Where is The Repair Shop filmed?

Where is The Repair Shop filmed? With its beautiful leafy surroundings, many viewers of BBC One's hit show are curious to know where the series is filmed in the UK 

The Repair Shop is one of the country's favourite restoration programmes, which comes as no surprise. Watching The Repair Shop presenters and host Jay Blades consistently carry out innovative repair projects on priceless gems, is both emotional and addictive. The show is a winner among antique fans and anyone who loves a good story with a happy ending - those who watch the sister series The Bidding Room, adore similarly engaging tales following auction experts from valuation to the sale.

The show also has Royal fans, with King Charles once starring in a special episode of The Repair Shop. Some viewers are so attached to the hosts, there was public outcry when they thought Will Kirk had quit the series. Whether you want to visit The Repair Shop set yourself, or are just interested to know where it's filmed, we've shared the real-life filming location of the hit show.

Where is The Repair Shop filmed?

The Repair Shop is filmed at the Weald and Downland Living Museum in Singleton, Chichester. 

Situated right next to the South Downs National Park, most of the repairs take place at this location although some projects are moved by cast and crew to the nearby smithery and wagon shed. The museum describes itself as a "hidden gem in the South East, quintessentially British in a picture perfect setting."

The venue continues "We are a museum for those who want to see, touch and even smell what life was really like for people living in years gone by. Whether you are 5 or 95 there is something for everyone!"

It's truly the perfect rustic setting for the restoration show. The site boasts 40 acres of land and has 50 historic buildings going back to 950AD. It also has an array of beautiful gardens and walks that visitors can take, with farm animals and a millpond to see on the way.

Can you visit The Repair Shop?

Yes, you can visit the museum where The Repair Shop is filmed. The Weald and Downland Living Museum is open daily from January 1 December 23.

From the January 1 to March 26, and October 30 to December 23, the museum is open from 10.30am to 4pm - last admission is 2pm. From March 27 to October 29, the museum stays open a little longer, from 10.30am to 6pm, with last admission at 4pm.  

Tickets can be pre-booked online, with adult tickets starting at £15.50 (concessions available). Alternatively, it's £27.50 or £42 for a family ticket, depending on how many adults are present. Children under 4 years old go free, and any child over four years old can enter the museum for £7.50, and students are charged £12. There is free parking on-site, and admission to the museum includes entry to any other daytime events and activities happening on the day, unless otherwise stated. 

Traditionally, fans couldn't visit while the show was being filmed, and the programme closed the museum's Court Barn for filming. However, Weald and Downland have recently announced that visitors will be allowed sneak peeks inside The Repair Shop barn on selected dates throughout the year. This will allow a close-up look inside the barn and production set.

There is no additional charge to get this front row look, but it's strongly advised to pre-book your visit to the museum on the selected dates, as they're set to be very popular with fans trying to get in. The museum also asks visitors to note the cast and crew of The Repair Shop will not be present on these dates. Remaining sneak peek dates for 2023 are:

• 12 & 13 August
• 9 & 10 September
• 14 & 15 October

How to appear on The Repair Shop:

It's very easy to appear on The Repair Shop, simply apply through the BBC's Take Part website. The only condition is that you must be 18-years old or over to enter.

The show is keen to hear from communities who have "objects of historical or social interest" they'd like help with, along with people looking for the experts to restore their their family heirlooms and similar pieces on the show. It's advised that potential applicants speak with Ricochet BEFORE sending any beloved items in the post or delivering in person, to avoid loss or damage.

As application numbers are high, further advice is to make yours stand out as much as possible. Offer as much detail about your item as you can, and the significance it has to you - stories with high sentimental value will be good. If possible, including a short video with your application can also increase the chances of being noticed. 

Do people pay at The Repair Shop?

No, people don't have to pay at The Repair Shop, and all items featured are restored free of charge. 

This will be good news for hopeful viewers and their heirlooms. Those who would like to offer a form of compensation for repairs made, can make a charitable donation. The head of factual entertainment at the show's production company, Ricochet, Rob Butterfield said,  "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."

For more The Repair Shop news, after announcing his engagement, presenter Jay Blades married in an emotional Barbados wedding in 2022. People wanting more information on the show's expert Suzie Fletcher don't have far to look - we have everything you need to know.