What Can You See and Do at Steyning Museum?

Updated

Steyning Museum tells the story of Steyning, Bramber, Upper Beeding, Ashurst, Wiston and Botolphs from pre-history to the present day. A visit combines permanent exhibits with temporary displays, so it is worth a look whether you are a first-time or regular visitor. If you want to research something in detail, the museum also keeps a library and archives.

Exhibits and Displays

The museum has both permanent exhibits and temporary displays. The current temporary exhibition, The River Runs Through, tells the story of the Adur Valley. Because displays change, it is worth checking the "What's On" and "Exhibits" sections of the website before you travel if a particular exhibition is your reason for visiting.

Objects highlighted on the website give a sense of the collection's range:

Object What it shows
Illuminated map Local geography presented visually
Model of an L.B.S.C.R. Suburban Line train, circa 1900 The area's railway history
Stuffed canary A curiosity from the collection
The skeleton known as 'Steyning Man' The museum's pre-history holdings
The Town Mace Civic history — it sits above the door leading into the museum

The museum also runs an "adopt an artefact" scheme, which is a way to support the collection if a particular object catches your interest.

Audio Guide on Your Own Phone

You can use your own smartphone to access an audio guide to the museum's history and exhibits. Bring headphones if you prefer not to hold the phone to your ear throughout the visit.

Events and Talks

The "What's On" section lists occasional events alongside the displays. Examples from the listings include:

  • Coffee Morning in the Penfold Hall — fresh coffee and biscuits, entrance £2.00, and you are welcome to bring friends.
  • Conducted Tour of the Commonwealth War Graves in Steyning Churchyard, commemorating the contribution made by Steyning residents. This is a free event with no booking required; the meeting point is inside the museum.
  • Quiz organised by Steyning Museum — £5.00.

Dates and details for these change, so confirm on the website before setting out.

Researching Family or Local History

Beyond looking around, the museum holds a library and archives, and the website has dedicated sections for Family History, Archives, Local History, Oral History, Graveyard Gossip and The Box Files. These are the places to start if you want to trace a person, a property or a local event rather than simply view the displays.

Practical Points Before You Go

  • Check the "Visiting us" section for opening arrangements; the website also posts closure notices, for example a closure during forecast extreme temperatures.
  • Look at "What's On" for event dates and any charges.
  • The museum has a shop, and there is a membership scheme with an application form and subscription if you want to support it regularly.
  • The museum is run by the Steyning Museum Trust, a volunteer-led local museum, so opening hours and event schedules can be limited — confirming ahead is sensible.

For a short visit, the permanent exhibits, the current temporary display and the audio guide make a complete trip. For a longer one, add the archives and library, or time your visit to coincide with a talk or tour.