Leatherhead Museum and Local Heritage Trust
Registered Charity No.273798

The Leatherhead Museum of Local History is in Hampton Cottage, a timbered 17th Century house in Church Street. It was purchased by us in 1976. Trust members are appointed by the Leatherhead & District Local History Society. In 1980 the Museum was opened after extensive restoration of Hampton Cottage. It is the Leatherhead & District Local History Society’s HQ as well as its showcase for many items of local interest. 2005 was our 25th Anniversary year.

our eyecatching 'open' sign introduced in 2004		 Hampton Cottage is perhaps the best exhibit of all, together with its attractive garden which has a well and the stone swan from the old Swan Hotel. The 'Victorian kitchen' is very popular with visitors. There are collections of: Anglo-Saxon finds; Ashtead pottery (1923 to 1935); Ronson lighters and Goblin items; models of Hampton Cottage and a Roman Villa at Ashtead; and paintings, old photos and maps of the district.

ACCESS free: It was planned to reopen in April 2008 but this was deferred until work was completed on repairing and restoring the building and the displays damaged in the car accident in January: we are pleased to announce the Museum reopened on Thursday 29th May at 1pm - see News for details.

People who have visited the museum in the past may be reluctant to come again – they’ll be saying : “Nothing much has changed, I expect”. This year attention is drawn more to the industrial and trade history exhibits in the upstairs front room and it’s safe to answer: “Yes, it’s well worth coming back once more”.

Those who have never seen the museum at 64 Church Street (click for map, opposite The Crescent), should plan a visit in the coming weeks. There is so much of interest for everyone to enjoy. And there’s no entrance fee, although a donation is always welcome.

The Great Sock Raffle 2008
Photo report of accident in which a vehicle crashed into the Museum 6 Jan 2008

BY CAR: Leatherhead Town Centre is just 5 or so minutes from M25 Junction 9 and the town is an easy run from Kingston, Epsom, Dorking and Guildford. See map for location of car parks which are a short walk from the Museum.

TRAIN: From Victoria, Waterloo, Guildford and Horsham to Leatherhead Station which is ten minutes easy walk to the Museum. There is a taxi stand at the station.