Iconic Eden Camp Modern History Museum Seeks New Custodian

The museum near Malton has been put up for sale by the current owners who say it is business as usual at the former prisoner of war camp.

Specialist leisure property adviser Christie & Co has been instructed to sell the iconic Eden Camp Modern History Museum.

The museum, known for its immersive portrayal of life in Britain during World War II, is being offered for sale for the first time in its nearly 40-year history due to the retirement of its current owners.

Originally a prisoner of war camp built in 1942 to house Italian POWs, Eden Camp was transformed into the world's only modern history museum in 1987 by Stan Johnson. Following an initial investment of £750,000, the site was meticulously recreated to offer visitors a unique journey through "The People’s War." The museum utilizes realistic tableaux, moving figures, authentic sounds, and even smells to "transport you back in time" to the 1939-1945 era.

Eden Camp has consistently invested in enhancing its facilities and visitor experience. Recent additions include a new "Blitz Experience," a remodelled entrance, new exhibition spaces, and the Heritage Exhibition Hall, which houses a collection of rare military vehicles and equipment. The museum attracts approximately 125,000 visitors annually, including 25,000 schoolchildren, and has been recognized with TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice and Certificates of Excellence awards for many years.

The decision to sell comes after a record-breaking year in 2024, which saw unprecedented visitor numbers. Paula Peace, daughter of the late Stan Johnson and current Director, stated:

“Following the announcement of the planned sale, it is very much business as usual. We are busy preparing for another fantastic year after the success of 2024, welcoming visitors to explore the collections and enjoy a host of events.

Our sights are very much set on February half-term and the season opening in March. “

She emphasised the family's commitment to preserving the museum's legacy:

“Howard and I are extremely proud that this has been a family business for 40 years and want to ensure Eden Camp is being sold with the intention that it stays as a museum for future generations to enjoy and continues to safeguard the incredible artefacts remain as part of this unique collection.”

Howard Johnson, son of Stan Johnson and current Director, added:

“Since our father passed away in 2015, my sister and I have continued as custodians of this incredible business.

We have consistently invested in improving the facilities and customer experience and have a fantastic team we work with here, but we too are at that time in our lives where it makes sense to pass the reigns to new owners.

I’ve been contacted several times over the years asking if we would sell and so this tremendous opportunity now becomes a reality.”

Jon Patrick, Head of Leisure & Development at Christie & Co, believes Eden Camp holds wide appeal:

"There are many people, particularly those from Yorkshire, who will have visited Eden Camp as a child and returned with their own children, parents and even grand-parents as there is something here for everyone.

With over 105,000 items of memorabilia we can see Eden Camp appealing to a national and even international buyer audience, such is the interest in the subject matter.

From a tourist perspective, it also benefits from the vast majority of its displays being undercover and so would provide a great hedge against inclement weather for visitor attraction operators with primarily outdoor facilities.

We can also envisage Eden Camp being of interest to other museums, collections and collectors and whilst not forming part of the operating business itself, our clients own a number of rare and valuable military vehicles outside the company structure on offer, which could be made available to purchase or lease by way of separate negotiation.”

Christie & Co is seeking substantial offers for the business, including the valuable freehold property. They say that the sale of Eden Camp presents a "unique opportunity to acquire a historically significant and thriving visitor attraction with immense potential for future growth".