A much loved North Yorkshire attraction has been bought by a leading York business.
Eden Camp, the modern history museum near Malton, has been acquired by the Continuum Group.
It also runs York’s Chocolate Story along with other visitor heritage destinations across the country.
Eden Camp, a former prisoner of war camp attracts around 125,000 guests each year and is famed for its immersive storytelling around the reality of life in the Second World War.
Buyers were asked for ‘substantial offers’ when the venue went on the market in January. The sale was managed by property adviser Christie & Co, sees Continuum Attractions secure the freehold of the 5.8-acre site and its extensive collection of historical exhibits.
Eden Camp was purchased by Stan Johnson in 1985. He achieved his aim of creating the world’s first modern history museum when it opened two years later.
After he died in 2015, the attraction was operated and expanded by his children, Howard Johnson and Paula Peace.
Eden Camp facts
- The museum attracts around 125,000 visitors each year
- It’s a popular venue for school groups, with around 25,000 children visiting in 2023
- It enjoys close collaboration with veterans groups
- The Eden Camp archive is a resource of national historical and educational importance
Continuum, whose HQ is on Margaret Street in York, already has brands including The Real Mary King’s Close in Edinburgh, The Loch Ness Centre and Oxford Castle & Prison.
Its portfolio also includes Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower and GreenWood Family Park in North Wales, as well as operating the Coronation Street Experience and Emmerdale Village Tour in partnership with ITV.
The deal ensures Eden Camp remains locally owned, retaining its place as one of Yorkshire’s most iconic attractions.
CEO of Continuum Attractions Andrew Pawson said: “We are thrilled to welcome Eden Camp into the Continuum family. Its authenticity, educational value and reputation as a much-loved visitor attraction make it a natural fit for us.
“I remember visiting Eden Camp many years ago and appreciating the outstanding depth it offers our understanding of life at war, along with the immersive way it tells us those stories.
“It has always been about people – from the veterans who helped create it, to the generations of schoolchildren who continue to learn from it – and we are committed to protecting that legacy while also securing its future.
“Our aim is to invest for the long term, support its dedicated team and ensure that Eden Campcontinues to inspire guests of all ages with its powerful storytelling.”
Outgoing director Howard Johnson said: “After more than 40 years as a family-run museum, we feel incredibly proud of what Eden Camp has become. The stories told within these huts are as relevant today as they were when the museum first opened.
“We have received several approaches over the years to sell but now is the right time. We know that under Continuum’s stewardship, Eden Camp will continue to thrive, develop and safeguard its heritage for generations to come.”
Fellow director Paula Peace said: “Eden Camp has always been about keeping history alive in a way that is engaging, meaningful and accessible to all.
We are delighted that Continuum Attractions will now take Eden Camp forward. Their expertise will ensure the museum continues to thrive, and I look forward to seeing how they build on our family’s legacy while keeping the spirit of Eden Camp at the heart of everything it does.”
Eden Camp is Mr Pawson’s first acquisition as Continuum’s chief executive having been appointed earlier this year.
Continuum chair Sue Garland commented: “Eden Camp is far more than a museum – it is a living piece of history and a cornerstone of the community.
“We are honoured to take on the responsibility of preserving its legacy while also looking forward to new opportunities to enhance what it offers. This acquisition reflects our belief in the enduring importance of authentic heritage and cultural attractions across the UK.”
Ms Garland leads the Continuum board alongside brand strategist Andrew Marsden. The board is completed by Abigail Skipper and Emma Leckie, daughters of company founder, entrepreneur and philanthropist the late Ian Skipper.
Jon Patrick, head of leisure and development at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, added: “Eden Camp attracted interest from around the world, including a number of military collectors and a range of visitor attraction operators and private investors, reflecting its exceptional reputation and growth potential.
“Continuum Attractions were however the first party we spoke with, as we believed they would be an excellent fit for the business and see the potential on offer.
“The sale to Continuum will ensure the museum remains in the hands of experienced operators whose objectives are closely aligned with those of our clients, and we look forward to seeing the next chapter of this exceptional heritage and visitor experience unfold.”
Eden Camp, a former Italian prisoner of war camp opened in 1942, tells the story of The People’s War, the social history of life in Britain from 1939 to 1945, with realistic tableaux, moving figures, authentic sounds and even smells, recreated to transport guests back in time.
The attraction is open between March and November each year and is renowned as a popular school trip destination, as well as being hugely popular with veterans and their families – indeed anyone wanting to learn more about Britain during the Second World War.
