Latest events

Latest exhibitions

Dive in to maritime history and explore the town. The fascinating displays give townspeople and visitors an idea of why Whitstable is here and how it has changed over the years.

Its unique seafaring history is explored, including oyster fishing, diving and shipbuilding.

Discover local stories of seaside, floods, the world's first passenger steam railway, shopping, industries, newspaper cartoon characters Pip, Squeak and Wilfred, and memorabilia of resident Peter Cushing.

See the big red engine, sit at a Victorian school desk and hunt for fossil sharks teeth!

Changing exhibitions on varied themes plus regular events. Special activities for schools and groups.

Museum Highlights

Birds and fossils Including a Mammoth tusk
Seaside souvenirs Holiday items and memorabilia
Fishing and oyster farming Dredging, selling and eating oysters, whelks and cockles
Diving and salvage Where diving helmets were first developed in the 19th century
Shipbuilding and associated trades Tools, images and replica part of oyster yawl
Sailing, navigation and shipwreck Ship's portraits, instruments and souvenirs
Paintings of Whitstable Harbour, beach and shore
'Crab and Winkle' steam railway World's first railway for paying passengers
Firefighters and first fire engine Firemen's equipment and horse-drawn fire engine
Shops and shopping Packaging, advertising and shop fittings
World War One memorabilia Experiences and souvenirs of local people
World War Two memorabilia Rationing, Home Guard, bomb damage and service abroad
Historic photographs - Douglas West Collection - 19th and 20th century images of people, places & events

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