Where is The Repair Shop filmed?
We answer one of Radio Times readers' most frequently asked questions.
BBC One's The Repair Shop is back on our screens, with host Jay Blades and his team of experts restoring sentimental antiques for members of the public.
Series eight continues this week, with Wednesday's episode following the Repair Shop crew as they restore an old teddy bear, a drum kit from the 1950s, an ancient puzzle and a wooden toy box.
While we're set to see a number of family heirlooms, childhood toys and antiques enter the iconic workshop throughout the upcoming episodes, viewers may be wondering where exactly that workshop is located.
Read on for everything we know about The Repair Shop barn and where you can find it in the UK.
Where is The Repair Shop filmed?
The popular series is filmed at The Weald and Downland Living Museum, which is located by the South Downs National Park near Chichester.
Although it has been closed a lot in recent times as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the museum is normally open to visitors seven days a week – with regular opening times of 10:30am till 6pm (closing time is brought forward during winter months.)
The site is an open-air museum spread over 40 acres and consisting of over 50 historic buildings dating from 950AD to the 19th century, while it also includes gardens, farm animals, walks, and a millpond.
According to its official website, the museum, "tells the story of rural life in South East England over a 1000-year period" while there is also a regular programme of demonstrations.
- For the latest news and expert tips on getting the best deals this year, take a look at our Black Friday 2021 and Cyber Monday 2021 guides.
Does The Repair Shop actually exist?
Rob Butterfield, head of factual at production company Ricochet, explains: “Many of our huge pool of experts run their own businesses, but the Weald and Downland Museum [in Singleton, West Sussex], where The Repair Shop is filmed, doesn’t offer a repair service outside the show.
"In the case of some items, there are only a handful of people in the country who have the skills to fix them, so we’re lucky to have so many of Britain’s top craftspeople involved. It can get busy at times, with as many as 12 [The Repair Shop experts] working in the barn, plus the occasional appearance of a barn owl!
“We’ve found most people for the show through social media. And we don’t charge for repairs. If people wish to make a donation to charity we’re very happy with that, but it’s by no means necessary.”
The Repair Shop series 8 continues on Wednesday 29th September at 8pm on BBC One, with previous episodes available on iPlayer. Looking for something else to watch? Check out our TV Guide.
