10 Museums in Surrey That You Shouldn't Miss

August 12, 2021 Oliva Fomby

Discover the best top things to do in Surrey, United Kingdom including Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden, Wyecliffe Galleries, Gatwick Aviation Museum, Spike Heritage Centre, Spelthorne Museum, Brooklands Museum, Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands, Rural Life Centre, The Sculpture Park, Museum of Farnham.
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1. Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden

Standon Lane Black and White Cottage, Ockley RH5 5QU England +44 1306 627269 [email protected] http://www.hannahpescharsculpture.com/
Excellent
81%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 150 reviews

Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden

CLOSED FOR THE WINTER - REOPEN APRIL 2021. Broadleaved and architectural plants, mature trees and ponds support, frame and enhance an ever changing collection of contemporary sculpture in the stunning garden that Hannah Peschar and Anthony Paul created over 35 years ago. The Sculpture Garden displays over 200 pieces by 50 plus artists from Britain & the rest of Europe every year; each carefully sited within the landscaped gardens. The placement of the sculpture is the key aspect that makes the garden so magical. A strong connection between art and nature is crucial; be it the way a plant frames the piece, how the piece accentuates the surrounding planting (such as the texture of the trees or the colour of the moss), or how a shaft of sunlight plays across the surface of the sculpture. Part of the joy is discovering pieces hidden in secluded parts of the garden; creating surprise and intrigue at every turn. The exhibition runs for 7 months over the spring, summer and autumn seasons.

Reviewed By OwlofWoodland - Surrey, United Kingdom

This is an amazing place. A tranquil garden with wonderful sculptures. If you enjoy looking at different, unusual sculptures made with a variety of different materials and textures, this is the place to go. The gardens have paths that lead you to the sculptures. Do visit if you can.

2. Wyecliffe Galleries

6-10 York Road, KT13 9DT England +44 1932 847939 [email protected] https://wyecliffe.com/
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Wyecliffe Galleries

3. Gatwick Aviation Museum

Vallance By-Ways Lowfield Heath Road, Charlwood, Horley RH6 0BT England +44 1293 862417 [email protected] http://www.gatwick-aviation-museum.co.uk/
Excellent
79%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 150 reviews

Gatwick Aviation Museum

Reviewed By rockstar387 - Sarasota, United States

This was our first time to the Gatwick Aviation Museum. My wife and I worked as cabin crew out of LGW for many years and didn't know this even existed! Small but perfectly formed would be the phrase for the place. Well laid out and some great airctaft to get very close to, all with information to read about the specific aircraft you're looking at. We took our two young boys and I have to say the staff were what made the experience so special. Jeff White took it upon himself to give us a personal tour! His knowledge was great and my boys were somewhat mesmerised by his enthusiasm! A lovely chap. The history of Gatwick on the wall as you enter was my favourite, brought back some great memories. Thank you Gatwick Aviation Museum for a lovely visit.

4. Spike Heritage Centre

Warren Road, Guildford GU1 3JH England +44 1483 598420 [email protected] http://www.charlotteville.co.uk/heritage_info.html
Excellent
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5.0 based on 214 reviews

Spike Heritage Centre

We are open! All tours need to be pre-booked at least 3 days in advance. The Casual ward to the Guildford Union Workhouse was, and still is, known locally as The Spike. This is no ordinary visitor attraction but a unique visit to a time, place and a way of life for generations history often chose to forget. Prepare to be deeply moved as the tour guides escort you through an unforgettable Night at the Spike. 600 Casual wards were built in Britain, the Guildford Casual Ward is uniquely the only remaining with its working cells.

Reviewed By nickymay33 - Godalming, United Kingdom

Six retired teachers from the Guildford area, most of whom had not visited The Spike before, were treated to a guided tour conducted by Dave and TJ. School teachers are not always the easiest people to impress with a talk but this group unanimously agreed that the two volunteers combined to tell an interesting story of the lives of the inmates who were 'allowed' to either sleep for the night on payment of a penny or to work for a whole day in lieu of payment. Neither vagrants nor casuals were able to return within a month and had to find their next accommodation in other nearby towns. This visit illustrated the hardship suffered by the unfortunates who lived in the years before the welfare state came into being. The video shown was good backup for the guides' comments but undoubtedly the highlight of the tour was visiting the actual cells where the inmates slept and worked. The charitable trust which runs this historic gem is continuing to improve the visitor experience with additional information about the history of the workhouse which also stood on this site and which before being demolished became part of St Luke's Hospital. Do visit, knowing that your entrance fee will help to preserve this small part of Guildford's disappearing history.

5. Spelthorne Museum

1 Elmsleigh Road, Staines England +44 1784 461804 http://www.spelthornemuseum.org.uk
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Spelthorne Museum

Reviewed By jeevsahoo - Staines, United Kingdom

This is within the Staines library and I have visited a number of times with my kid - the reason is, it will take more than one visit to get everything in your mind and during each visit, my kid had 10 minutes of patience - having said that, it was interesting enough for kids to remember each detail from dinosaur days, to the older layout of Staines to older equipments and kids ask a lot of questions (as usual) for each exhibit - a great learning experience. If you try to get all the info in one visit, it may bore them. However, a few mini visits and kids actually look forward to this place!

6. Brooklands Museum

Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0SL England +44 1932 857381 [email protected] http://www.brooklandsmuseum.com/
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
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4.5 based on 2,363 reviews

Brooklands Museum

The birthplace of British motorsport and aviation.

Reviewed By williammJ7176AY

We had a great day out here. Very atmospherically restored to reflect the huge amounts of heritage. Loads of classic sports cars and an awesome Wellington bomber factor where you can learn about the whole aircraft design and manufacturing through a modern and interactive exhibits (with many ethusiastic volunteer tour guides!). Also there's a Concorde, and much more!

7. Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands

Brooklands Drive, Weybridge KT13 0SL England +44 370 400 4000 http://www.mercedes-benzworld.co.uk
Excellent
65%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
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4.5 based on 1,778 reviews

Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands

Mercedes-Benz World is a great day out for the whole family and entry is free. With many exotic and rare cars on show every day, why not try one of our exhilarating Driving Experiences and if the kids are over 1.5m tall they can too. For the younger guests there is also our indoor Little Learners electric car track so that they can get behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz. The 1886 cafe offers everything from hot and cold drinks to a full lunch menu for all the family. If you want something a little more then why not dine in the Gullwing restaurant on the top floor with its viewing terrace over the driving action on the tracks. The Silver Arrows display team perform every weekend. Our shop offers many souvenirs new and old from the Mercedes range as well as the state-of-the-art golf simulator. All floors provide washroom facilities including disabled. Baby facilities are available and the whole family are welcome at Mercedes-Benz World.

Reviewed By MarkB629 - Watford, United Kingdom

Brilliant driving experience today at MB world with Mark Newman as our expert instructor, definitely would recommend for anyone looking to experience proper driving experience.

8. Rural Life Centre

Reeds Road, Tilford, Farnham GU10 2DL England +44 1252 795571 [email protected] http://www.rural-life.org.uk
Excellent
54%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 192 reviews

Rural Life Centre

The Rural Life Centre is an accredited open-air museum and visitor attraction which collects and preserves objects associated with farming and goods used by local craftsmen circa 1750-1960. Many aspects of village and rural life are displayed recalling a way of life once common to the local people. The museum is distributed over ten acres of field, woodland and barns. The extensive programme of events offers the perfect way to experience the museum as volunteers set about to bring the museum alive by educating and entertaining visitors with crafts, demonstrations and hands-on activities.

Reviewed By Selsea - Herne Bay, United Kingdom

Fantastic place to visit, tucked away off the beaten track. Staff were lovely ate in the cafe sandwiches were delicious. Plenty to see and buildings to go in and experience. Well laid out, extremely interesting some of the buildings were packed with artefacts of bygone days. My only minor complaint was that you had to pay extra for the train ride! But that would have not put me off of going. Definitely will visit again and would most certainly recommend a visit if you’re in the area.

9. The Sculpture Park

Jumps Road corner of Jumps and Tilford Road, Churt, Farnham GU10 2LH England +44 1428 605453 http://www.thesculpturepark.com
Excellent
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 1,110 reviews

The Sculpture Park

Reviewed By jivebanana - Coulsdon, United Kingdom

A friend had recommended The Sculpture Park to me and so it was on my list for this summer. What an extraordinary place to visit. It is situated opposite a gorgeous pub which is great as the park itself has no cafe. The pub is therefore a good option for coffee or lunch and it is possible to leave the trail round the park and stop for a drink and then restart when you are ready. So, important things to know - a) the car parking is quite limited outside the park. b) on arrival it is essential to go straight to the Reception hut to pay your entrance fee and collect the booklet which provides you with a map showing how to follow the three trails around the park. c) Although it is not a long walk (approx 2 miles) the terrain is uneven and there are lots of steps, narrow walkways and bridges and so sturdy shoes are a must. If you have mobility issues it would be worth checking access arrangements before you visit. d) the booklet provided gives the numbers of each sculpture, the sculptor, the name of the piece, the price and the material it is made from. The tour around the park uses each numbered sculpture as a guide to your location. e) The park is suitable for children and dogs are allowed if they are kept on a short lead. f) There are several places where you can stop for a picnic; either in one of the Thai huts or in the gravelled picnic area where there are tables. g) Much of the park is in shade so even on the sunniest of days you might need to bring a jumper. h) there are toilets on site and they are really nice and clean. As for the park itself it is a wonderful showcase of the weird and wonderful. Most are for sale. There are amazing pieces that make you gasp with wonder or recoil with horror. All will amaze and with a selection of about 800 sculptures you will need at least 2.5 - 3 hrs (not including lunch) to see it all. For a modest entry fee this is a great place to visit. There is no gift shop as such but there are indoor exhibits too. Make sure you see the dragon, the tank, the polar bears, the huge tarantula and the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse (creepy!). There is so much to see here and explore. Look once and then look again to see what you’ve missed and enjoy!

10. Museum of Farnham

38 West Street, Farnham GU9 7DX England +44 1252 715094 [email protected] http://farnhammaltings.com/museum/
Excellent
51%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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Terrible
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4.5 based on 53 reviews

Museum of Farnham

he Museum of Farnham is a local history museum, located in a beautiful Georgian town house with many original features and a delightful walled garden. Visit us to discover Farnham’s history, from its prehistoric roots to its hop growing boom and Georgian grandeur. Discover the tales of the illustrious William Cobbett, political agitator, and George Sturt local author and craftsperson, whilst marvelling at the inventions of engineer John Henry Knight, who created one of the first petrol driven cars! The museum is also home to an extensive art and craft collection thanks to the many artists and crafts people who have been drawn to Farnham over the years. The Museum of Farnham is part of Farnham Maltings Association, a creative organisation that works with artists and communities to encourage the most people to make, see and enjoy the best art possible. The Museum works actively with the Farnham Maltings to reach these goals.

Reviewed By Travellerclass - Farnham, United Kingdom

If you have never been here before then you really must find the time. The local history and artefacts found in and around Farnham are superb. Excellent!

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