RAF Manston History Museum Tours and Activities

The history of the airfield from 1916 and it's use by the RAF and civil airlines. Manston started its Aviation days as a Royal Naval Station in 1916, with a base at Westgate Bay for seaplanes. The early airfield was on the area now occupied by the passenger terminal. By 1917 Manston airfield had grown to include four underground hangars, its own railway line to Birchington, a power station to generate electricity, barracks for 3,000 men and even an indoor swimming pool. After WW1, training of airmen in airframe maintenance and engine repairs was taught in the School of Technical Training. 1940 and WW2 brought the Battle of Britain. Barnes Wallis arrived in 1943 to test his bouncing bomb at nearby Reculver, before the Dam busters carried out their famous raid. Roland Beaumont arrived with the Typhoon which came to be the most successful ground attack aircraft in WW2.
The history of the airfield from 1916 and it's use by the RAF and civil airlines. Manston started its Aviation days as a Royal Naval Station in 1916, with a base at Westgate Bay for seaplanes. The early airfield was on the area now occupied by the passenger terminal. By 1917 Manston airfield had grown to include four underground hangars, its own railway line to Birchington, a power station to generate electricity, barracks for 3,000 men and even an indoor swimming pool. After WW1, training of airmen in airframe maintenance and engine repairs was taught in the School of Technical Training. 1940 and WW2 brought the Battle of Britain. Barnes Wallis arrived in 1943 to test his bouncing bomb at nearby Reculver, before the Dam busters carried out their famous raid. Roland Beaumont arrived with the Typhoon which came to be the most successful ground attack aircraft in WW2.

Popular places to visit

RAF Manston Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in RAF Manston Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum during your trip to Minster. Stroll along the area's seaside or simply savour its lively bars.

RAF Manston Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum

Manston Golf Centre

Enjoy a round of golf in Manston at Manston Golf Centre. Wander the area's waterfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Manston Golf Centre

Margate Cemetery

Enjoy a stop at Margate Cemetery, a landmark worth seeing in Manston. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or simply savour its lively bars.

Margate Cemetery

St. Augustine's Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Minster at St. Augustine's Golf Club. Wander the area's waterfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

St. Augustine's Golf Club

Hugin

You can learn about the history of Cliffsend when you stop by Hugin. Wander the area's waterfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Hugin

Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve

Explore the great outdoors at Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve, a lovely green space in Cliffsend. Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve

Top RAF Manston History Museum Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Canterbury Bell, Margate by Marston's Inns

Canterbury Bell, Margate by Marston's Inns

4 out of 5
481 Margate Road Broadstairs England
Canterbury Bell, Margate by Marston's Inns
Holiday Inn Express Ramsgate - Minster by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Ramsgate - Minster by IHG

3 out of 5
Tothill Street Minster Ramsgate England
Holiday Inn Express Ramsgate - Minster by IHG
The Chapel. A large grade 2 listed property, perfect for families and groups.

The Chapel. A large grade 2 listed property, perfect for families and groups.

Kent ENG
The Chapel. A large grade 2 listed property, perfect for families and groups.
Premier Inn Ramsgate - Manston Airport

Premier Inn Ramsgate - Manston Airport

3 out of 5
Tothill Street Ramsgate England
Premier Inn Ramsgate - Manston Airport
The Royal Oak Hotel

The Royal Oak Hotel

3 out of 5
66 Harbour Parade Ramsgate England
The Royal Oak Hotel
The Hussar

The Hussar

4 out of 5
219 Canterbury Road Margate England
The Hussar
No.42 by GuestHouse Margate

No.42 by GuestHouse Margate

4 out of 5
42 High Street Margate England
No.42 by GuestHouse Margate
Premier Inn Margate

Premier Inn Margate

3 out of 5
Station Green Margate England
Premier Inn Margate
Shenandoah House

Shenandoah House

2.5 out of 5
19 Westbrook Ave Margate England
Shenandoah House
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.