Leatherhead Museum

Leatherhead Museum, housed in the charming 17th‑century Hampton Cottage, offers an intimate look at the town’s long and varied history. One of its most interesting facts is that the building itself once served as a shop and later a private home, giving the museum a lived‑in character that reflects Leatherhead’s evolution from rural settlement to bustling market town. Inside, the displays trace local life across centuries. The archaeology collection includes Roman and medieval finds uncovered along the River Mole, showing how the area developed around trade routes and river crossings. Domestic objects, tools, and photographs reveal everyday life in Victorian and Edwardian Leatherhead, from local crafts to early industries. A highlight is the collection of items linked to the town’s coaching era, when Leatherhead stood on a major route between London and the south coast. The museum also preserves artefacts from local businesses, including the once‑famous Goblin vacuum cleaner factory, which played a major role in the town’s 20th‑century identity. The cottage’s rooms add atmosphere: low ceilings, timber beams, and period fireplaces create a sense of stepping back in time.