The museum’s archaeological holdings are a major draw, headlined by the world-famous Chertsey Viking Sword. Pulled from the depths of the River Thames, this 10th-century weapon remains remarkably well-preserved, offering a hauntingly direct connection to the Viking Age. Beyond this legendary blade, the galleries house a diverse array of treasures, from delicate ancient Greek pottery to a rhythmic collection of historical clocks. Each piece tells a story of craftsmanship and survival, charting the evolution of technology and artistry from the ancient world to the local Surrey workshops of centuries past.
STOPS
Chertsey Museum
On your marks!...
Housed in "The Cedars," a magnificent Grade II listed Regency town house, Chertsey Museum serves as the cultural heart of the Runnymede district. With a sprawling collection of over 15,000 objects, the museum offers an intimate yet expansive journey through time, blending local heritage with items of international significance. Visitors are encouraged to do more than just observe; the museum’s philosophy emphasizes hands-on interaction, allowing the past to come alive through tactile displays and immersive exhibits that cater to curious minds of all ages.
Fashion enthusiasts will find a sanctuary in the outstanding Olive Matthews Collection of Dress and Textiles. This world-class archive chronicles over 300 years of British fashionable attire, revealing how silhouettes have shifted alongside social revolutions. The collection highlights the true extremes of human vanity and status, showcasing everything from the restrictive opulence of Georgian silk gowns to the bold experiments of the modern era. It is a vivid reminder that fashion has always been a form of theatre; if you think the flared trousers of the 1970s were a radical departure, the structural marvels and eccentricities of the 18th century will certainly prove otherwise.
Address
Chertsey Museum, The Cedars, 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 8AT
Directions from Brooklands Museum
To drive from Brooklands Museum to Chertsey Museum, you will travel a distance of approximately 4.6 miles (7.4 km) on a route that primarily heads north through the heart of Weybridge and Addlestone. The journey begins by exiting Brooklands Drive onto Brooklands Road (B374), then following the A317 (Weybridge Road) towards Chertsey, and finally navigating onto Windsor Street to reach the museum. You should remain alert for potential delays at the major roundabouts connecting Weybridge and Addlestone, as well as typical urban bottlenecks near Chertsey Bridge and the town centre's narrow historic streets.
Useful Links
Chertsey Museum (Opens in new window) Provides a comprehensive digital guide to the local history of the Runnymede borough, housed in a historic Regency townhouse. It offers:
Collection Highlight:
Searchable Archives
Visitor Logistics: Essential planning tools including opening hours, free entry details, and travel directions by car, train, and bus.
Educational Resources: A dedicated portal for schools and home educators.
Event Calendar: Updates on temporary exhibitions, workshops, and family-friendly activities.
Digital Tour Tools
Accessibility Information
Facebook: Chertsey Museum (Opens in new window) Serves as an active community hub, providing real-time updates on rotating exhibitions, family-friendly workshops like "Museum Monkeys," and upcoming craft events. It offers a digital look at the museum's historical collections—such as the Viking sword and Olive Matthews fashion collection—while sharing practical visitor information, holiday hours, and local heritage stories to help the public stay engaged with the museum's latest activities.
X: Chertsey Museum (Opens in new window) Acts as a concise news feed, providing quick updates on upcoming workshops, holiday opening hours, and new exhibitions. It features highlights from the museum's fashion and local history collections, shares community event reminders, and offers bite-sized historical facts to keep followers connected with the museum’s latest activities and heritage projects.
Instagram: Chertsey Museum (Opens in new window) Offers a visually-driven look at its collections, focusing on high-quality photos of historic fashion from the Olive Matthews Collection and local archaeological finds. It uses reels and images to highlight behind-the-scenes work, promote upcoming craft workshops, and showcase interactive family events, providing an aesthetic and immersive way for followers to discover the museum's latest displays and activities.
Previous Stop: Brooklands Museum The historic birthplace of British motorsport and aviation, situated on the site of the world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit.
Next Stop: FAST Museum Brings aviation history to life through its extensive collection of pioneering aircraft, jet engines, and scientific exhibits housed at the historic Royal Aircraft Establishment site in Farnborough.
