iTravelUK > Attractions > Museums > England > Southeast > Kent
Bleak House
This house whose name was inspired by Dickens novel is reputed to be the place where he finished writing David Copperfield. Previously a museum but is now closed to the public.
Dickens House Museum
The museum is housed in a reconverted Tudor cottage which was adapted in the Georgian era. Exhibits include memorabilia associated with Dickens such as a collection of illustrations by Phiz or H.K. Browne, a mahogany sideboard and a writing box. Pride of place goes to a collection of letters written by Dickens to friends which proclaim his love of the town which he called, 'one of the freest and freshest little places in the world'. Entering the parlour is to enter David Copperfield's world itself. The room bears a remarkable resemblance to Phiz's illustration of the room where young Copperfield was subjected to Miss Betsey's gruesome concoctions from the press which stands in the corner
Crampton Tower Museum
The museum is named after Thomas Russell Crampton (1816-1888) who is best known for his invention of the Crampton locomotive. A local engineer and inventor, Crampton was the first to build a reliable telegraph cable system under the English channel and was also responsible for the building of the first water system in town. The museum is housed in an old tower where you can see the pumping-engine shed and other remains of his water system. Exhibits include the Broadstairs Stage Coach, patents, working drawings, the Engine House and other forms of transport.
Watts Charity
More commonly known as the Six Poor Travellers' House, this museum is conveniently located next door to the Guildhall Museum. The house dates from the 16th century when Richard Watts Esq, a philanthropist, "by his Will, dated 22 Aug. 1579, founded this Charity for Six poor Travellers, who not being ROGUES, or PROCTORS, May receive gratis for one Night, Lodging, Entertainment,and Fourpence each. '(Dickens) The house which continued to be used right up to the 1940's was also the inspiration for Dickens' short story, "The Seven Poor Travellers". You'll be able to see the dining room, sleeping quarters and some very interesting postcards and photos which depict life in Rochester in the early 20th century.
Guildhall Museum
Easily located on High Street, the Guildhall Museum presents interesting displays which cover the history of the town extending as far back as Roman times to the present. Displays include Victoriana, the castle under siege and an impressive recreation of a prison which illustrates the conditions inmates of the time would have been kept under. The collection is housed in the town's finest example of a 17th century building. Look upwards and you'll see the beautiful plaster ceilings donated to the town by one Admiral Sir Cloudsey Shovell in 1695.
Whitstable Museum and Gallery
Housed in the former Forester's Hall, the local museum won the prestigious Nautiek Award in 2001. Presenting an interesting glimpse into seafaring history there are some curious relics here such as one of the first scubadiving helmets, fantastic models of traditional yauls and fishing boats. As well as historical, photos of the town, film footage and an old fire engine.
Roman Museum
Lying in the vicinity of the cathedral, this museum is housed underground at the original level of the Roman Town. Exhibits include excavations of Roman artefacts and some well preserved mosaics from part of a surviving town house. You'll also find interesting reconstructions of a Roman market place and a working kitchen as well as other interactive displays.
The Royal Museum and Art Gallery
Canterbury's Art Museum features changing exhibitions and works by Henry Moore and Gainsborough. Housed in a beautiful mock-Tudor building you can also visit the Buffs regimental gallery, home to military memorabilia it details the history of the Royal East Kent Regiment.
West Gate Towers
The only surviving city gate, West Gate lies at the end of St. Peter's Street. Built in 1375 with prison cells for unwanted newcomers, the site now houses a small museum displaying the weapons of a typical medieval guard. From here you access the battlements or head to the bridge from where you can take a gentle ride along the River Stour in a traditional punt (don't worry, you'll be chauffeured).
Museum of Canterbury
Housed in the former Poor Priests' Hospital, this newly, refurbished, interactive museum focuses on the history of the town. Exhibits and displays range from Roman times to the present and you'll be able to examine medieval excrement under the microscope or delve into an Elizabethan treasure chest. There's something to interest all the family with the Joseph Conrad gallery, Christopher Marlowe's murder exhibition and a gallery for changing exhibitions. You can also visit the Rupert Bear Museum at an additional cost. However, you might want to look into the Museum Passport which will give you discounted entry into the Roman Museum, Museum of Canterbury, The Rupert Bear Museum and the West Gate Towers.
Margate Museum
Margate's Museum illustrates the history of the town with photos, displays and other memorabilia which focuses on the history of the town from the 18th century to the present. Housed in the former police station, you can visit the police cells on the ground floor which were in use between 1858 and 1959
Ramsgate Maritime Museum
Specialising in maritime heritage in East Kent, the museum pays particular attention to Ramsgae's role in the area. Located in a fine 19th century building within the Royal Harbour itself, this museum will please anyone with a nautical interest. Permanent exhibitions include displays on shipwrecks, the history of the harbour, navigation, fishing and lifeboats. You'll also be able to see some of the artefacts raised from the wreck of Stirling Castle, a 17th century Man of War which was discovered in the nearby Goodwin Sands.
Dover Transport Museum
The place to visit for relics of bygone transportation, you'll get to see old cars, bicycles, buses and even a steam engine. Exhibits include the history of Dover's pioneering, public transportation system, a garage from the 1930's, a Maritime room and relics from the Kent coalfields.
Dover Museum & Bronze Age Boat Gallery
Founded in 1836, the museum's treasures lie in a modern building fronted by the Victorian fa?ade of the former Market Place. The pride and joy of the exhibits is a Bronze Age Boat discovered and excavated in 1992. Radio carbon dating has determined the boat's age to be some 3,550 years old, a contemporary of that other great British treasure, Stonehenge. Propelled by 18 paddlers, experts believe the boat would have been used to cross the Channel with cargo and passengers on board. You'll also find extensive displays on the Bronze Age with displays detailing their beliefs and rituals, lifestyle, technology and trade. There's plenty more to see besides. Dover's strategic importance has left relics of historic importance from every era all of which are displayed here.