Powell Cotton Museum Museums

Welcome to the most unique visitor attraction in the UK! The Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens is home to the Powell-Cotton family and their fascinating treasures. Major Powell-Cotton and his family collected a wealth of mammal specimens and cultural artefacts from Africa from 1885 to 1939, leaving a huge legacy for future study, understanding and simple enjoyment of the cultural and ecological diversity of Africa, the Indian sub-continent and SE Asia.

A visit to this very special place, whether by a member of the public looking for an absorbing afternoon's entertainment, school children exploring, or a post-doctoral researcher studying primate and human evolution, will only serve to whet your appetite.

There has been a house on this site since the early 1400's, acting as home to several different families over the centuries. Following a short period of ownership by Lord Holland, the Powell-Cotton's acquired the estate in the late 18th century, replacing the earlier timber and stone house with a fine Regency country mansion, and have lived here ever since.

Inspired by his lifetime of adventure and drama, Major Powell-Cotton created a most unique Museum to echo the experiences of his travels. Large-scale dioramas built by theatre set-dressers from Margate provide an almost perfect backdrop for the African and Asian mammals on display.

There are many fine pieces of English and Oriental furniture to view as well as a collections of antique clocks, English glass, silverware and oil paintings. Many artefacts of a period of genteel life now long gone are apparent and commonplace in the House giving visitors a deeper insight into how the Major, his wife and four children lived their very full lives.

There is a large restaurant and a shop available to visitors, very good disabled access and facilities and free, ample parking for coaches and cars when you reach the Museum. The Museum welcomes large groups and coach parties, although we ask that you pre-book if possible especially regarding your catering requirements.

Summer season. April to October Inc.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday & Bank Holidays.

11am to 5pm. Museum, Garden, Restaurant. Quex House 2pm to 5pm

Admission adults. £5.00. Child/OAP/Disabled. £4.00. Student. £3.50

Family Ticket.£14.00

Spring season. March only.

Sunday only, 11am to 4pm. Musem, Garden, Restaurant.

Admission adults. £4.00. Child/OAP/Disabled. £3.00. Family Ticket £10.00

Garden only admission. Adults. £1.50. Concs. £1.00

Winter Season. November to February Inc.

Closed.

Open to Schools, Groups and Societies by prior arrangement

throughout the year.

The charges for access to the Museum are modest, but may have changed since this website was launched so please feel free to contact us to confirm details. Entry to the Museum, House & Gardens in 2000 were £3.50 for adults, £2.80 for concessions, and £11.00 for a family ticket (2ad, 3ch) with a further reduction during the winter months as Quex House is then closed.