Margate Museum
Explore Margate's past in a former police station, featuring local history, wartime stories, and Victorian prison cells.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Margate Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Margate's past in a former police station, featuring local history, wartime stories, and Victorian prison cells.
"A lovely little museum to spend an hour or more, offering a short history of Margate."
🎯 Check Opening Days
Museum closed Mon/Tues. Plan ahead! 📅
🚫 No Photos Inside
Photography is not permitted. Enjoy the exhibits with your eyes! :noentrysign:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.4 · 107 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Victorian Prison Cells
Former Police Station
Step back in time and explore the preserved Victorian prison cells, offering a glimpse into Margate's past.
Local History Exhibits
Various Galleries
Discover Margate's rich history, from wartime stories to local entertainment and the fascinating story of the town's sandals.
The Crab Museum
Above Pie Factory Gallery
An eccentric and political museum dedicated to crabs, celebrating biodiversity and the ocean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Days
Photography Restrictions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Opening Days
Museum closed Mon/Tues. Plan ahead! 📅
🚫 No Photos Inside
Photography is not permitted. Enjoy the exhibits with your eyes! :noentrysign:
🦀 Visit the Crab Museum
Don't miss this unique, anti-capitalist pro-crab space!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring historical spaces, so wear comfy shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Opening Days
Museum closed Mon/Tues. Plan ahead! 📅
🚫 No Photos Inside
Photography is not permitted. Enjoy the exhibits with your eyes! :noentrysign:
🦀 Visit the Crab Museum
Don't miss this unique, anti-capitalist pro-crab space!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring historical spaces, so wear comfy shoes. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Margate Museum to be a charming and informative spot, particularly appreciating the historical exhibits and the preserved Victorian prison cells. However, some guests have reported negative interactions with staff at the entrance, though other volunteers are often commended for their helpfulness and knowledge. The strict no-photography policy is also a point of contention for some.
"No photos are allowed inside the eclectic mix of exhibits set in a former police station and magistrates court. It includes information about the wars, local sandals, and entertainment in the local area."
Karen B
"Nice little museum but the man on the front desk who gave us our tickets was horribly racist. In the 5 minute conversation we had he started telling us about how he grew up in Luton but doesn’t go back because there’s too many black people! I am aware that this is not the museums fault but they should be made aware."
Bluebell
"Lovely little museum to spend an hour or more."
Tim Husain
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Margate Museum is located in the town center, easily accessible by train from London. Many visitors arrive by train and then walk or take a short bus ride to the museum. +1
While parking is available in Margate, it can be limited and costly. Public transport or walking is often recommended, especially if you're exploring other parts of the town.
Absolutely! Margate is a popular day trip destination from London, and the museum is a great addition to exploring the seaside town. +1
Margate is quite walkable, especially the old town area where the museum is located. Buses are also available for longer distances.
The museum is situated in the heart of Margate, often near other attractions like galleries. Look for signs or ask locals for directions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Margate Museum is typically open from Wednesday to Sunday. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Always check their official website for the most current opening hours before your visit.
Admission prices are generally affordable, making it a great value for exploring local history. Specific pricing details can be found on the museum's official website.
Booking in advance is usually not required for general admission, but it's always a good idea to check the museum's website, especially during peak seasons or for special events.
Information on potential discounts for students, seniors, or families can usually be found on the museum's official website or by contacting them directly.
Generally, re-entry policies vary. It's best to inquire at the ticket desk upon arrival if you anticipate needing to leave and return.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The museum features diverse exhibits on Margate's history, including wartime stories, local industries like sandal making, and entertainment. You can also explore former Victorian prison cells.
No, photography is not permitted inside the museum. Staff may monitor visitors to ensure this rule is followed.
A visit to the Margate Museum typically takes about an hour or more, depending on your interest in the exhibits.
Yes, the museum offers an engaging look at local history that can be interesting for children, especially the prison cells.
While the museum focuses on historical displays, the immersive nature of the prison cells and the diverse local history can feel quite interactive.
🎫 🦀 The Crab Museum
The Crab Museum is uniquely situated above the Pie Factory Gallery in Margate Old Town.
It's an anti-capitalist, pro-crab space celebrating biodiversity and the ocean, featuring quirky exhibits and political statements.
No, the Crab Museum is a separate, independent attraction located above a gallery, distinct from the Margate Museum itself.
Its idiosyncratic nature, political stance, and unique focus on crabs make it a standout, 'weirdest museum' contender.
No, the Crab Museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit