The Powell-Cotton Museum at Quex House
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
Our accessibility statement is available here.
Our gardens have concrete pathways however tree roots have made them bumpy in places and moss can make them slippery. Please take care whilst walking in the gardens.
Backpacks with SEND-friendly tools to enhance visits are available to borrow during your visit. We also use PEC communication in the form of trails which can enhance a visit for non-verbal visitors.
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.
Please note: The information on the Historic Houses website is advisory, but please always check the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling.
10th Feb – 31st March, 11 am – 3 pm, weekends and bank holidays
1st April – 31st August, 11 am – 4 pm, weekends and bank holidays
1st September – 31st October, 11 am – 3 pm, weekends and bank holidays
We have plans to carry out significant building repairs this year. This is to protect the museum collection from water ingress and it’s effects on objects. An extensive conservation programme which will require some objects to be removed from display at times is underway. We do anticipate some gallery closures during this work however we will do our best to minimise the impact on our visitor experience. We know our visitors will understand the need for this work, so thank you for your support. If you would like to check the status of this work in advance of visiting, please contact us by emailing enquiries@powell-cottonmuseum.org.
Historic Houses members visit free: no pre-booking is needed (or possible) for free admission.
Other admission:
- Adult: £4
- Concession (over 65, disabled, student with student ID): £3.50
- Child (4-16): £3
- Infant (0-3): free
- Carer/companion (accompanying a disabled person): free
Our accessibility statement is available here.
Our gardens have concrete pathways however tree roots have made them bumpy in places and moss can make them slippery. Please take care whilst walking in the gardens.
Backpacks with SEND-friendly tools to enhance visits are available to borrow during your visit. We also use PEC communication in the form of trails which can enhance a visit for non-verbal visitors.
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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