Welcome to the Crampton Tower Museum web site. This fascinating small museum is partly housed in a flint tower adjacent to the Broadstairs Railway Station. The tower formed part of the first Broadstairs public water supply and was put in repair by Thanet District Council.

Thomas Russel Crampton is perhaps chiefly remembered as a designer of locomotives and of railways, but he was also concerned with gas, water works and the submarine telegraph cable. He was the first to succeed in laying an effective telegraph cable under the English Channel.

The museum contains Crampton working drawings, models, graphics, patents, awards and artifacts connected to his life and works. Other galleries illustrate the history and development of the railways, the electric tramways, road transport and other aspects of local industry. The original Broadstairs stage coach built in 1860 is displayed alongside seven working model railways in guages N,OO,O and Gauge One. The Broadstairs Gallery was introduced in 2006 which is focused on the development of the town of Broadstairs illustrated in old postcards and photographs. New this year is a 5inch guage miniature railway on the museum site that children can ride on (weather permitting). This and other interactive displays make for an informative and entertaining visit for all whether they be serious researchers or families with children. Historic Town Tours hosted by the museum take place every Saturday at 2pm Throughout the year.

The Museum is open from the third saturday in March
until the last day of October. Opening hours: 2.00pm to 5pm. Opening can be arranged out of season and outside of normal hours for groups by prior arrangement. There is a small admission charge.

The Crampton Tower Museum wish to thank Thanet District Council and Broadstairs & St. Peter's Parish Town Council for their ongoing and invaluable support.