Canterbury Heritage Museum
Discover Canterbury’s history, from millions of years ago to the present, explored through interactive displays in an amazing medieval building.
Includes Anglo-Saxon treasures, Oliver Postgate’s Thomas Becket story, the Tudors, Joseph Conrad’s study, the Blitz gallery, Stephenson’s original Invicta railway engine, Rupert Bear and the real Bagpuss.
Around the museum are over 30 exciting hands-on activities for families – you can write your name in Viking runes, sniff medieval poo, investigate finds like an archaeologist, try on Elizabethan costume and listen to wartime memories.
Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin created their much loved children’s programme just outside Canterbury. See the real Bagpuss in Emily’s shop window, original Clangers, Ivor the Engine and Noggin the Nog. And discover some Bagpuss secrets!
Rupert Bear was created by Canterbury-born Mary Tourtel. Discover his fascinating story, join in his adventures, see inside his house, and enjoy lots of fun activities including a giant snakes and ladders game.
Built in 1373, the museum was originally a medieval hospital for poor, sick and retired priests. Explore this magnificent timber-framed building to discover fascinating stories of former uses from medieval hospital, to workhouse and World War Two ambulance station, and marvel at its magnificent crown post roofs blackened by centuries of smoke.
Spend some time relaxing or picnicking in the medieval herb garden.
Free Digiguide Tour – see and listen to animated stories about famous Canterbury characters, key artefacts and aspects of the building’s history on the museums hand-help computer guide. A highlights tour in English, French, German and Japanese.
Canterbury Heritage Museum currently houses some of the art collection from the Beaney Museum and Art Gallery, which is presently closed for redevelopment.
Venue Details
Address
Stour StreetCanterbury
Kent
CT1 2NR
England
Links
Telephone
- 01227 475202
Entry Charges
Adults £8.00 Discounts £6.00 Children free to a maximum of two children per paying adult Group tickets available
Discounts Offered
- Museums Association
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Opening Hours
Monday 5th January – Friday 13th February: Closed
Saturday 14th February – Sunday 22nd February: Open daily 11-5pm
Monday 23rd February – Tuesday 24th March: Closed
Wednesday 25th March – Sunday 27th September: Open Wednesday – Sunday only 11-5pm
Monday 28th September – Friday 18th December: Closed
Saturday 19th December – Sunday 3rd January: Open Daily 11am – 5pm
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Venue Services
- Brochure or leaflet available with directions to museum
- Events and resources for children and families
- Foreign language audio guide available
- General audio-guide available
- Member of staff available with responsibility for education
- Object identification and/or written enquiry service
- Pre-booking service for groups
- Touch exhibits
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Venue Facilities
- Toilets
- Baby changing facilities
- Education facilities available
- Shop
- Toilets for disabled
- Wheelchair access to all public areas