The Seaside Museum Herne Bay
Discover Herne Bay's past with local art, prehistoric fossils, and a WWII Bouncing Bomb prototype. A charming seaside gem!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
The Seaside Museum Herne Bay
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Herne Bay's past with local art, prehistoric fossils, and a WWII Bouncing Bomb prototype. A charming seaside gem!
"A delightful small museum, popular with all ages, offering fascinating local history and a warm welcome."
Chat with the Volunteers
The staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, offering great insights! :wave:
Kid-Friendly Activities
Activity sheets are available to keep younger visitors engaged. :pencil2:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Local History & Nostalgia
Main exhibition halls
Explore fascinating displays on Herne Bay's past, from Roman times to the 20th century. A real trip down memory lane!
WWII Bouncing Bomb
WWII exhibit
See a prototype of the famous Bouncing Bomb, a significant piece of wartime history with local connections.
Stone Age Flint Collection
Stone Age exhibit
Marvel at an incredible collection of prehistoric flint hand axes found in the local area, rivaling major museums.
Changing Exhibitions
Upstairs gallery
Discover rotating displays on diverse topics like Hooden horses and Amy Johnson, keeping each visit fresh.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Value for Money
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Chat with the Volunteers
The staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, offering great insights! :wave:
Kid-Friendly Activities
Activity sheets are available to keep younger visitors engaged. :pencil2:
Art Pass Accepted
If you have an art pass, you might get free entry! :ticket:
Great for Rainy Days
A perfect indoor escape when the weather turns. :cloud:
Tips
from all over the internet
Chat with the Volunteers
The staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, offering great insights! :wave:
Kid-Friendly Activities
Activity sheets are available to keep younger visitors engaged. :pencil2:
Art Pass Accepted
If you have an art pass, you might get free entry! :ticket:
Great for Rainy Days
A perfect indoor escape when the weather turns. :cloud:
Don't Miss the Gift Shop
Find unique local crafts and souvenirs. :gift:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Seaside Museum Herne Bay for its excellent value, friendly and knowledgeable volunteers, and surprisingly rich collection of local history and artifacts, including a notable Stone Age flint collection and WWII Bouncing Bomb prototype. It's considered a delightful and engaging stop, especially for families and history enthusiasts, offering a worthwhile experience even on a short visit.
"We popped into the Seaside Museum in Herne Bay when the weather turned, and it ended up being one of the highlights of the day. We were greeted by Stan, who was brilliant — friendly, welcoming, and gave us a quick rundown of what to see and where to start. He also handed out some activity sheets for the kids, which kept them really engaged while we wandered.
If you’re into old photos, quirky displays, and a bit of local nostalgia, this place hits the mark. There’s a great collection that gives you a real sense of how Herne Bay and the surrounding area — including the old island of Thanet — has changed over the years. Some fascinating stuff too on the bouncing bombs and local war history.
It’s not massive, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s a good little visit, easy to take in without being overwhelming. For just £4 entry, it’s well worth popping in, especially if you’re nearby or looking for something indoors. Would definitely recommend."
Chris Crawley
"For a relatively small museum, it was very interesting. Also enjoyed the railway exhibition upstairs.
Also delighted to find we could use our art passes. Not that it was a high entrance fee anyway."
Karen Stirk
"Lovely museum with welcoming volunteer staff. Changing exhibitions upstairs throughout the year-we went for the one on Hooden horses and Hoodening, very good. Other exhibits about the town including a maquette of the statue of Amy Johnson (life size one on the promenade) who reputedly died in seas off Herne Bay. Roman to 20th century exhibits, set out nicely in display cases and dioramas. Very good gift shop! Good accessibility with handrails both sides of stairs and a small lift. Well worth a visit."
Dianna Hagerty
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Herne Bay from London by train, typically with a change at Canterbury West. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Driving is also an option, with parking available in the town.
Yes, there are several car parks in Herne Bay, most within a short walking distance of the museum. Check local signage for availability and charges.
Absolutely! Herne Bay is a popular day trip destination from London, and the museum is a great addition to a seaside visit. +1
Many visitors enjoy walking along the promenade and exploring the town center. The museum is conveniently located for this.
While the town is walkable, local buses do operate within Herne Bay and connect to surrounding areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or social media pages before your visit. They often have special hours for events like Santa's Grotto.
Admission is very affordable, typically around £4 for adults, with concessions and free entry for children under 16.
For general admission, booking in advance is usually not necessary. However, for special events like Santa's Grotto, advance booking is highly recommended.
Yes, the museum is known to accept Art Passes, offering free entry for pass holders.
The museum has good accessibility, with handrails on the stairs and a small lift available to access different levels.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a diverse range of exhibits, including local history, archaeology (like the Stone Age flint collection), WWII artifacts (including a Bouncing Bomb prototype), and rotating art displays.
Yes, the museum offers activity sheets for children and engaging displays that can capture their interest.
A visit usually takes about an hour, making it a perfect stop for a shorter outing or to complement other activities in Herne Bay.
The museum hosts various events throughout the year, including seasonal celebrations like Santa's Grotto and community singing for advent windows.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on displays.
📸 📸 Photography
The Bouncing Bomb prototype and the impressive Stone Age flint collection offer unique photographic subjects. The local history displays also provide nostalgic scenes.
While drones are used in the wider Herne Bay area for scenic shots, they are not permitted inside the museum. Always check local regulations for drone usage.
Herne Bay offers lovely seaside views, the pier, and the promenade, which are great for capturing the coastal atmosphere.
Sunset shots and drone footage of the coastline are popular, showcasing the natural beauty of the area.
Yes, the advent windows are designed to be viewed and photographed, often featuring QR codes for more information.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a small admission fee, it's an excellent option for a rainy day activity or a brief, educational stop. Consider visiting during special events like Santa's Grotto for an added festive experience.
The museum's manageable size means it's not overwhelming for little ones, and the gift shop offers a chance for a small souvenir. History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
The rotating exhibitions also cater to diverse historical interests, regularly bringing new perspectives and subjects to light. Coupled with the knowledgeable volunteers who can offer deeper context, history enthusiasts will find plenty to explore and appreciate within this charming seaside museum.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Herne Bay's Past
One of the standout features is the museum's impressive collection of Stone Age flint hand axes, discovered locally. These artifacts are so significant that they are said to rival collections found in major London museums, offering a tangible connection to the area's prehistoric past.
Community Spirit and Rotating Exhibits
Beyond the permanent collections, the museum regularly hosts changing exhibitions upstairs. These rotating displays cover a diverse range of topics, from local folklore like the Hooden horses and Hoodening traditions to tributes to notable figures such as Amy Johnson.
and advent window displays, further embedding itself within the local fabric. 
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