Steyning Museum Trust

The Steyning museum is a little room in a small town run by diminutive grandmamas containing an abundance of historical information. Everything that’s happened in Steyning since prehistoric times is documented here, and brought to life in displays based on archaeological digs, donated artefacts and ancient maps. Its unpromising façade actually gives way to a surprisingly interesting hour or so of your time, even if you have no particular interest in local history for its own sake. Steyning was once situated on a navigable estuary of the Adur, and the small port town was home to all the shenanigans that port towns are susceptible to, such as smuggling, water-​borne fighting and seedy public houses of ill repute. There is plenty of archaeological interest, and various anecdotes of local characters past and very nearly present, including Mr Potter and his bizarre collection of taxidermy, which was on display until just a few years ago. It isn’t all macabre, however, and there are plenty of interactive exhibits and activities for children. The museum welcomes group visits, and there is even a little shop if you want to pick up some mementoes of your trip. If you find yourself at a loose end in Steyning, this is well worth a visit to absorb a couple of hours productively.

This quaint little museum is a great place to head to for some local Sussex history and a taste of the attractive little town of Steyning.
Its open all year round and there are permanent exhibits as well as temporary ones to look at. You need to phone ahead to book a visit but its ideal for a school group or if you are planning a nice country walk afterwards.
There’s a cute little shop there too if you want to buy some souvenirs!