East Surrey Museum
📍 Caterham, Greater London
Compact free local history museum in Caterham with an interactive children's toy room spanning 100 years of toys, WWI and WWII artefacts, Victorian displays, and model railway exhibits. Enthusiastic volunteers run regular school holiday activities.
This was the latest in my extensive list of local museums visited - and well worth the long journey. The staff and volunteers were extremely welcoming - I happened to arrive on a special day. It was the first time at such a small museum that I was offered tea and cakes. The exhibits were indeed local - and fascinating, especially the Victorian section, complete with model railway. Also impressive was the effort which had been put in to make the museum appealing to children.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with children aged 5+ who respond well to hands-on exhibits — the toy room is the main draw and genuinely engages younger visitors. Older children and adults will find the WWI, WWII, and Victorian displays well curated for a small museum. The free entry and enthusiastic volunteers make every visit low-pressure.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →40 Google reviews
Rodney Mantle
4 months ago
“This was the latest in my extensive list of local museums visited - and well worth the long journey. The staff and volunteers were extremely welcoming - I happened to arrive on a special day. It was the first time at such a small museum that I was offered tea and cakes. The exhibits were indeed local - and fascinating, especially the Victorian section, complete with model railway. Also impressive was the effort which had been put in to make the museum appealing to children.”
Chris Gledhill
a year ago
“What a great place. Have driven past this loads of times and never thought to go in. Took my kids here and they loved it. It’s not a big place but it’s free so can’t complain. The highlight is the kids room showing 100 years of kids toys with lots of interactive exhibits. The curators at the museum are lovely and care for the place. There’s a small gift shop. Enjoy!”
Shannon Gainey
5 months ago
“Beautiful little museum with wonderful people here. They had a special exhibition for Railway 200 when I visited and an amazing map with all the various pubs past and present along with what they are now! Very cool overall and it's free!”
Hannah
a month ago
“Great little museum, lots of interesting things to look at. Always an activity on for kids during school holidays.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
East Surrey Museum is volunteer-run and free to enter, with displays covering Victorian life, commemorative china, WWI and WWII artefacts, and a model railway. The standout feature for children is an interactive room showcasing toys from the last 100 years. Special events and school holiday activities are run regularly. On some days, tea and cake are offered to visitors. A small gift shop is on site.
