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Quex House and Gardens, home of The Powell-Cotton Museum and its collection

Quex House and Gardens, home of The Powell-Cotton Museum
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Quex House and Gardens and the Powell-Cotton Museum, at the heart of Quex Park, offer an exciting, fun and interactive day out for all where you can discover history, nature and an extraordinary museum all in one unforgettable visit. The Powell-Cotton Museum is one of the Kent’s most distinctive museums, featuring incredible natural history displays of animals from the African and Asian continents in world-famous dioramas. There are also fascinating displays of world-culture objects as well as local archaeology. The ticket price includes a tour of the publicly accessible rooms of the Grade II listed Quex House (House open for guided tours only; times announced on the day), formerly home to the Powell-Cotton family. The interior of the house is uniquely decorated with ornamental furniture, art and a beautiful library. Quex Gardens are set in seven acres and feature sweeping lawns, herbaceous borders, exotic trees, a woodland walk, and a historic walled kitchen garden. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in the gardens. The Gift Shop stocks delicious ice cream, cold drinks, and a selection of gifts.

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History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Nature & Natural History Nature & Natural History Animals Archaeology Garden & Park Historic house Plants Ethnology

#135 Nature & Natural History in England #21 Animal museums in England #61 Archaeology museums in England #19 Ethnology museums in England #116 Gardens & parks in England #24 Plant museums in England #152 Nature & Natural History in United Kingdom #26 Animal museums in United Kingdom #81 Archaeology museums in United Kingdom #23 Ethnology museums in United Kingdom #130 Gardens & parks in United Kingdom #28 Plant museums in United Kingdom #200 Ethnology museums in Europe #81 Plant museums in Europe

#135 Nature & Natural History in England #21 Animal museums in England #61 Archaeology museums in England #19 Ethnology museums in England #116 Gardens & parks in England #24 Plant museums in England #152 Nature & Natural History in United Kingdom #26 Animal museums in United Kingdom #81 Archaeology museums in United Kingdom #23 Ethnology museums in United Kingdom #130 Gardens & parks in United Kingdom #28 Plant museums in United Kingdom #200 Ethnology museums in Europe #81 Plant museums in Europe

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Quex House and Gardens, home of The Powell-Cotton Museum
Park Lane
Quex Park

Images of Quex House and Gardens, home of The Powell-Cotton Museum

Visitor information Quex House and Gardens, home of The Powell-Cotton Museum

Opening hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday
11:00 – 16:00
Thursday
11:00 – 16:00
Friday
11:00 – 16:00
Saturday
11:00 – 16:00
Sunday
11:00 – 16:00

The 2025 season opens on Saturday 14th February.

Open days (term time) Friday - Sunday
Open days (local school holidays) Wednesday - Sunday
Always open on bank holidays (UK)

More opening hours

Admission

0 – 3Free
4 – 16£7.00
Adults£9.00
Seniors£8.00
Students£8.00

Visitors with a disability that require a carer pay the senior/student rate. Their carer will visit free.

More ticket prices

Facilities

Wheelchair accessible
Museum shop
Parking
Coffee
Restaurant
Child-friendly

Location & Map

Park Lane, Birchington-on-Sea

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Quex House and Gardens, home of The Powell-Cotton Museum have been found.

Quex House and Gardens, home of The Powell-Cotton Museum Reviews

Quex House and Gardens, home of The Powell-Cotton Museum has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens in Birchington-on-Sea, England, offers visitors a diverse experience combining natural history, ethnography, and a historic house. The museum's main draw is its extensive collection of African and Asian wildlife specimens, gathered during the expeditions of Major Percy Powell-Cotton. These dioramas provide an educational look at various ecosystems and animal species.

    The ethnographic collection is also noteworthy, featuring artifacts from different cultures around the world. This adds depth to the museum's offerings, allowing visitors to explore human history alongside natural history.

    Quex House, a part of the complex, gives insight into the lives of the Powell-Cotton family and the era they lived in. The gardens surrounding the property are well-maintained and offer a pleasant outdoor experience.

    While many visitors find the taxidermy displays impressive and informative, some may feel uncomfortable with this aspect of the museum. The sheer volume of specimens can be overwhelming for some, while others find it captivating.

    The museum has been praised for its educational value, particularly for children and those interested in natural history. However, some visitors note that parts of the exhibits could benefit from modernization or additional context to address the colonial history associated with such collections.

    Staff are generally described as knowledgeable and helpful, enhancing the visitor experience. The museum also offers various events and activities throughout the year, which adds value for repeat visitors.

    Accessibility might be an issue for some, as the historic nature of the building means not all areas are easily navigable for those with mobility challenges.

    Overall, the Powell-Cotton Museum provides a unique look at natural history and anthropology, though visitors' enjoyment may depend on their interest in these subjects and their comfort with taxidermy displays.

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