Dickens House Museum

Dickens House Museum celebrates Charles Dickens' long connection with Broadstairs (1837-1851). It is housed in the cottage that was Dickens' inspiration for the home of Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield. According to the reminiscences of Dickens' son Charley, they regularly had tea there with Miss Mary Pearson Strong, and her belief in her right to stop the passage of donkeys in front of her cottage was the inspiration for the donkey incident and the character of Betsey Trotwood.

Visitors will see items that once belonged to Dickens, including letters written about Broadstairs, his writing box and mahogany sideboard, and 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". This was the affectionate record of the town and its inhabitants written by Dickens in 1851.

Access Information

The entrance is wide enough for wheelchairs, and involves one step, but there is a ramp alternative. Staff can assist at the entrance point.

The attraction itself has 2 floors with 14 stairs. There is no lift or ramp alternative. The ground floor is accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. There are areas to sit and read information about the attraction.

There are 2 accessible parking bays approximately 50 metres from the entrance and the nearest accessible toilets are approximately 160 metres from the attraction, at Broadstairs Bandstand. 

Quiet days and special tours can be arranged.