East Surrey Museum
Free volunteer-run museum in Caterham on the social history, archaeology and geology of East Surrey, next to the railway station.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
East Surrey Museum in Caterham is devoted to the social history, archaeology and geology of East Surrey. It is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom have extensive local knowledge, and it stands at the corner of Stafford Road and Church Hill, a minute's walk from Caterham station.
The collections of objects, photographs and documents range from prehistoric fossils, flints and pottery through the Roman and medieval periods to recent times, although many items are kept in storage. A children's room shows vintage toys and games, and a dress-up box and museum trails help younger visitors explore.
The museum is one of the partners in the Caterham and District Local History Centre, together with Surrey Libraries, Surrey History Centre, the Bourne Society and the East Surrey Family History Society. It also offers lunchtime talks, changing exhibitions and an outreach service with handling boxes for schools.
Highlights
- Fossils, flints and pottery from prehistoric East Surrey
- Roman and medieval finds from the area
- Children's room with vintage toys and games
- Local history archive and lunchtime talks
Permanent exhibition
- Social history, archaeology and geology of East Surrey – Objects, photographs and documents from prehistoric fossils and flints through Roman and medieval times to the recent past.
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Entry is free; donations are welcome.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum lists an accessible site, accessible toilets and accessible parking, without further detail.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
- Baby changing facilities
Hands-on exhibits, several museum trails, children's craft activities in the school holidays, a children's room with vintage toys and games, and a dress-up box. Baby changing is available.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Caterham station · 1-min walk
Caterham station is about a minute's walk away, and local bus routes stop nearby.
By car
- Accessible parking
The museum is at 1 Stafford Road, on the corner with Church Hill.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
A gift shop and local history books are for sale, including titles from the Bourne Society.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours are available. Displays support the National Curriculum, and an outreach service lends handling boxes of artefacts to schools. The museum also welcomes club and society outings. |
