Business Details
23 Years
experience
Museum of British Surfing - Preserving UK Surfing Heritage
We are the Museum of British Surfing, a national registered charity dedicated to preserving Britain's surfing heritage and culture. Established in 2003 following a generous donation from the family of Viscount Ted Deerhurst, the UK's first professional surfer, we have curated touring exhibitions viewed by over 400,000 people across the UK. As a registered charity since 2009 (Charity Number 1131433), we safeguard Britain's surfing history spanning two centuries while celebrating contemporary achievements and shaping the sport's future.Our exhibitions, interactive maps, and educational programs provide immersive experiences for visitors, and our collection includes rare artifacts like Charles Steedman's 1867 surf manual. We actively engage with communities through events, volunteer opportunities, and partnerships with local businesses, ensuring our collections and knowledge remain accessible to future generations.
Services
Exhibitions
Image Gallery
Surf Spots Guide
Sustainability Programs
Events Diary
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We are the national custodians of Britain's surfing heritage since 2003
- Our collections include rare artifacts like the 1867 surf manual
- We've engaged 400,000+ visitors with touring exhibitions nationwide
- We combine historical preservation with modern sustainability initiatives
- Our charity status ensures public access to surfing heritage resources
Associations and certifications
- Registered Charity (1131433)
What people say
Engaging exhibits
Knowledgeable staff
Great events
Family-friendly
Beautiful location
Services
Exhibitions
Our exhibitions showcase Britain's surfing history through curated collections of surfboards, memorabilia, and historical documents. Visitors explore two centuries of surfing culture, including rare items like Charles Steedman's 1867 manual. The displays combine traditional artifacts with interactive technology for immersive learning experiences.
Image Gallery
The image gallery features copyright-protected photographs documenting UK surfing history. From Martin Potter's 1987 victory at Fistral to Ian Hill's 1964 Bundoran surfing, these visual records preserve key moments in British surfing heritage while supporting educational research and public engagement.
Surf Spots Guide
Our interactive surf spots map provides comprehensive information about UK surfing locations. The guide includes historical context, safety advice, and environmental considerations, helping visitors explore Britain's coastal surfing heritage while promoting sustainable practices and local community engagement.
Sustainability Programs
The First Wave sustainability program educates visitors about ocean conservation and eco-friendly surfing practices. Through exhibitions and workshops, we promote environmental stewardship, plastic reduction, and marine protection, aligning surfing culture with modern ecological responsibilities while preserving coastal heritage for future generations.
Events Diary
Our events program includes surfboard workshops, book launches, and community gatherings celebrating British surfing culture. From vintage surf film screenings to sustainability talks, these activities create opportunities for public engagement while supporting our charitable mission to preserve and promote UK surfing heritage.
Questions
What are the museum's opening hours?
We are open 11:00-15:00 daily during peak season. Please check our website for seasonal variations and special event schedules.
Are there admission charges?
Entry is by voluntary donation. We recommend £5 for adults and £3 for concessions to support our charitable work preserving surfing heritage.
Can I donate surf-related items?
Yes! We welcome donations of British surfboards, memorabilia, and beach items to expand our collection. Contact us for collection assessment details.
Do you offer educational programs?
We provide educational resources and guided tours for schools, focusing on surfing history, coastal geography, and environmental conservation.
Can I volunteer at the museum?
We actively seek enthusiastic volunteers to help with exhibitions, events, and collections management. Find out more through our 'Get Involved' section.
Reviews (4)
Abingdon Rc Club
Dec 17, 2021
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Usually Cornish centric close out surfing. Not British. English. The real home of true British surf. REAL surf - is in Scotland & Ireland
Paul Hazell
Oct 25, 2021
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I love this place. Always pop in when I’m near. Well worth a look if you have an hour or so and want to learn about our surfing past.
Rebecca Hughes
Jan 05, 2021
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Very pleased with my order from the museum, it arrived so quickly too! another Birthday present sorted that I can easily post. Thank you
Darren Finch
Dec 11, 2020
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Theres not much you can buy for 2 in the area. I would suggest, whether you are into surfing or not, to spend that money getting into this museum. Took my 10 year old in and he absolutely loved it. Full of history, loads of fascinating facts and a beautiful display of boards through the ages. The antithesis of the local museum!
