Lots to explore in a 14th Century Building
Discover Rayleigh Town Museum
Located on the 1st floor, 91 High Street, Rayleigh (above Pizza Express), SS6 7EJ
Established in April 2016, Rayleigh Town Museum is a vibrant, free-entry Museum, housed in a Grade II listed timber-framed building dating back 600 years and once the Town’s oldest secular building.
Deep Dive into Local History
Explore three exhibition rooms—Broadway, Commerce House, and the Regal Room—featuring rotating displays that cover everything from Roman Rayleigh through medieval Rayleigh Castle (mentioned in the Domesday Book) to 20th-century Town life.
Item Highlights & Unique Artefacts
View fascinating pieces such as original timbers from Rayleigh Castle, a scale model with moving windmill sails, local postcards, historic maps, memorabilia from the town’s cinema and speedway past, and even a Titanic-themed exhibition at times.
The Museum’s Mission
Is to showcase the area’s heritage, from prehistoric times through the medieval period, into the industrial revolution and beyond. With a collection of artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits, it offers visitors a glimpse into Rayleigh's past, highlighting its evolution and the stories of those who lived there.
First World War
Case No 17 which displays many of the items associated with World War II including details of the German V2 rocket, Gas masks, Spitfire ammunition, ration books, shrapnel, post war trophies, the Battle Dress and lots more …….
Did you know that once upon a time, Rayleigh had a Cinema?
You didn’t, well come on into the Museum to find out more and see the projector and other things from the Cinema …..
Case No. 20 includes presentation medals, badges and lanyards from the post war period starting from 1947 through to more modern times …..
Wed 24th September to Sat 25th October
“Up and Down the High Street”. An exhibition showcasing the changing face of Rayleigh High Street
by Jane Piper
For TICKETS and upcoming Events, see the EVENTS page
Wed 29th October to Sat 15th November
“Remembrance Exhibition”
Rayleigh’s Roll of Honour for WW1 and WW2
For TICKETS and upcoming Events, see the EVENTS page
Sunday 2nd November
Free talk for Friends of the Museum
Rayleigh’s Roll of Honour - The Lost Men and Women of WW2.
Book your ticket in the Museum or contact us via email
welcome@rayleightownmuseum.org
For TICKETS and upcoming Events, see the EVENTS page
The original Rayleigh Windmill was built in 1809 by Thomas Higgs. It’s 20.27 metres or 88 feet high.
James crabb was the last miller to work on the sails and milling ceased just before the Second World War. Come in and see the amazing model …..
The Foster Dolls’ House was built from a plan by Peggy Foster. She started building it in 1992 at the age of 58 and finished it in 1993 then began furnishing it. Come and see the intricate work …..
There is so much more to see and explore in Rayleigh’s Museum, our Volunteer Stewards will provide you with as much support and help as we can.
Now that you’ve had a sneak preview of some of what’s in the Museum, pop in to see us and explore lots more; keep an eye on our “Events” page.
If you find anything on our website not working as you would expect, email us at - itsupport@rayleightownmuseum.org
After your visit, you can purchase Souvenirs and Mementos including, books, videos, post cards, mugs, pencils, pens, rulers and lots more.
Also take a look at the second-hand book area, all different categories to purchase.
Directions to nearest Car Parks >
Oliver - Local Guide - Left in August, 2025
This is an absolute hidden gem! Your journey starts of with the lift where it takes you up a timeline! This free entry museum displays all the old archives WW2, has a video area, and even wheelchair/pushchair access! It’s not just for the adults, it can be for the kids too as I popped in here today and saw lots of kids dressing up and enjoying the space. Grabbed a few leaflets about the museum but I did not notice there was a whole entire area dedicated to leaflets! It has a variety of interactive items. Like, the beautiful mechanical windmill and the buttons displaying sounds from the war. The area had people and staff who loved to volunteer here and despite the small size of the building, it was amazing! Overall, it was a great experience and I would definitely recommend to my friends and come again!
Matthew Elliott - Left in August, 2025
From the moment you walk in, you're greeted by friendly, passionate volunteers who clearly love what they do. The museum features everything from Rayleigh’s historic castle to artifacts from daily life, all beautifully displayed in a charming heritage building. There’s even a lift for easy wheelchair and pushchair access. This is the kind of place that turns a quick visit into a lasting memory.
what our visitors are saying about us ……………
Rebeka Strapakova - Left in August, 2025
Worth visiting and it's free!! Have a look if u around. Loads of local souvenirs to buy for great prices. Has some activities for kids , some sort of print stamp painting and such.
Select HERE to Rate your visit - then on our Profile select “WRITE A REVIEW” (you may require an existing Google account to verify your review)
Joshua Hayes - Left in September, 2025
Rayleigh Museum is small but full of fascinating local history. The volunteers are welcoming and knowledgeable, and the displays are really well put together. I especially enjoyed reading about FitzWimarc and Swein — it really brings the Town’s past to life.
As a small Charity, run entirely by Volunteers, Rayleigh Town Museum rely on the generous donations of all our Friend’s Group, Visitors and Sponsors.
By leaving a gift in your Will, you can help support the work of the Museum and the heritage of this wonderful Town of ours, for all future generations.
Every gift, large or small, will make a lasting difference to our future.
Select here to read more information
Original Timbers from Rayleigh Castle
The Origin of the Castle
The Museum has the honour of having on display original timbers from Rayleigh Castle.
Take a look at the Castle Time Line to see how events progressed since 1070 AD
Come into the Museum to learn more about Rayleigh Castle’s history and the amazing timbers which are on display.
The Museum has a dedicated area for Visitors wishing to undertake research.
We have hundreds of volumes of documents including cencus and local newspapers dating from 1905.
If you would like to reserve time in the Research area, call the Museum.
