Cultural History & Heritage at Blue Town Heritage Centre
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Walking comfortably is all that’s needed; no strenuous activity required.
Overview
Step into Blue Town’s past at the Heritage Centre, where history comes alive through artifacts and stories. Discover local legends, enjoy a cozy café break, and gain a deeper appreciation for the area's rich heritage.
Heritage Centre Admission
For all ages! • 5 hours • Open Th - Sat
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About This Adventure
Discover the rich history at the Blue Town Heritage Centre, where artifacts and memorabilia tell captivating stories of the past. Explore the restored Criterion Music Hall, once a vibrant entertainment hub, and unwind with a delightful Cream Tea in the cozy café. A unique journey through time awaits you!
The heritage centre itself is jam-packed with items, memorabilia and artifacts!
Duration
5 hours
About
The present Heritage Centre is on the site of 2 earlier establishments.
Originally the "New Inn" in 1868 the site became "The Royal Oxford Music Hall".
The following year the building became The Criterion public house, with a music hall called 'The Palace of Varieties' situated immediately to its rear.
This offered "rational amusement for all classes" including in April 1876, a one-armed juggler! In 1879 the earlier building was replaced with a brick built one.
The above paragraph is just a sample of the history the Blue Town Heritage Centre and The Criterion Music Hall have waiting for you to discover for just £2.50 entry.
Indeed there is so much waiting for you to discover where you'll be surprised what you didn't know!
The heritage centre itself is jam-packed with items, memorabilia and artefacts so once you have absorbed all of the amazing feats of history our island was responsible for, why not relax in our comfortable cafe and enjoy our famous Cream Tea's.
The main space in the centre and our pride and joy is The Criterion Music Hall. After being damaged and falling into disrepair, following a German bombing raid in WW1, the room has now been lovingly restored over the past few years to its newfound glory and continues its main purpose of entertaining the public once again with a wide variety of entertainments.
More info
- Parking is free and close to the venue.
- The centre is proud to be a part of the Wheels of Time scheme, where children can collect a badge from 40 museums across Kent.
- We are also members of the Historic Swale and are partners in KCC's Children's University passport scheme. To find out more ask any of our volunteers.
Adventure Tips
Visit during off-peak hours
Arrive early or late in the day to enjoy a quieter experience and more personalized attention.
Check exhibit schedules
Look for special exhibits or events happening during your visit to catch unique displays.
Bring a camera
Capture the historic architecture and exhibits to remember your visit.
Try the Cream Tea
Enjoy a traditional Cream Tea at the cozy café for a perfect cultural refresh.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban foxes observed nearby
- Seagulls along the waterfront
History
Blue Town’s heritage dates back to the 19th century when it thrived as an industrial hub, with the heritage centre preserving those stories.
Conservation
The Centre actively promotes awareness of local preservation efforts, including maintaining historic buildings and supporting sustainable tourism.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for exploring the exhibit rooms and historic sites comfortably.
Notebook and Pen
Ideal for jotting down interesting facts or memories during your visit.
Camera or Smartphone
Capture the exhibits and architecture to remember your experience.
Light jacket or scarf
A light layer can provide extra comfort in cool interior spaces or cooler weather.