Discover Elmbridge’s heritage this autumn

Elmbridge Museum has an exciting programme of free exhibitions, talks and family-friendly events taking place across the borough this autumn. From local history and archaeology to wartime stories and sporting pioneers, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the people, places and events that have shaped Elmbridge.

Current exhibitions

Then and Now: Elmbridge Through Photographs

Wednesday 16 September to Sunday 4 October 2026 - open daily, 10am to 4pm
Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, Manor Road, Walton-on-Thames, KT12 2PF
Discover how Elmbridge has changed over the years through a unique collection of historic photographs from Elmbridge Museum's archives, displayed alongside present-day images taken from the same locations. 

Echoes of War

Until 30 September 2026 - Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm
Elmbridge Civic Centre, High Street, Esher, KT10 9SD
Created to mark the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe Day and Victory over Japan Day, 'Echoes of War' explores life on the Home Front through authentic Second World War artefacts from Elmbridge Museum's collection.

Echoes of War: Life on the Home Front

Until 30 September 2026 - Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30am to 5pm 
Dittons Library, Mercer Close, Thames Ditton, KT7 0BS
This companion exhibition explores life on the Home Front in Elmbridge through artwork created by pupils from St Andrew's C of E Primary School in Cobham.

Excavating Oatlands

Until 30 September 2026 - Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30am to 5pm 
Walton Library, 54 The Heart (off Hepworth Way), Walton-on-Thames, KT12 1GH
Discover the vital role amateur archaeologists play in preserving local heritage and gain a fascinating insight into life at Oatlands Palace during the Tudor period.

A Model View: Exploring Local Landmarks in Miniature

Until February 2027 - Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30am to 5pm 
Cobham Library, The Cedar Centre, Cedar Road, Cobham, KT11 3AE
Explore a unique collection of detailed miniature models offering a fresh perspective on local landmarks that have shaped life in Elmbridge. The display includes a remarkable model of Oatlands Grotto, kindly loaned by local resident John Wilkinson. Read his blog about the Oatlands Grotto model.

Making Waves: Celebrating 100 Years of Weybridge Ladies Amateur Rowing Club

Until January 2027 - Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30am to 5pm 
Weybridge Library Hub, Church Street, Weybridge, KT13 8DE
Celebrating the club's centenary year, this exhibition tells the story of Amy Gentry, a pioneer of women's rowing in Britain who founded the Weybridge Ladies Amateur Rowing Club in 1926, and explores her lasting legacy.

All of these exhibitions are also available online, with additional stories, photographs and insights from the Museum's collections. Visit the Elmbridge Museum Online Exhibitions page to explore them from home

Free talks and events

Free talk

Oatlands Park and Grotto talk

Tuesday 13 October, 10:30am to 12pm
Cobham Library, Cedar Centre, Cedar Road, Cobham KT11 2AA
Learn about the fascinating story of the famous grotto built at Oatlands in the 1760s-70s for the Earl of Lincoln. The estate at Oatlands, the house built high on a ridge above the site of the former Tudor Palace, and its famous owners are also covered.
Talk by Nick Pollard, curator of Spelthorne Museum in Staines and Chairman of Sunbury and Shepperton Local History Society. 

This talk ties in with the 'Model View' display at Cobham Library. Booking essential. £5 per ticket.

Free events

Nature and Climate Festival

Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October 2026, 9:30am to 2pm
Vital Village, Mercer Close, Thames Ditton, KT7 0BS
Elmbridge Museum will showcase artefacts from its nature-inspired collection on Friday and host free family craft activities on Saturday. Suitable for all ages and no booking is required.

Find out more

For more information about exhibitions, events, local history research, blogs, collections and online exhibitions, visit the Elmbridge Museum website.