Overview

Edward Booth deeply loved collecting and preserving British birds, and he brought that passion to life when he founded the Booth Museum in 1874. The museum has become an incredible celebration of natural history, which is quirky, fascinating, and outright fantastic. It is sure to leave the entire family in awe.

Things to do

The collection of stuffed birds on display is breathtaking! Mr Booth’s ambition to capture every British bird is noble and morbid, but the quality of the work on display is undeniable. The birds are presented using the Victorian method of environmental diorama, which makes them look like they’re part of a 3D picture in their natural habitats. Even children will find them fascinating as they blend seamlessly into their surroundings.

Also on display is a collection of over 650 colourful butterflies, which is enjoyable for all ages. Young kids will love the beautiful colours and shapes, while others will find it fascinating to study lepidoptery.

The place is also a treasure trove of fossils and bones that will transport you back to when dinosaurs and woolly rhinos roamed Sussex. It’s an excellent educational resource and a fascinating collection that will leave you in awe.

But that’s not all! The Interactive Discovery Gallery allows you to get hands-on with natural history, and the events and activities for families and children are designed to make learning a fun-filled adventure. These activities are tailored to children’s height so they can explore to their heart’s content.

Food & Drink

To prevent any potential damage to the museum exhibits, eating or drinking is prohibited. However, you can enjoy a nice meal at the café in Dyke Road Park, located just across the street from the museum, and relax while your children have fun in the nearby playground.