The East Surrey Museum is a small but highly attractive museum dedicated to the preservation and display of artefacts and documents relating to the social history, archaeology and geology of East Surrey from the earliest times to the more recent past.
Conveniently located in the centre of Caterham, a minute's walk from the station and bus routes, the museum is manned entirely by volunteers, many of whom have local knowledge, and is supported largely by donations and a utilities grant from Tandridge District Council.
There is a small shop where you can buy souvenirs and a wide range of Bourne Society and other books on local history.
You and your children will receive a warm welcome from our curator and our stewards, who will be happy to show you around, leave you to browse, or help with any particular enquiries you might have regarding local history.
Opening times
Wednesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays, 10.00am to 5.00pm. Admission is free but donations are welcomed.
There is a museum shop and bookstall selling museum memorabilia, gifts, 'pocket-money' souvenirs, old postcard views and local history books. All profits are used to support the museum. The museum is one of the few places where you can buy many of the Bourne Society's publications, including the complete 'Village Histories' series.
Group visits
Groups are welcome, and the museum is pleased to offer a service for a wide range of visitors. Visits can be arranged either during normal opening hours or at other times. Please contact the museum for further information or to make a booking. The average time for a visit is about one hour.
Outreach visits and talks
Visits to schools and community groups, bringing suitable material from the museum, are an important part of the museum's service. School visits can be linked to the National Curriculum. Please contact the museum for further information or to make a booking. The museum volunteers are pleased to provide speakers for suitable occasions, using the museum's collections as required.
Disabled access
The museum welcomes all of its visitors, and stewards are always on hand to provide assistance wherever necessary. People with mobility problems can be set down at the side entry in Stafford Road. There is a sloping path from our side entry with one small step at the door, after which ramps provide easy access to all exhibition rooms. Unfortunately there is no wheelchair access to the toilet and no parking for the disabled at the museum.
Loan boxes
Loan boxes are available on request, especially for schools. There is one permanent 'overview of the past' box, and other boxes can be made up for specific topics including the requirements of the national curriculum. There is no charge but donations are always welcomed.
