Powell-Cotton Museum
Birchington, Kent
About Powell-Cotton Museum
Looking for a family day out in Kent where children can explore, discover and have fun at their own pace? Quex House & Gardens, home of the Powell-Cotton Museum, offers a unique mix of adventure, creativity, history and outdoor play for families with children from pre-school to teenagers.
Inside the museum, children can get hands-on in Gallery 6, our interactive family space where they can handle over 400 objects, explore collections up close, dress up, create artwork for our community gallery or relax with a book. Throughout the year, we run family-friendly activities, including seasonal trails, Easter adventures, summer holiday explorers, themed challenges and creative sessions such as How to Be a Museum Curator.
Perfect for curious children who love animals, nature, making things and asking questions, every visit offers something new to discover.
Our beautiful heritage gardens are perfect for exploring and free play. Discover colourful borders, our Victorian Walled Garden filled with fruit and vegetables, spot insects and butterflies, say hello to our hens, watch the koi carp in the fountain or keep an eye out for our colourful peacock Pinfold. Families can borrow garden games including croquet, boules and Jenga, or enjoy a picnic on the lawns.
We want every family to feel welcome. Our free sensory and fidget backpacks are available to borrow, with items including ear defenders, torches, activity boards, textures, talking tiles, magnifying glasses and fidget toys to support children with SEND and different sensory needs.
Whether the weather is sunny or rainy, there is plenty to enjoy. We recommend allowing around 3–4 hours for a family visit, giving you time to explore the museum, gardens, activities and picnic areas.
Discover one of Kent's most distinctive museums
From tiny tortoises to towering elephants you'll be awestruck by the Powell-Cotton Museum dioramas. One of oldest intact large-scale habitat dioramas in the UK, and among the oldest and best preserved in the world, they contain over 300 animals from more than 150 species, in sculpted and painted settings of astounding detail. Built between 1896 and 1939, these displays are of enormous historical importance in themselves. Alongside the wildlife, you’ll also see cultural objects originating from the Africa, Asian and Oceanic continents.
Hands-on-learning & SEND friendly
We encourage learning through hands-on exploration, creativity, and play. In our bright, welcoming interactive Gallery 6 you can handle over 400 objects, explore the collections up close, add to the community art gallery, or enjoy a quiet moment in the book corner. We want every visit welcoming and accessible for families with children Our sensory and fidget backpacks contain a range of items to enhance the visit, including ear defenders, torches, talking tiles, textures, poppet toys, and activity boards.
Outdoor fun for all!
Our heritage gardens are great for free play, exploring, and family adventures. Walk along colourful borders, listen to nature, have a picnic on the lawns, or grab one of our garden games.
Opening Times
- Monday, Closed
- Tuesday, Closed
- Wednesday, Closed
- Thursday, Closed
- Friday, 09:00 - 17:00
- Saturday, 09:00 - 17:00
- Sunday, 09:00 - 17:00
Our regular opening times are Friday, Saturday & Sunday from mid February until the end of October.
We are open on Bank Holiday Monday's.
During school holidays we are open 5 days a week from Weds to Sun, 11am-4pm
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (4-16) : £7.00
- Adult (16-18+) : £9.00
- Babies and Toddlers (0-3) : Free
- senior (17-18+) : £8.00
- student (17-18+) : £8.00
- carer (17-18+) : Free
Garden Only Tickets:
Adult (17-64) - £7.50
Concession (65+, Student, Disabled) - £6.50
Child (4-16) - £5.00
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
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Food & Drink Options
The Gift Shop stocks delicious ice cream, cold drinks from £1.50
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Quex Park
Birchington
Kent
CT7 0BH
England
We are based in the heart of Quex Park, Birchington, Kent, CT7 0BH What 3 words: ///lotteries.pass.trailers
Tel: 01843842168
Visit WebsiteTransport Information
By Bus, Coach and Foot
The walk from Birchington village square is level and there are no hills or slopes. The bus stop is 0.7 miles / 1.1 km from us and is serviced by buses from Canterbury, Herne Bay and Westwood Cross shopping centre. The 022 coach from London Victoria also stops here. There are no buses passing Quex Park itself.
By Train
The nearest train station is Birchington-on-Sea. The train station is 1 mile / 1.6 km from Powell-Cotton Museum, House and Gardens.
Verification & Last Updated
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Last Updated: 12:40 11/06/2026
Powell-Cotton Museum Reviews
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