Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens (Birchington-on-Sea)

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Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens and its collection

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The Powell-Cotton Museum offers an exciting, fun and interactive day out for all. There are incredible natural history displays, featuring animals from the African and Asian continents in world-famous dioramas as well as fascinating displays of world-culture objects as well as local archaeology. Ticket price includes a tour of the Grade II listed Quex House **, formerly home to the Powell-Cotton family. The interior of the house is uniquely decorated with ornamental furniture, art and a beautiful library. The Gardens are set within seven acres and feature sweeping lawns, herbaceous borders, exotic trees, a woodland walk, and a historic walled kitchen garden. We regularly run events and activities to enhance visits at little or no extra cost. Please visit our website's ‘what’s on’ section to see our latest diary dates. You are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in the Gardens. Our Gift Shop stocks a range of books focused on inclusivity, nature and wellbeing as well as a range of carefully selected gifts and toys. We always stock delicious ice cream and cold drinks for visitors to enjoy in the gardens. Café: The family-run Felicity's Café, located at the front of the Museum, offers delicious breakfasts, afternoon tea and lunch. All their cakes are freshly baked on site. Indoor and outdoor seating available, but pre-booking is advised.

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Visitor information Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens

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 15th February. Regular open days, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays until Friday 31st October.

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Admission

0 – 3	Free
4 – 16	£6.50
Adults	£7.50
Seniors	£7.00
Students	£7.00

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

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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 Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens have been found.

Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens Reviews

Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens 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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Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens

Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens and its collection

Images of Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens

Visitor information Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens

Opening hours

Admission

Facilities

Location & Map

Exhibitions

Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens Reviews

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