Blue Town Heritage Centre

About the museum

Blue Town Heritage Centre is part of The Criterion Blue Town, a museum, restored music hall and community cinema in Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey. It is run entirely by volunteers. The building began as the New Inn in 1868, became the Royal Oxford Music Hall and then the Criterion public house in 1869, with a music hall called the Palace of Varieties behind it. The front was rebuilt in brick in 1879.

The music hall was damaged in a German bombing raid in the First World War and fell into disrepair. It has since been carefully restored and is again used for entertainment. It is the main space of the centre.

The heritage centre holds many items of memorabilia and artefacts that show the long history of the Isle of Sheppey. On the first floor volunteers have built a replica of the quarterdeck of HMS Victory with a full-size cannon, to show what life at sea was like. A door opens onto a roof garden. The centre has links with the aviation museum at Eastchurch, known as the birthplace of British aviation.

Highlights

• Local history displays of the Isle of Sheppey
• Replica of the HMS Victory quarterdeck with a full-size cannon
• Restored Victorian music hall
• Tea room serving cream teas
• Free entry

Permanent exhibition

• Blue Town Heritage Centre displays – Memorabilia and artefacts on the history of the Isle of Sheppey, a replica of the HMS Victory quarterdeck and the restored music hall.

Founded

2009

Operated by

The Criterion Blue Town (volunteer-run)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free and booking is not needed. Donations of any amount are welcome.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The centre describes itself as an inclusive destination with disabled access; no further details are given.

Kids & families

Children can collect a badge in the Wheels of Time scheme, which covers around 40 museums in Kent.

Getting there & parking

The centre is at 69 High Street in Blue Town, Sheerness.

Amenities & dining

• Café

A tea room serves cream teas.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

The music hall and other rooms can be hired, including exclusive-use packages.

Plan your visit