Kent


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1025" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Quex-House-Gardens-Powell-Cotton-Museum-Kent-children-running.jpg" alt="Quex House &amp; Gardens Powell-Cotton Museum, Kent" class="wp-image-122400" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Quex-House-Gardens-Powell-Cotton-Museum-Kent-children-running.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Quex-House-Gardens-Powell-Cotton-Museum-Kent-children-running-800x547.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Quex-House-Gardens-Powell-Cotton-Museum-Kent-children-running-1000x683.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Quex-House-Gardens-Powell-Cotton-Museum-Kent-children-running-400x273.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Quex-House-Gardens-Powell-Cotton-Museum-Kent-children-running-768x525.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Tucked away in the leafy grounds of Quex Park in Birchington, <strong><a href="https://powell-cottonmuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quex House, Gardens and the Powell-Cotton Museum</a></strong> is celebrating a centenary&nbsp;in 2026 &#8211; marking 100 years of the Powell-Cotton Trust, the charity established to care for the museum and its remarkable collections &#8211; and it&#8217;s one of those family-friendly hidden gems that offers something a little different. Far from the crowds that flock to some of Kent’s better-known historic houses during the school holidays, this fascinating spot combines striking natural history displays, beautiful gardens and a surprisingly varied programme of events.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Quex-House-Gardens-Powell-Cotton-Museum-Kent-child-with-backpack.jpg" alt="Quex House &amp; Gardens Powell-Cotton Museum, Kent child with backpack" class="wp-image-122403" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Quex-House-Gardens-Powell-Cotton-Museum-Kent-child-with-backpack.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Quex-House-Gardens-Powell-Cotton-Museum-Kent-child-with-backpack-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Quex-House-Gardens-Powell-Cotton-Museum-Kent-child-with-backpack-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Quex-House-Gardens-Powell-Cotton-Museum-Kent-child-with-backpack-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Quex-House-Gardens-Powell-Cotton-Museum-Kent-child-with-backpack-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Even better, the months ahead are packed with reasons to visit, from Easter adventures and creative workshops to garden parties, archaeology festivals and even seasonal suppers for grown-ups. Here are seven highlights to look forward to this year…</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-the-museum-is-full-of-fascinating-discoveries">1. The museum is full of fascinating discoveries</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Quex-House-Gardens-Powell-Cotton-Museum-Kent-boy-and-exhibit.jpg" alt="Quex House &amp; Gardens Powell-Cotton Museum, Kent boy and exhibit" class="wp-image-122405" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Quex-House-Gardens-Powell-Cotton-Museum-Kent-boy-and-exhibit.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Quex-House-Gardens-Powell-Cotton-Museum-Kent-boy-and-exhibit-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Quex-House-Gardens-Powell-Cotton-Museum-Kent-boy-and-exhibit-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Quex-House-Gardens-Powell-Cotton-Museum-Kent-boy-and-exhibit-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Quex-House-Gardens-Powell-Cotton-Museum-Kent-boy-and-exhibit-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The Powell-Cotton Museum is best known for its extraordinary natural history displays, including dramatic dioramas that transport visitors to landscapes across Africa and Asia. Alongside these striking wildlife scenes, the museum houses an extensive collection of cultural artefacts gathered by explorer Percy Powell-Cotton, creating a space that feels both immersive and thought-provoking for visitors of all ages. </p>



<p>Throughout the year, experience the collections in new ways through special tours and events. The popular <a href="https://powell-cottonmuseum.org/event/queer-nature-tours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queer Nature Museum Tours</a> (selected dates during Pride Month in June) explore the diversity of the natural world, highlighting examples of animal homosexuality, trans and intersex animals, and the many ways nature defies the categories humans often impose on it. 10% of admission donated to Margate Pride.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-easter-adventures-for-little-explorers">2. Easter adventures for little explorers</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Quex-House-Gardens-Powell-Cotton-Museum-Kent-exploring-grounds.jpg" alt="Quex House &amp; Gardens Powell-Cotton Museum, Kent exploring grounds" class="wp-image-122399" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Quex-House-Gardens-Powell-Cotton-Museum-Kent-exploring-grounds.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Quex-House-Gardens-Powell-Cotton-Museum-Kent-exploring-grounds-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Quex-House-Gardens-Powell-Cotton-Museum-Kent-exploring-grounds-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Quex-House-Gardens-Powell-Cotton-Museum-Kent-exploring-grounds-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/03/Quex-House-Gardens-Powell-Cotton-Museum-Kent-exploring-grounds-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Running throughout the school holidays from <strong>28 March to 19 April</strong>, take part in the <a href="https://powell-cottonmuseum.org/event/spring-eggsplorers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spring Eggsplorer’s Easter Trail</a>, where children help the museum’s animals find their missing eggs by solving clues around the galleries. Once the trail is complete, they can decorate a wooden egg to take home before heading outdoors for a classic Easter egg hunt through the Woodland Walk and Victorian Walled Gardens. Better yet, it&#8217;s included in your standard admission ticket. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-a-brilliant-programme-of-family-events">3. A brilliant programme of family events</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/powell-cotton-museum-lego.jpg" alt="lego" class="wp-image-101860" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/powell-cotton-museum-lego.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/powell-cotton-museum-lego-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/powell-cotton-museum-lego-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/powell-cotton-museum-lego-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/powell-cotton-museum-lego-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The centenary year brings a lively programme of events throughout the seasons. Highlights include a Garden Party on <strong>Mon 4 May</strong>, Africa Day celebrations on <strong>24 May</strong>, creative Bricktacular LEGO workshops on <strong>20 &#8211; 21 June</strong>, and the Festival of Archaeology from <strong>17 &#8211; 31 July</strong>. There’s even a brand-new music trail arriving later in the summer, offering another playful way to explore the grounds.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-family-wellbeing-days-in-the-gardens">4. Family wellbeing days in the gardens</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/powell-cotton-museum.jpg" alt="powell cotton museum" class="wp-image-111691" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/powell-cotton-museum.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/powell-cotton-museum-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/powell-cotton-museum-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/powell-cotton-museum-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/powell-cotton-museum-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>For something a little different, there&#8217;s also Family Wellbeing Days on <strong>6 and 27 Aug</strong>. Expect a relaxed mix of activities designed to nourish body and mind, from gentle lawn yoga and sensory garden tours to creative crafts and African drumming sessions. It’s a refreshing way to spend time together outdoors &#8211; and it’s included with your admission ticket.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-eight-acres-of-beautiful-gardens-to-explore">5. Eight acres of beautiful gardens to explore</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/powell-cotton-5.jpg" alt="quex gardens" class="wp-image-121411" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/powell-cotton-5.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/powell-cotton-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/powell-cotton-5-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/powell-cotton-5-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/powell-cotton-5-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Beyond the museum, the eight acres of Quex Gardens are a destination in their own right. Wander through seasonal planting, Victorian glasshouses and pleasure grounds, past peach and cucumber houses and an ornate fountain pond. In spring and summer especially, it’s a wonderful place to slow down and enjoy a peaceful stroll or a picnic.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-art-inspired-by-nature">6. Art inspired by nature</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/powell-cotton-7.jpg" alt="powell cotton museum" class="wp-image-121413" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/powell-cotton-7.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/powell-cotton-7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/powell-cotton-7-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/powell-cotton-7-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/powell-cotton-7-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Art also takes centre stage this year. From <strong>1 April</strong>, artist Sam Parsons will present a new exhibition, <em><a href="https://powell-cottonmuseum.org/event/field-guide-future-edition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Field Guide &#8211; Future Edition</a></em>, inspired by the museum’s famous natural history dioramas and his own background in zoology. Alongside this, PCT100 Creators project will see local schools, community groups and visitors collaborate to create 100 pieces of artwork inspired by the museum and its collections.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-something-for-the-grown-ups-too">7. Something for the grown-ups too</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="725" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/angelas-margate.jpg" alt="angela's" class="wp-image-58869" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/angelas-margate.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/angelas-margate-300x218.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/angelas-margate-690x500.jpg 690w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/angelas-margate-150x109.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/angelas-margate-768x557.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/angelas-margate-724x525.jpg 724w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>While there’s plenty for families, adults have something to look forward to as well. Food lovers will want to keep an eye on a new collaboration with acclaimed restaurant <a href="https://angelasofmargate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Angela’s of Margate</a>, which will see chefs preparing seasonal suppers using produce grown in the Quex Gardens themselves. More details are expected soon, but it promises to be a delicious addition to the centenary celebrations.</p>



<p><em>Opening hours: 14 Feb &#8211; 30 Oct 2026. Term time: Fri to Sun and bank holidays, 11am &#8211; 4pm. School holidays: Weds to Sun, 11am &#8211; 4pm. Tickets: Adult: £9; Concession: £8; Child (4-16 yrs): £7; Infant (0-3 yrs): Free. Powell-Cotton Museum Members: Free.</em></p>


7 reasons to visit Quex House, Gardens & the Powell-Cotton Museum this year

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