The Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House, and Gardens
A house and museum reflective of the diverse interests of John Powell Powell and his family.
Quex Park, Birchington, Kent, CT7 0BH
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Bike storage facilities
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Facilities for children
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Free parking
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Picnic area
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Shop
A full accessibility guide can be accessed here.
Quex House was built in 1812, and many of the passions and interests of its builder John Powell Powell can still be seen today, including a collection of Napoleonic memorabilia, a collection of naval canons and the distinctive boat-shaped curve to two of the publicly accessible rooms.
The house has been extensively remodelled in its lifetime, with the current layout largely reflecting the life of Percy Powell-Cotton and his family, who lived in the house in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Percy is perhaps best known as the founder of the Powell-Cotton Museum and an explorer, and his travels and enthusiasm for collecting spilt into his house. Many international influences can be found in the Oriental Drawing Room, for example.
Visitors can enjoy the house on a complimentary guided tour, included with standard admission. Times are confirmed on the day and our website should be checked before visiting in case of wedding closures.
Quex Gardens stretch across 7 acres and are the perfect space to stretch your legs after a long journey. You can enjoy a woodland walk, a walled kitchen garden, a croquet lawn, beautiful borders and an ornamental fountain.
The Powell-Cotton Museum contains breathtaking wildlife dioramas depicting African and Asian scenes. These dioramas are some of the oldest, untouched in the world and are not to be missed. The collection also includes material culture objects from across the world including a new Namibian display of specially commissioned clothing, jewellery and a doll. A handling collection of over 400 objects allows you to enjoy a sensory museum experience.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Welcome to the Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House, and Gardens, located in Birchington, Kent. This venue offers a variety of attractions, including natural history dioramas, historic house tours, and beautiful gardens.
General Opening Times
The museum, house, and gardens are open seasonally:
- 2025 Season: Open from 15th February to 31st October on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Winter Opening Days: Open on Saturday 29th November, Sunday 30th November, Saturday 6th December, and Sunday 7th December, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
- 2026 Season: Reopens on Saturday 14th February 2026.
Admission Prices
- 2025 Standard Admission: Adult: £7.50, Concession: £7, Child (4-16 years): £6.50, Infant (0-3 years): Free.
- 2026 Standard Admission: Adult: £9, Concession: £8, Child (4-16 years): £7, Infant (0-3 years): Free, Carer/Companion: Free.
Special Notes
- Entrance to Quex House is by guided tour only, with tour times published on the day.
- On wedding days, Quex House tours are unavailable. Upcoming wedding dates include Saturday 6th December 2025.
Events and Activities
The venue hosts various events throughout the year, such as festive wreath-making sessions, wellbeing taster days, and quiz nights. Specific dates and times for these events are announced on their schedule.
Accessibility and Facilities
- Accessible parking and toilets are available.
- Assistance dogs are welcome, and water can be provided upon request.
- Visitors are welcome to bring picnics to enjoy in the gardens.
For more information about group visits, memberships, and other offerings, please contact the Powell-Cotton Museum directly.
Historic House members, please show your membership card on arrival to take advantage of free entry. If you would like to join any special events or activities, a small charge may apply.
Admission:
Adult (17+) £7.50
Child (4-16) £6.50
Concession (65+, disabled, student) £7
Infant FREE
Powell-Cotton Member FREE
A full accessibility guide can be accessed here.
Getting here
Quex Park, Birchington, Kent, CT7 0BH
You can get to us by car, bus and train and taxi.
There are no buses passing Quex Park. The walk from Birchington village is level and there are no hills or slopes. The bus stop is 0.7 miles / 1.1 km from Powell-Cotton Museum, House and Gardens.
The nearest train station is Birchington-on-Sea. The train station is 1 miles / 1.6 km from Powell-Cotton Museum, House and Gardens.
You can get a taxi with Central Cars who offer an accessible taxi service. Please call in advance by calling (01843) 88 88 88. They have a wheelchair accessible vehicle on request.
Address: The Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens, Quex Park, Birchington, Kent, CT7 0BH
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