The Cedars, 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 8AT
Chertsey Museum
Museum & collection
Source image
6.2
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Free
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.2A compact museum with a substantial local story: Chertsey’s history, material from its abbey and the nationally significant Olive Matthews Collection of dress and textiles.
Chertsey Museum earns its place through the range and specificity of its collections: local archaeology and abbey history sit alongside photographs, clocks, artworks and a nationally significant costume collection. It is a worthwhile short cultural stop, rather than a full-day destination on its own.
Atmospheric · Quiet
Find your way
Open mapThe Cedars, 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 8AT
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Explore the museum’s local-history displays, then use its Chertsey setting as a starting point for a short heritage walk around the former abbey area. Check opening times before setting out.
Things to do
Explore Chertsey’s local-history displays
Use the museum’s collections to follow the history of Chertsey and the wider Runnymede area, including local archaeology, documents, photographs, clocks and artworks.
Look for the Olive Matthews dress and textiles collection
The museum highlights this nationally significant collection. Check which pieces or displays are available during your visit.
Connect the museum to Abbey Fields
Use the Runnymede Borough Council leaflet for a flexible walk around Abbey Fields, with historical notes about Chertsey Abbey and places to pause by the green or Abbey River.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
A focused museum visit
- 01
Check current opening times before travelling; published hours are provisional.
- 02
Explore the displays on the history of the Runnymede area, Chertsey Abbey and local archaeology.
- 03
Look for the Olive Matthews Collection of dress and textiles, as well as local photographs, clocks and artworks.
Half day · Half day
Museum and Abbey Fields heritage walk
- 01
Visit Chertsey Museum during its published opening hours, checking current details first.
- 02
Cross to the green and follow a short, flexible walk around Abbey Fields using the borough leaflet; adapt the length to your interests and mobility.
- 03
Use the leaflet’s historical notes to connect the museum’s abbey material with the former abbey landscape and Abbey River views.
- 04
If you want to extend the town exploration, consider the Chertsey Museum town audio walk; check its instructions and route details before setting off.
Verified history
Chertsey Abbey was founded in 666, according to the borough’s Abbey Fields walk leaflet. The leaflet says the abbey was attacked by Vikings and that its original wooden buildings were burned in 871; it was re-founded in 964 and later rebuilt in stone. Chertsey Museum’s collections include local archaeology and material relating to the abbey. A Viking sword found in gravel pits now forming part of Thorpe Park is reported by the leaflet as being on display at the museum; check whether it remains on display before visiting.
Hidden details
A Viking sword linked to the local landscape — The borough walk leaflet reports that a Viking sword discovered in gravel pits now forming part of Thorpe Park can be seen at the museum. Treat this as a lead rather than a guarantee of current display; ask the museum before visiting.
The museum’s dress and textiles collection — The Olive Matthews Collection is described by Visit Surrey as nationally significant. Ask which items are on display, as the supplied sources do not confirm a specific object or current exhibition.
When to go
· During published opening hours; check current times before setting out.
The museum is an indoor cultural visit, so the supplied evidence does not indicate a particular seasonal advantage.
An indoor option in poor weather. Check current opening information before travelling.
Worth pairing with
Abbey Fields historic walk
A borough leaflet describes a flexible walk starting near the museum, with notes on Chertsey Abbey, the green and views of the Abbey River. Follow the leaflet’s safety advice, including keeping away from steep edges by the dry moat and fish ponds.
Chertsey town audio walk
A walking tour produced by Chertsey Museum begins and ends near the museum and covers surviving historic buildings. Check the route instructions and current availability before setting off.
What to look for
Look for displays relating to Chertsey Abbey and local archaeology, alongside the Olive Matthews Collection of dress and textiles, local photographs and clocks. The supplied sources do not identify particular objects currently on display, so check for current exhibitions.
The story
Archaeology, Industry, Literature
Best time to go
Year-round; check opening arrangements before visiting.
Choose a Tuesday–Saturday opening period and check the museum’s current visitor information first; published hours may change.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
History lovers · Families · Young children
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 12:30-4:30pm
- Wednesday: 12:30-4:30pm
- Thursday: 12:30-4:30pm
- Friday: 12:30-4:30pm
- Saturday: 11am-4pm
- Sunday: Closed
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Public museum. Visit Surrey lists free admission; its published hours are provisional, so check with the museum before travelling.
Check before visiting
Parking
No museum parking information verified. Check before visiting. A local history-walk leaflet lists on-road parking options in nearby streets; check current restrictions and availability.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Visit Surrey lists a visitor toilet. Google source information also indicates an accessible toilet; confirm current provision with the museum.
Food & drink
No on-site restaurant is listed in the supplied Google information. A local walk leaflet mentions cafés on Windsor Street; check what is currently open.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
Google source information reports a wheelchair-accessible entrance and toilet. Confirm current access arrangements with the museum before visiting.
Cost
Free
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Chertsey Museum
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
