Rustington Museum is housed in a renovated flint and thatched cottage originally built in the 1800’s and is now a listed building. The Parish Council has restored this historically important building that now houses flourishing collections of local history. The museum has become a great asset to the village, providing the opportunity for visitors to explore this beautifully renovated house as well as the history of the village.
Rustington was once a quiet, secluded country village, with the sea close by, Rustington has attracted many writers, musicians, artists and celebrities to the village over the years. J.M.Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan spent many holidays in Rustington. Sir Hubert Parry, composer of ‘Jerusalem’, a song that is as popular as the National Anthem, built his house in Rustington.
Many film stars and celebrities came to stay in the grand Art Deco houses that were built by the sea in Rustington in the 1920s and 30s. The museum’s collections include a variety of objects and artifacts, such as archaeological remains, fine art, and local history that depict separate moments in Rustington's and Sussex's history. The exhibits and displays tell a story of days gone by in a rural English village before modern life caught up with it.
A further addition to the museum’s renovations has been the construction of the Garden Café to the rear of the cottage. The timber-framed building is set amongst the landscaped communalgardens, with a menu that is a unique combination of vegetarian and locally-sourced produce.
Exotic plants, flowers and water features can be viewed from the café, and during the summer, seating is provided outside in this beautiful setting.
The museum is open year-round (Tuesdays - Saturdays), providing opportunities to take a look no matter when you are visiting Rustington. Ideally located near the coast and the countryside, Rustington Museum has plenty of attractions to keep all the family entertained.
