highland Folk Museum was the first open air museum in the UK, way back in the 1930’s. It began life on the island of Iona, was then moved to Kingussie before being relocated to its current site on the edge of Newtonmore. In 2018, The Guardian voted it the best open-air museum to visit in the UK.
You will experience what life was like for folks here in the Highlands, from the 1700’s through to the 20th century. The site covers a large area and you can explore the homes, farms, shops and schools of the past and many of the attractions are hands on and interactive (you can be put through your paces in a 1950s classroom and have your class work marked by a strict but fair teacher). A 17th century rural village has been recreated and has been used as a set for many movies. There is a play park for the wee ones and a café for refreshments.
As well as the museum, the site is also home to Am Fasgadh, which is a collection of over 12,000 historical artefacts, collected and donated over the years.
The museum closes in the winter months, from October through to April but tours of Am Fasgadh are available by pre-booking. Entry to the museum is free, although you can make a donation and purchase a guide book (all of which goes towards the upkeep of the museum).
The Highland Folk Museum
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/HighlandFolk/
Telephone
01349 781650
Aultlarie Croft, Kingussie Rd, Newtonmore PH20 1AY