Dickens House Museum

Thanet

Type:Historic House / Palace

2 Victoria Parade, Broadstairs, Kent, CT10 1QS

Tel: 01843 5777577

Outside of Dickens House Museum, Thanet, Kent. Credit Thanet District Council

About

Dickens House Museum, Broadstairs celebrates Charles Dickens’ long connection with Broadstairs from 1837 to 1851, through personal items and letters. Guided tours available

The museum is housed in the cottage that was Charles Dickens’ inspiration for the home of Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield. David’s description of Betsey's cottage with its square gravelled garden full of flowers, and a parlour of old fashioned furniture still fits today.

The character Betsy Trotwood is based on Miss Mary Pearson Strong who lived in the cottage that is now the museum. According to the reminiscences of Charles Dickens’ son Charley, he and his father regularly had tea and cakes in the parlour with the kindly and charming Miss Mary Pearson Strong. 

He also remembers that Miss Pearson Strong was completely convinced of her right to stop the passage of donkeys along the cliff top in front of her cottage. This belief became the donkey incident for the character of Betsy Trotwood, with the famous quote: “Janet! Donkeys!”

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult£4.00
Concession (Student, anyone unable to access upstairs)£3.00 per ticket
Family ( 2 Adults and 2 Children)£10.00

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Road Directions

From the A255/A256 junction proceed down Broadstairs Road, straight through the traffic lights and on to the High Street. At the bottom of the High Street follow the road left into Albion Street and into the Pay and Display car park at the end of Albion Street. Walk back along Albion Street to Costa Coffee and turn left towards the seafront through Dickens Passage. The museum is on your right.

Public Transport Directions

Nearest station: Broadstairs is 1 miles

Opening Times

Dickens House Museum (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)

*
Easter (Friday 7th April) to Sunday 16th July Wednesday – Sunday 1pm – 4.30pm. Last admission 4pm.
School summer holidays Wednesday 19th July – Sunday 3rd September daily 1pm – 4.30pm. Last admission 4pm
Wednesday 6th September – Sunday 29th October Wednesday – Sunday 1pm – 4.30pm. Last admission 4pm

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