Margate Tudor House: Hours, Address, Margate Tudor House Reviews: 4.5/5
Margate Tudor House
Margate Tudor House
4.5
Wednesday
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Friday
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Saturday
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Sunday
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
About
The Tudor house in Margate, thought to be one of the oldest of its kind in Kent, was open to the public on selected dates during the 2006 summer season.Situated in King Street, it was built around 1525 and is typical of many houses of that period. It’s believed that the Tudor House would have been one of the largest buildings in Thanet and would probably have belonged to a wealthy yeoman farmer. At the time of building, it would have stood close to the bank of the stream which ran down Dane Valley and entered the sea where Margate Harbour now is.The oldest deed can be traced back to 1802, when the Tudor House was a farmhouse owned by Francis Cobb. In 1815, the building was converted into three cottages and the lower part of the exterior of the Tudor House was plastered over, while inside the oak panelling was covered with wallpaper and the beams were plastered over.During the Second World War, the roof was damaged and vibration from bombs led to it tilting forwards. In 1951, restoration work started to return the house to its former glory, when the panelling was completely restored and the windows and doorframes were re-situated.
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Restaurants
263 within 3 miles
New Street Bistro
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0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • British • Healthy • Vegetarian Friendly
Bottega Caruso
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Proper Coffee House Margate
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Olivo Margate
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Angela's Seafood Restaurant
309
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • British • Healthy
Giorgios
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Buoy and Oyster
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0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • British • Grill
The Greedy Cow
505
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • British
Mullins Brasserie
821
464 ft$$ - $$$ • Caribbean • Jamaican • Vegetarian Friendly
Peter's Fish Factory
793
0.1 mi$ • Quick Bites • Seafood • Fast Food
Attractions
150 within 6 miles
Margate Museum
193
496 ftSpeciality Museums
Margate Old Town
680
417 ftNeighborhoods
The Old Kent Market
170
0.1 miFarmers Markets
Margate Caves
91
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Caverns & Caves
Pie Factory
19
524 ftArt Galleries
EclecTic Art Gallery
13
524 ftArt Galleries
Crab Museum
10
520 ftScience Museums
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9
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7
478 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
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2
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4.5
160 reviews
Excellent
89
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42
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24
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4
Terrible
1
MilesN957
London, UK19 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
Very similarly to the last reviewer, we opened the latch while the building was closed and there was Cliff, offering to give us a tour anyway. A moment's doubt when he said he would have to lock us in. He was extremely knowledgeable and had obviously done his own research into the history of the house right through its existence. Plus we were treated to a couple of pieces which he played very deftly on his keyboard, which was programmed to a harpsichord setting. A real surprise and treat.
Written August 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Janetelle
London, UK15 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
Just the sight of this house, sitting on its corner, was evocative. It was easy to imagine it being much that way originally. We knew of its limited opening hours so that's when we turned up. The interior has many features that inform the idea that it was a well-off merchant who had this built and lived in it. Beautiful floorboards, much original panelling, large fireplaces, higher ceilings than expected upstairs.... Some interesting pieces of furniture, too. Visiting is very informal --- it's easy to roam through (just mind your head for low beams and ceilings). Curiosity is rewarded by several volunteers ready to share their abundant knowledge of the history of the house, its restoration and their rich memories of this place during their lifetime. It could really do with some more funding - how a roaring fire would have been welcome on that cold day. These old treasures are rare and deserve funds for upkeep and protection.
Written December 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Graham Hearsey
Broadstairs, UK306 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
A lovely quaint Tudor House situated next to the old town .When coming to Margate come and see this attraction and watch the children's faces light up
Written September 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Caren W
10 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
I took some friends to see the house (I'd been before and had a great visit). But sadly we didn't get the same experience this time.
Whilst I appreciate the house is run by volunteers and they give up their time to staff it, the grumpy, abrupt attitude of the man on duty on 23 October didn't make for a pleasurable visit. In fact 4 of our party didn't get past the payment desk because he was so rude. The 2 that did go in were not given any information about the building or its history and were in and out in about 10 minutes. Their feedback was they were made to feel their visit was a hindrance to this particular person. This is such a shame as it is a great place to visit and with the right person showing you around it's well worth going to as it really is delightful. However, the lady who was volunteering upstairs did make them feel welcome and was informative.
Whilst I appreciate the house is run by volunteers and they give up their time to staff it, the grumpy, abrupt attitude of the man on duty on 23 October didn't make for a pleasurable visit. In fact 4 of our party didn't get past the payment desk because he was so rude. The 2 that did go in were not given any information about the building or its history and were in and out in about 10 minutes. Their feedback was they were made to feel their visit was a hindrance to this particular person. This is such a shame as it is a great place to visit and with the right person showing you around it's well worth going to as it really is delightful. However, the lady who was volunteering upstairs did make them feel welcome and was informative.
Written October 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Carrie P
Greater London, UK255 contributions
Aug 2018 • Solo
This is an absolute gem of a building - timber frame and wattle and daub construction over 4 centuries it has seen through the major overhauls of Margate's identity from port to seaside resort to Turner museum refurb.
The committee into whose hands this building has been entrusted have doubtless expended hundreds of thousands of voluntary hours raising finance to keep the roof sound, the fine embellished plaster ceilings up, and the timber work free from rot. That is worth congratulating
However - this is a major - significant piece of UK architectural history which needs it's interior story telling - and preserving for the next generation and its place in the story of Margate celebrating.
The ceilings are beautifully plastered so do look up - not far the ceilings are only around 7ft high! The final room above the kitchen area - there are a mere 6 compact Barret sized rooms to visit so you can walk through in 2 minutes flat!!! - is worth spending time in if your children want to dress up as a Tudor courtier or a 17th century pirate/ or smuggler!!!
The rest of the house is muddled, cluttered, being used to house odds and sods from the main Margate Museum with no connection to the house or the period and without their own story being announced ( as with two extraordinary Indian armchairs and filigried table from North Indian provenance which sit separated between floors).
This gem needs a radical rethink in I would suggest governance and delivery - clutter out, customer journey in, outside sweet garden area replanted, information and literature restocked, some guided story boarding moving one across the rooms and finally a refreshment point in the newly restocked herb garden that cries out for some love and attention!
If the Big lottery are still open to grants having put in millions for the Turner gallery - here is an opportunity to put in the small change to make a radical change and a real enhancement to Margate's architectural / walk through history offer. It's really something of a no - brainer.
The committee into whose hands this building has been entrusted have doubtless expended hundreds of thousands of voluntary hours raising finance to keep the roof sound, the fine embellished plaster ceilings up, and the timber work free from rot. That is worth congratulating
However - this is a major - significant piece of UK architectural history which needs it's interior story telling - and preserving for the next generation and its place in the story of Margate celebrating.
The ceilings are beautifully plastered so do look up - not far the ceilings are only around 7ft high! The final room above the kitchen area - there are a mere 6 compact Barret sized rooms to visit so you can walk through in 2 minutes flat!!! - is worth spending time in if your children want to dress up as a Tudor courtier or a 17th century pirate/ or smuggler!!!
The rest of the house is muddled, cluttered, being used to house odds and sods from the main Margate Museum with no connection to the house or the period and without their own story being announced ( as with two extraordinary Indian armchairs and filigried table from North Indian provenance which sit separated between floors).
This gem needs a radical rethink in I would suggest governance and delivery - clutter out, customer journey in, outside sweet garden area replanted, information and literature restocked, some guided story boarding moving one across the rooms and finally a refreshment point in the newly restocked herb garden that cries out for some love and attention!
If the Big lottery are still open to grants having put in millions for the Turner gallery - here is an opportunity to put in the small change to make a radical change and a real enhancement to Margate's architectural / walk through history offer. It's really something of a no - brainer.
Written August 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
kaaate7
Liverpool, UK64 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
We visited the Tudor house, not realising it was actually closed to the public at the time. The door was open so we went in and nearly scared the life out of Cliff, the volunteer who was practicing Tudor compositions on the keyboard. Fortunately, he was kind enough to give us a tour around the house and was really knowledgeable and passionate about its origins and the background to Tudor life there. He played some music of the period for us and showed us the fantastic replica costumes that have been lovingly handmade upstairs.
It's clear that the volunteers here work hard to make the house interesting and informative for kids too and it's a great way for them to learn about the times.
It's fantastic that such a house has been so well preserved. We really enjoyed our visit. A big thank you!
It's clear that the volunteers here work hard to make the house interesting and informative for kids too and it's a great way for them to learn about the times.
It's fantastic that such a house has been so well preserved. We really enjoyed our visit. A big thank you!
Written August 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MarcinJanD
London, UK52 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
We spotted the building on our way to Grotto. We ventured inside and learnt that it is run by a charity. The entrance fee is really small and helps to keep this piece of history alive, so we got the ticket and had a look at this place. The visit turned out to be very interesting, we tried some old times costumes on and my daughter accompanied someone playing old times music. Recommended. Not a madeup attraction, but a real piece of real history.
Written July 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sue W
Romsey, UK75 contributions
Mar 2017 • Solo
Found this wonderful place whilst wondering around Margate Old Town. It is simply a wonderful survivor of a building, rescued from being demolished in the 1930s. The house is staffed by wonderfully knowledgeable volunteers. On the day I visited there was a volunteer playing music from the Tudor time and it was beautiful and echoed around the building adding to the atmosphere. I went 3 times in a week i enjoyed it so much, the last time just to sit in the garden to enjoy the beautiful spring garden. The rooms are well set out with ever changing displays and the Jacobean ceiling in the parlour is not to be missed. Easy to find and lots of free parking near by. Highly recommended to visit.
Written March 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RoyalTango
London, Canada13 contributions
Dec 2014 • Solo
Following on from my review of St Johns Church, we are back in the old town heading down King St. As you reach the end of this short rd you will see straight across the junction the Tudor House.
The entrance is free but you should always check in advance about opening hours. I visited in December when the trustees of this wonderful building put on a themed Tudor Christmas display.
Volunteers dress in Tudor costumes and replica feasts are laid out to provide an example of the kind of food consumed in these times by both rich and poor. Who knows maybe swan will ,make a come back one day as the Christmas meat of choice.
The house gives you an idea of how we have grown in the past 500 years. Really! the height of the ceilings reminds you just how small Tudor people were.
Inside is fairly spacious with huge fireplaces in each of the rooms bar one which would have been used as a food storage area due to it's coldness. Mmmm how about that a whole room for food, makes you realize how space saving modern fridges are.
The spiral wooden stair case with a rope for a rail is lovely as it is simple and up stairs is a mirror image of the bottom floor.
There would have been a river flowing past the front of the house when originally built but this has been long filled in. The property has undergone some changes over the centuries and at one point was converted into three separate dwellings consisting of one up one down.
Tudor Houses always have a fairy tale enchantment for me and boy oh boy would i love to live in one. Short of that being able to visit this jewel is the next best thing.
If you find yourself in Margate then make sure you find yourself in the Tudor House.
Next stop Northdown Rd for a cheap latte and some stories from it's heyday.
The entrance is free but you should always check in advance about opening hours. I visited in December when the trustees of this wonderful building put on a themed Tudor Christmas display.
Volunteers dress in Tudor costumes and replica feasts are laid out to provide an example of the kind of food consumed in these times by both rich and poor. Who knows maybe swan will ,make a come back one day as the Christmas meat of choice.
The house gives you an idea of how we have grown in the past 500 years. Really! the height of the ceilings reminds you just how small Tudor people were.
Inside is fairly spacious with huge fireplaces in each of the rooms bar one which would have been used as a food storage area due to it's coldness. Mmmm how about that a whole room for food, makes you realize how space saving modern fridges are.
The spiral wooden stair case with a rope for a rail is lovely as it is simple and up stairs is a mirror image of the bottom floor.
There would have been a river flowing past the front of the house when originally built but this has been long filled in. The property has undergone some changes over the centuries and at one point was converted into three separate dwellings consisting of one up one down.
Tudor Houses always have a fairy tale enchantment for me and boy oh boy would i love to live in one. Short of that being able to visit this jewel is the next best thing.
If you find yourself in Margate then make sure you find yourself in the Tudor House.
Next stop Northdown Rd for a cheap latte and some stories from it's heyday.
Written January 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RedFlag
London, UK53 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
This lovely old half-timbered building, only a very short walk from the harbour, is a relatively large house for its time, with three large rooms on each of the two floors. The construction of the building is clear to see, with exposed timbers and plasterwork and imposing fireplaces. Typical of its time are the low ceilings and beams and anyone over 5' will have to duck or grouse at least once. There are models, period furniture and displays. It's staffed by volunteers who are happy to tell you more or give you a guided tour. One of them was playing tudor period music on a keyboard in a harpsichord style. The information panels give a good feeling for what life was like back in the 16th century. You'll need to be able to handle steep and narrow stairs to see the first floor. It's not often that you see a building of this age without more modern interiors or fittings disguising its real age. With only 6 rooms it won't detain you very long but at only £1.50 it's well worth a visit for a real sense of history.
Written January 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
pegandus
Sittingbourne, UK
Where to park at the Tudor House, Margate. My wife is disable and needs the wheel chair, she has a Blue badge
Cheers
jessiccawoodgate96
Maidstone, UK8 contributions
Hiya, I worked in The Tudor House as a volunteer.
It's two floors with stairs inside and out the back so it's not very wheelchair friendly as it's a medieval building.
The parking however, there is none for the Tudor House anymore but there is a poundstretcher across the road from it where you can park or at the college walk where morrison is.
Frequently Asked Questions about Margate Tudor House
- Margate Tudor House is open:
- Wed - Wed 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
- Fri - Sun 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
- Hotels near Margate Tudor House:
- (0.02 mi) The George & Heart
- (0.17 mi) Crescent Victoria Hotel
- (0.12 mi) The Britannia
- (0.23 mi) The Reading Rooms
- (0.20 mi) Sands Hotel
- Restaurants near Margate Tudor House:
- (0.02 mi) The George & Heart Kitchen
- (0.08 mi) Bottega Caruso
- (0.09 mi) Mullins Brasserie
- (0.09 mi) Bow's Kitchen
- (0.11 mi) Olivo Margate