Crampton Tower Museum
Small volunteer-run museum in a Victorian flint water tower beside Broadstairs station, with Thomas Crampton displays and working model railways.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Crampton Tower Museum stands beside Broadstairs railway station in a Grade II listed Victorian flint tower. The tower once formed part of the first public water supply for Broadstairs and was later repaired by the local council so that it could be used as a museum.
The museum is dedicated to Thomas Russell Crampton, a Victorian engineer who designed locomotives and railways and also worked on gas and water supply and on submarine telegraph cables. He is remembered as the first person to lay an effective telegraph cable under the English Channel. The displays include his working drawings, models and graphics, as well as patents, awards and objects connected with his career.
The collection also records the wider story of railways, electric tramways, road transport and local industry in the area. Five working model railways in N, OO, O and Gauge One run in the building, and a 5-inch gauge miniature railway on the site gives children rides in suitable weather. A large hall is available to hire for community groups and events.
Highlights
- Working drawings, models and patents of the engineer Thomas Russell Crampton
- The first effective telegraph cable under the English Channel, explained through the displays
- Five working model railways in N, OO, O and Gauge One
- 5-inch gauge miniature railway with rides in suitable weather
- Grade II listed Victorian flint water tower
Permanent exhibition
- Thomas Crampton and the tower – Working drawings, models, patents and awards from the career of the engineer Thomas Russell Crampton, with working model railways and local transport history.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £5 |
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| Children & teens | £3Children aged 4 to 16. |
| Families | £13Two adults and two children. |
The museum shop can be visited without paying admission.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- 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
A visitor-information listing states that everything except the tower itself is accessible to wheelchair users; the tower is reached by a winding staircase with no lift or ramp. The museum website gives no access details, so please contact the museum before visiting.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | £13 · Two adults and two children. |
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- Hands-on stations
A 5-inch gauge miniature railway gives children rides in suitable weather, and seasonal family events include Santa visits in the run-up to Christmas.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Broadstairs station
The museum stands next to Broadstairs railway station.
The museum is in The Broadway, immediately beside the station. The website gives no parking information.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
A shop sells pre-loved models, second-hand books, magazines, DVDs and videos.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
A large events hall with full facilities can be hired; community groups are also welcome.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Visits outside the normal opening times can be arranged in advance. Special events such as model railway shows and Santa visits take place during the year. |
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