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Properties and events in Thanet 2023
Properties and events in Thanet 2023
Here is a quick summary of events, for full details (and to check back for last minute changes) please see www.heritageopendays.org.uk.
Heritage Open Days 2023 will be 8-17 September.
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Birchington Map Exhibition
Church House, Kent Gardens, Birchington, Kent, CT7 9RS
With Ordnance Survey maps dating back to 1877, information on former surveying methods, lost buildings/sites of interest, and the feature 1840…
A collection of original and reproduced maps from the Birchington Heritage Trusts archives will be on display for all to see.
With Ordnance Survey maps dating back to 1877, information on former surveying methods, lost buildings/sites of interest, and the feature 1840 Tithe Map on display, this event will not want to be missed by people living in, or having connections with the local area.
Entry is free, and light refreshments are available by donation throughout the event.
More information will be published closer to the event and available on the Birchington Heritage Trust website, Facebook page and in the museum.
Event Times
- Sunday 10 September: 1400-1700
Booking Details: No booking required
How can people participate? In Person.
The Powell-Cotton Museum
Powell Cotton Museum, Quex Park, Birchington, Kent, CT7 0BH
At the museum, you have a world of exciting objects to discover. From our famous taxidermy animals such as elephants and giraffes to cultural…
We are delighted to offer free entry to the museum, Quex House* and Gardens.
Join a 'Highlights' tour of the museum or a 'Quex House Tour' and discover the many stories of the people and places that made the museum.
At the museum, you have a world of exciting objects to discover. From our famous taxidermy animals such as elephants and giraffes to cultural objects from around the globe and archaeology from our local coastline, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Children can grab a backpack and discover the museum differently using fun tools and activities. If you want a more gentle pace, join a grade II listed Quex House tour featuring unique Asian-inspired interiors. Quex Gardens features sweeping lawns, winding woodland and a bountiful walled garden. Bring a picnic and enjoy!
New for 2023 "Namibian Narratives" our first permanent addition to the collection in over 50 years. The exhibition features a doll, skirts and beadwork, created by artisan craftswomen in Namibia. The pieces were commissioned by the museum, working with partners both in the UK and Namibia.
Event Times
- Saturday 9 September: 1100-1500, Tours throughout the day.
Booking Details: No booking required
Access Information: Our site is wheelchair and pushchair friendly. The museum, gardens and ground floor of Quex House have step-free access. Unfortunately, the first floor of Quex House is only accessed by a staircase. Our full accessibility guide is available at accessibilityguides.org/content/powell-cotton-museum-house-and-gardens
How can people participate? In Person.
Additional information: Max 25 people per tour/event. Event Duration: Quex House Tours last approximately 45 minutes - 1 hour. Museum Highlights Tours last approximately 30 minutes. We will add tours to meet demand..
Directions: Enter Quex Park and follow the internal road until you reach the museum car park
Dickens House Museum - FREE Entry
2 Victoria Parade, Broadstairs, Kent, CT10 1QS
Visitors to Dickens House Museum will see items that once belonged to Charles Dickens including letters written about Broadstairs, his writing box…
Dickens House Museum celebrates Charles Dickens' long connection with Broadstairs (1837-1851). It is housed in the cottage that was Charles Dickens' inspiration for the home of Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield.
Visitors to Dickens House Museum will see items that once belonged to Charles Dickens including letters written about Broadstairs, his writing box and mahogany sideboard, along with a fine collection of prints by H K Browne (Phiz), one of Dickens' principal illustrators. There are also displays of Dickensian memorabilia, Victorian costumes and Victoriana, as well as a feature on "Our English Watering Place".
The museum celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and to celebrate have launched a new walking trail around Broadstairs following in the footsteps of the world-famous author who spent almost two years in Broadstairs - writing, reading, rambling and relaxing in his favourite English watering place.
The museum has a gift shop and is staffed by volunteers, who are passionate about Charles Dickens and happy to guide visitors around the unique house.
Event Times
- Saturday 9 September: 1300-1630
- Sunday 10 September: 1300-1630
- Saturday 16 September: 1300-1630
- Sunday 17 September: 1300-1630
Booking Details: No booking required
Access Information: Ground floor accessible via a ramp.
How can people participate? In Person.
Palace Cinema Broadstairs
Palace Cinema, Harbour Street, Broadstairs, Kent, CT10 1ET
Welcome to the Palace! We've been a cinema since the mid-1960s, before which we were a hall for hire, briefly a museum, and originally a…
Explore the unique story of the Palace, then take your seat for a tour of Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate as film locations! From the 1940s to Empire of Light, discover our local film heritage on screen.
Welcome to the Palace! We've been a cinema since the mid-1960s, before which we were a hall for hire, briefly a museum, and originally a shipwrights. Until the '60s Broadstairs had several purpose-built cinemas and other places to see a film and we're proud today to keep film alive in the town. We offer a cosy 111-seats over balcony and stalls, attracting locals and holidaymakers year-round for the latest films and classic favourites from around the world, plus special events including silent films with live piano.
We're open for two Heritage Open Days: the doors are open for three hours each day for visitors to explore the auditorium and foyer independently. We'll have illustrated history panels in the auditorium and staff will be on hand to answer questions and distribute children's activity sheets.
Our Local Film Heritage talks (35 minutes) are once each day: on Friday at 1400 and on Saturday at 1200. They are 'drop in', no booking required, and the cinema remains open for visitors throughout.
Event Times
- Friday 15 September: 1300-1600
- Saturday 16 September: 1100-1400
Booking Details: No booking required
Access Information: The cinema's front door has 2 steps leading into a small foyer, from which it is 2 further steps up into balcony or 13 steps down to the stalls. We also have step-free access to the stalls via the left-hand side of the building and slope leading down to the cinema's rear door. All access options will be clearly signposted on Heritage Open Days, and if any questions in advance please email us at info@thepalacecinema.co.uk
How can people participate? In Person.
Directions: We're in the centre of Broadstairs on Harbour Street, close to Viking Bay. We're a 10-15min walk from the rail station and a 5min walk from the nearest bus stop on Queens Road (the ‘Loop’ shuttle bus between Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate runs approx. every 10min). The closest car parks are 3min walk away: Albion St (81 spaces) and Broadstairs Harbour (69 spaces), both with disabled bays.
Arlington House Open Day
Arlington House, Allsaints Avenue, Margate, Kent, CT9 1XS
On Sunday 17th September, Arlington House will be open to the public via scheduled tours bookable on eventbrite. Come and enjoy the inside of this…
Come on a guided tour of the inside of Arlington House, visit inside certain apartments and appreciate the diverse and creative community living there.
On Sunday 17th September, Arlington House will be open to the public via scheduled tours bookable on eventbrite. Come and enjoy the inside of this unique piece of Brutalist architecture, visit inside a select number of residents homes some of which will be displaying art works made by residents.
Event Times
- Sunday 17 September: 1000-1200 & 1200-1400 & 1400-1600 (All tours fully booked!)
Booking Details:
Pre-booking: Preferred
All visits are guided tours and need to be booked in advance / (All tours now FULLY BOOKED!) Go to: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/heritage-open-day-arlington-house-tickets-707055491007?aff=oddtdtcreator Booking opens: 10 August 2023 Booking closes: 14 September 2023
How can people participate? In Person.
Additional information: Max 15 people per tour/event. Event Duration: 1 hour.
Directions: Arlington House is the large Brutalist building opposite Margate Station.
Cliftonville Cultural Space
1 Albion Road, Cliftonville, Margate, Kent, CT9 2HP
To mark Heritage Open Days, Cliftonville Voices returns to the building - an exhibition which commemorates the rich Jewish history of the area, as…
ARK, Cliftonville’s new cultural space, is a former Synagogue based in the heart of Cliftonville. This year we will be hosting an exhibition, celebrating the local Jewish history and paintings from a project working with refugee and migrant mothers.
To mark Heritage Open Days, Cliftonville Voices returns to the building - an exhibition which commemorates the rich Jewish history of the area, as well as celebrating its current diverse communities. Cliftonville Voices is based on interviews with the neighbourhood’s residents – both past and present – and explores the history of Cliftonville through film, informative display boards and an immersive soundscape.
Artwork created by women from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, entitled Mother Trees Connect the Forest, will also be exhibited. Led by East Kent artist Joy C Martindale and working with United Mothers in Margate and Samphire in Dover, this project is the result of a series of creative workshops with refugee and migrant mothers from the area.
Event Times
- Saturday 9 September: 1100-1600
- Sunday 10 September: 1100-1600
- Saturday 16 September: 1100-1600
- Sunday 17 September: 1100-1600
Booking Details: No booking required
How can people participate? In Person.
Draper’s Windmill
Drapers Windmill, St. Peters Footpath, Margate, Kent, CT9 2SP
Discover and learn about this wonderful Draper's Windmill and see working machinery, including our 103yr old Crossley auxiliary gas engine. Join…
Discover Draper's Windmill, a restored 19c smock mill, recently returned to grinding by the wind.
Discover and learn about this wonderful Draper's Windmill and see working machinery, including our 103yr old Crossley auxiliary gas engine.
Join us on tours of all floors of the mill, which will be available subject to operational precautions, or enjoy an informative film, CCTV of the upper floors, and our museum on the lower floor - accessible by 6 easy steps.
Light refreshments are available for HOD's.
Event Times
- Saturday 9 September: 12-4pm
- Sunday 10 September: 12-4pm
- Saturday 16 September: 1200 - 1600
- Sunday 17 September: 1200 - 1600
Booking Details: No booking required
Access Information: 6 easy steps into the ground floor of the mill. Steep stairs to all upper floors. On-street parking. Toilet is on the ground floor.
How can people participate? In Person.
Additional information: Max 30 people per tour/event. Event Duration: 20min + 20min film (optional). Definitely no need to book! We now take cards and cash for souvenirs and donations. Light refreshments will be available.
Directions: Opposite Drapers Mills Primary Academy on St Peters Footpath.
Margate Caves
Margate Caves, Northdown Road, Margate, Kent, CT9 1FG
Back in 1807, wealthy Margate gentleman Francis Forster made an extraordinary discovery. Beneath a pear tree in his garden was a huge underground…
Hidden beneath the streets of Margate lies a magical cave system, filled with colourful paintings and murals dating back to Georgian times. From shameless smugglers to ancient kings, discover the fascinating stories of this site.
Back in 1807, wealthy Margate gentleman Francis Forster made an extraordinary discovery. Beneath a pear tree in his garden was a huge underground cave system, the remains of a chalk mine that had been hidden for more than 100 years. He commissioned paintings, fashioned an ice well to store his wine collection and created a space to entertain the great and good of Margate.
Now, concealed beneath an ordinary road in the town and accessed via a twisty 15m tunnel, the Margate Caves open up to reveal a magical subterranean cavern, filled with colourful cave paintings and murals, relatively unchanged since Forster’s time. Enthusiastic volunteers are on hand to highlight the fascinating stories, murky myths and geological quirks of this mysterious site, which over the years has been used as a Victorian tourist attraction and wartime air raid shelter.
Above ground in the award-winning Visitor Centre, there is a fact-packed discovery room displaying the extraordinary history of the Caves, showing how it is entwined with Margate’s rich social and cultural past and weaving stories of drunken gentlemen, local giants, ancient Kings, shameless smugglers and enterprising vicars...
What will you discover?
Ticket needed for free entry
Event Times
- Friday 8 September: 1000-1630 **FULLY BOOKED**
- Saturday 9 September: 1000-1630 **FULLY BOOKED**
- Sunday 10 September: 1000-1630 **FULLY BOOKED**
- Wednesday 13 September: 1000-1630 **FULLY BOOKED**
- Thursday 14 September: 1000-1630 **FULLY BOOKED**
- Friday 15 September: 1000-1630 **FULLY BOOKED**
- Saturday 16 September: 1000-1630 **FULLY BOOKED**
- Sunday 17 September: 1000-1630 **FULLY BOOKED**
Booking Details:
Pre-booking: Required
Prebooking needed for free entry. **Please note this event is FULLY BOOKED** Contact: Margate Caves Email: info@margatecaves.co.uk Go to: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/heritage-open-days-tickets-638690399177?aff=ebdsoporgprofile Write to: Margate Caves Booking opens: 1 June 2023 Booking closes: 7 September 2023
Access Information: There are 33 stairs to get in and out of the Caves. Surfaces are uneven.
How can people participate? In Person.
St John’s Church, Margate
St. John's Church, Victoria Road, Margate, Kent, CT9 1LN
Points of interest include the Norman origins of the church, a stone font dating from 1485, funeral hatchments bearing coats of arms, and a carved…
St John’s has been a place of worship since circa 1050. We are opening our doors for visitors to explore our church, and for them to appreciate both the creativity of this splendid building and the creativity of members of the congregation.
Points of interest include the Norman origins of the church, a stone font dating from 1485, funeral hatchments bearing coats of arms, and a carved reredos. In 1920 the vicar of St John’s, the Reverend David Railton MC, inspired the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey. International countertenor Alfred Deller was a former chorister. Stained glass commemorates Margate College and WW1. The young Turner painted St John’s, and the gravestone of Mrs Booth, his landlady, stands in the churchyard.
At 2pm on the Saturday local historian Robin Colyer will give a guided tour of the church.
“Creativity Unwrapped” includes home baking, handmade crafts and special performances by organist David Lammler (1100 to 1200 and 1300 to 1400 on Saturday as well as 1330 to 1430 on Sunday).
Visitors of all ages are invited to explore their creativity by sketching their own view of St John’s and comparing it with Turner’s. Materials provided.
Teas, coffees, soft drinks, cakes and savouries available in pop up cafe.
Accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Accessible toilet.
Parking available.
Event Times
- Saturday 9 September: 1000-1600
- Sunday 10 September: 1200-1600
Booking Details: No booking required
Access Information: Access to the upper gallery is by spiral staircase but all other parts of the church are accessible..
How can people participate? In Person.
Additional information: Max 50 people per tour/event. Event Duration: Tour with Robin Colyer takes 1 hour approximately.
Directions: St John's can be accessed on foot and by car though the main gate on Churchfields. It is possible to visit by bus as a bus stop for the Thanet Loop is outside St John's. The church can be reached on foot by walking up the High Street from Margate Old Town.
Tiles of Joy at Margate Caves
Margate Caves, Northdown Road, Margate, Kent, CT9 1FG
Jayne Wright began this ambitious community art project with a Margate WI workshop in February 2023. In March, tiles were made at POW Thanet…
Jayne Wright brings her Tiles of Joy project to the Caves- create a tile to become part of the larger project!
Jayne Wright began this ambitious community art project with a Margate WI workshop in February 2023.
In March, tiles were made at POW Thanet workshops to celebrate International Women’s Day. 76 people made tiles here at Margate Caves in one hour!
The collection of tiles is growing all the time with Thanet WIs, Girl Guides, Thanet Schools, Turner Contemporary, Ramsgate HSAZ and local businesses joining the Joy.
Contact: @jawceramics @thanet.tiles.of.joy
Event Times
- Saturday 16 September: 1100-1400
Booking Details:
Pre-booking: Required
No entry to the main Margate Caves. Pre-booking needed. Contact: Margate Caves Call: 01843838048 Email: info@margatecaves.co.uk Go to: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tiles-of-joy-tickets-639764923107 Write to: Margate Caves Booking opens: 1 June 2023 Booking closes: 15 September 2023
How can people participate? In Person.
Additional information: Max 40 people per tour/event. Event Duration: Around 30 minutes.
Heritage Open Weekend at Monkton Nature Reserve
Monkton Nature Reserve, Canterbury Road, Monkton, Ramsgate, Kent, CT12 4LH
The site comprises 16-acres reclaimed from a former chalk quarry, and it is now home to many protected and endangered species of fauna and flora.…
Monkton Nature Reserve is a unique environment for British flora and fauna that thrive on chalk-based habitats. Our grassland contains many species of rare orchids and a variety of wildflowers; a haven for birds, our ponds teem with wildlife.
The site comprises 16-acres reclaimed from a former chalk quarry, and it is now home to many protected and endangered species of fauna and flora. There are nature trails and sculptures to find around the reserve - wildlife, fossils/dinosaurs, faerie hideaways. There is a museum of archaeological finds and natural history exhibits, a large collection of second hand books for reference and sale, a bird viewing area, the Cabin cafe for light refreshment and picnic areas. Families, older people and casual visitors enjoy walking and observing the wildlife, enjoying the tranquillity and relaxing in a safe and secure setting.
Event Times
- Saturday 9 September: 10am to 4pm
- Sunday 10 September: 10am to 4pm
Booking Details: No booking required
Access Information: Trails on lower level on uneven ground. Upper level accessed via steps only.
How can people participate? In Person.
Ramsgate Tunnels
Ramsgate Tunnels, Marina Esplanade, Ramsgate, Kent, CT11 8FH
From Utility Chic to Make Do & Mend, improvisation and creativity were at the heart of wartime clothing. From glamourous evening dresses to the…
An introduction to how Ramsgate residents responded to government rationing of clothing during the Second World War. A story of colour, invention and determination to create wearable fashion on the Home Front.
From Utility Chic to Make Do & Mend, improvisation and creativity were at the heart of wartime clothing. From glamourous evening dresses to the humble sock, nothing was safe from going ‘on’ the ration. This short, illustrated talk from the Ramsgate Tunnels historian in residence, will introduce wartime clothing controls and the ways in which Ramsgate’s beleaguered population rose to the occasion, tackling fashion on the ration. Swap shops, knitting circles, and technical institute classes were some of the many myriads of ways which helped counter the shortage. The Women’s Voluntary Service (W.V.S.), as was so often the case, came to the fore, helping to produce new garments for locals and service personnel alike, providing a receiving centre for discarded items and advice and guidance for those looking to beat the wartime grey. In one-month, alone Ramsgate’s W.V.S. darned 400 pairs of socks! So why not come along and join us to explore how Make Do & Mend influenced creativity in wartime.
Event Times
- Saturday 9 September: 1100 & 1300
Booking Details:
Pre-booking: Preferred
The talk should be pre-booked online at www.ramsgatetunnels.org. Tickets will be available approximately one week in advance of the talk. Ramsgate Tunnels museum is free to visit and our guided tours will be available on the day. Booking is advised for tours due to limited numbers. Contact: Lynn Turner Call: 01843 588123 Email: admin@ramsgatetunnels.org Go to: https://www.ramsgatetunnels.org/
How can people participate? In Person.
Additional information: Max 35 people per tour/event. Event Duration: The talk is approximately 45 minutes long..
Directions: Ramsgate Tunnels is located on Marina Esplanade at the bottom of the Augusta Steps (Rainbow Steps) towards the Harbour.
St George’s Church, Ramsgate
St George's Church, Broad Street, Ramsgate, Kent, CT11 8QY
St George’s will be open on Saturday 9th and Saturday 16th September, from 1000-1500. This wonderful building is steeped in the history of the…
Situated at the heart of Ramsgate town centre, St George’s is a glorious Grade I Listed late Georgian church built in 1827, an outstanding feature being its octagonal stone Lantern which served as a navigational aid for shipping in the Channel.
St George’s will be open on Saturday 9th and Saturday 16th September, from 1000-1500. This wonderful building is steeped in the history of the development of Ramsgate from the Nineteenth century up to modern times. You can wander round the church at your leisure – highlights include the Dunkirk window which shows the little boats setting sail for Dunkirk from Ramsgate Harbour and our Grade II Listed Organ built by William Hill, a famous organ maker.
There will be guided tours up the lantern tower and down into the crypt. You can climb the 136ft tower to the top of the church to see all over Ramsgate and on a clear day, France. The climb is unsuitable for under 8’s and any children under 12 must be escorted by an adult because the stairs are steep. In the crypt underneath the church, you will see where the first Mayor of Ramsgate is buried and where church services were held during the Second World War.
Event Times
- Saturday 9 September: 1000-1500
- Saturday 16 September: 1000-1500
Booking Details: No booking required
Access Information: There are steps into the church. There is a wheelchair ramp on request but it requires assistance to use.
How can people participate? In Person.
Additional information: Max 10 people per tour/event. Event Duration: Tower takes 30 mins, crypt takes 30 mins.
Directions: The church can be found at the corner of Broad Street and Church Hill, just off the High Street.
The Grange and St Edward’s Presbytery: step into the colourful world of Augustus Pugin
St Augustine's Road, Ramsgate, Kent, CT11 9NY
Augustus Pugin came to Ramsgate in 1843, in search of 'the delight of the sea with catholic architecture & a Library.' He built The Grange to live…
The Grange was built by Augustus Pugin, designer of the Palace of Westminster, in 1843-4 as his family home. The Grange offers total immersion in the Gothic Revival style - a must for any fan of the Victorian era.
Augustus Pugin came to Ramsgate in 1843, in search of 'the delight of the sea with catholic architecture & a Library.' He built The Grange to live out his ideal of life in the Middle Ages in a family home nestling in the shadow of St Augustine's Church, which he built at his own cost next door, and a benevolent monastery, completed by his son Edward. The Grange reflects Pugin’s belief in the Gothic style as the only true Christian architecture (he was a fervent convert to Catholicism). Today, The Grange lies at the heart of a Gothic Revival site of exceptional importance and is normally let for holidays by the Landmark Trust. Our well-informed team will be on hand to explain these astonishingly rich interiors, including Pugin's own wallpapers and furniture designs, and the Library where the creativity of this brilliant and eccentric man designed much of the Houses of Parliament as we know it today.
Leaflets on the building's history and children's activity packs will be available.
St Edward's Presbytery, next door to The Grange, will also be open for free over the weekend.
Event Times
- Friday 15 September: 1000-1600
- Saturday 16 September: 1000-1600
- Sunday 17 September: 1000-1600
Booking Details:
Pre-booking: Preferred
Booking isn’t required, however we recommend booking so we can keep you informed about the event. Please visit our website for full details and to book your place. Go to: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-grange-st-edwards-presbytery-open-days-september-2023-tickets-560470822317
Access Information: Wheelchair access available for ground floor, no lift in property. Gravel paths outside. There is no parking at this property - please park in the carparks in Ramsgate. It is possible for people with limited mobility to be dropped off outside the property. For further information please contact Booking Enquiries on 01628 825925. The Booking Office is open Mon to Fri - 9am to 5pm.
How can people participate? In Person.
Additional information: St Edward's Presbytery situated next door will also be open to the public this weekend. Booking isn’t required, however we recommend booking so we can keep you informed about the event. Please visit our website for full details and to book your place