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!”
Take a walk in Dickens’ footsteps, with the Dickens Town Trail, discovering places around the town with a connection to the author.
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| Adult | £4.50 |
| Child | £3.00 per ticket |
| Student (16-18 years) | £3.50 per ticket |
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.
Nearest station: Broadstairs is 1 miles
| Dickens House Museum (29 Mar 2025 - 3 Nov 2025) |
|---|
* Good Friday 29th March - Sunday 3rd November Wednesday - Sunday 1pm to 4.30pm (last entry 4pm
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