Crawley Museum
Local history museum in a medieval timber-framed house in Crawley, with objects from prehistory to the New Town era; free entry.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Crawley Museum tells the story of the town through objects and the stories behind them. Its collections include finds from Crawley's prehistory, material from the medieval settlement and the Victorian town, and items from the 20th-century New Town development. The museum also collects contemporary objects and records the town's communities in an oral history collection.
The museum is housed in The Tree, a Grade II listed timber-framed house on the High Street that is described as Crawley's original manor house. The building takes its name from an old elm that stood outside, and it was used for offices in its later years. The museum moved here from Goffs Park House, which had become too small for its collections. A restoration and conversion project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund started in November 2015.
Today the museum has a temporary exhibition space that changes regularly, a learning space with hands-on art and craft activities, and meeting rooms for hire. It is run by Crawley Museums CIO, which also looks after Ifield Watermill, thought to be the only working watermill in West Sussex still powered by its original water source.
Highlights
- Objects from Crawley prehistory to the New Town era
- Medieval timber-framed building known as The Tree
- Oral history collection of the town's communities
- Hands-on learning space for children and families
- Ifield Watermill, run by the same organisation
- Founded
- 1992
- Operated by
- Crawley Museums CIO
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Entry to Crawley Museum and Ifield Watermill is free; donations are welcome. Some temporary exhibitions suggest a donation.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
All public areas are accessible to wheelchair users. There is an entrance ramp with handrail, a lift to the first floor, seating and a quiet space on request. Captions are in at least 16 pt text with large print handouts, and audio is push-button operated with transcripts. Many objects can be touched and handling boxes are available on request; tours for visitors with visual impairments can be arranged. Two disabled parking bays can be booked in advance.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
Hands-on art and craft activities run in the Learning Space, and the shop sells inexpensive souvenirs for children. All public areas suit pushchairs and there is a lift; one of the three toilets has baby changing facilities.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Crawley station · 10-min walk
Crawley railway station is a 10-minute walk away and the bus station a 7-minute walk away.
By car
Parking available
The museum has a very small car park that is monitored by number plate recognition; visitors enter their registration number on the tablet at reception. Several public car parks are nearby. Secure cycle storage is available.
- Accessible parking
The museum is at The Tree, 103 High Street.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Small indoor refreshments area where visitors can eat their own snacks, tea and coffee machines, and a small outdoor space.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
A meeting room and an education room can be hired, with reductions for community groups and repeat bookings.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The museum has a learning offer for all ages and an education programme for schools. |
