Steyning Museum

About the museum

Steyning Museum tells the story of Steyning and the neighbouring villages of Bramber, Upper Beeding, Ashurst, Wiston and Botolphs, from prehistory to today. It is run by Steyning Museum Trust, a registered charity, through a volunteer management committee, and holds full accreditation from Arts Council England.

The museum stands in Church Street behind the library, opposite St Andrew’s Church. Its collections include a large and growing set of photographs and views of old Steyning, a library and archive for local and family history research, and an oral history project.

Permanent exhibits range from the skeleton known as “Steyning Man”, a Roman pot and a Saxon brooch to a Victorian pram and objects once owned by the local music-hall performers Gert and Daisy. The museum also owns a stuffed canary from the famous curiosity collection of Walter Potter in nearby Bramber. Temporary exhibitions change regularly, and an audio guide can be used on visitors’ own phones.

Highlights

• The skeleton known as “Steyning Man”
• Roman pot, Saxon brooch and a 12th-century map
• Items linked to the entertainers Gert and Daisy
• Stuffed canary from Walter Potter’s Bramber collection
• Free audio guide on your own smartphone, covering about 20 exhibits

Permanent exhibition

• Steyning Man and other permanent exhibits – Permanent displays on the history of Steyning and the Adur valley, from archaeological finds to Victorian domestic life.

Founded

1983

Operated by

Steyning Museum Trust

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free; donations are welcome. Some talks and special days carry a small charge.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• 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 states that it can accommodate wheelchairs and prams. Public toilets are nearby at Cuthman Field.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly

There is a hands-on children’s corner, handling of costumes and artefacts for school groups, and occasional children’s activity days for primary-age children with an adult. A playground is nearby at Cuthman Field.

Getting there & parking

The museum is behind the library in Church Street, opposite St Andrew’s Church, and can also be reached by a path beside Penfold Hall. It is just off the A283 between Shoreham and Storrington.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

A museum shop sells booklets such as an illustrated historic walk around the town. Visitors can connect to the museum’s Wi-Fi to use the audio guide.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit