Where We Are?

When you enter the building, look up to the first floor and you will see the museum.  Our galleries, which are open plan, lie underneath the transparent dome which crowns the building.  Displays draw on a collection of over five thousand items acquired over the years through the generosity of local people.

Exhibits and services

Henry VIII had a palace at Nonsuch, the well on Epsom Common was the site of the first English Spa, and Epsom Downs have seen two hundred years of the Derby, the most famous horse race in the world.  The museum has a hansom cab used by a Prime Minister, and a primitive fire engine worked by teams of sweating volunteers. Collections of toys, cameras, old costume and medical items will be of interest to anyone looking back on the old days.  There is often an art exhibition on display at Bourne Hall.  Displays are continually changing, and there are temporary exhibitions on themes of local interest.  If you’re interested in local history, there is a special volunteer group in the library, the Local History Centre, who will be happy to help with enquiries. 

There are special services for schools, or for anyone else interested in education.  Teachers or anyone else who is interested can have loans of old objects, slides and teaching notes, guided walks, and visits from museum staff.  There are regular festivals at Bourne Hall involving historical re-enactors and other ways of celebrating the past.

The Museum Shop

You may want to buy a souvenir in the museum shop, on the ground floor of Bourne Hall.  Local history books are available here, as well as background material for school projects.  

Opening Hours

Entrance to the museum is free.

9.00 - 18.00 hours - closed on Sunday.

Further Information: Telephone: 020 8394 1734

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