Europe
United Kingdom (UK)
England
Kent
Folkestone
Hawkinge
Things to Do in Hawkinge
Kent Battle of Britain Museum
See all things to do

Kent Battle of Britain Museum

See all things to do
See all things to do
Kent Battle of Britain Museum
4.5
747
#1 of 4 things to do in Hawkinge
Speciality Museums
Read more
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Write a review
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
234 within 3 miles
The Cook's Table
1
0.4 miQuick Bites • Cafe • British
Mayfly
430
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Pub
Garamossala Tandoori Takeaway
34
0.6 miIndian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Happy Star
22
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Chinese • Fast Food • Asian
The Cat & Custard Pot
140
0.7 mi$ • Vegetarian Friendly
Aspendos Hawkinge
20
0.6 mi$ • Quick Bites • Fast Food • Turkish
White Horse
41
0.8 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Pub
The Black Horse Densole
365
1.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options • Gluten Free Options
Sticky Flynn's
1
1.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Street Food
The Brickfield, Cookhouse and Pub
132
1.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Pub
See all
Attractions
102 within 6 miles
Battle of Britain Plaque
1
362 ftHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Terlingham Vineyard
36
0.5 miWineries & Vineyards
Battle of Britain Memorial
889
2.4 miMonuments & Statues
Lower Leas Coastal Park
1,005
2.7 miNature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
The Leas Promenade
609
2.7 miHistoric Walking Areas
Folkestone Harbour Arm
1,402
2.7 miHistoric Walking Areas • Piers & Boardwalks
Crypt of St. Leonard
247
Historic Sites
Reinden Wood
22
1 miHiking Trails
Sunny Sands
229
2.7 miBeaches
Elham Valley Line Trust Countryside Centre & Railway Museum
72
1.7 miSpeciality Museums
See all
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
747 reviews
Excellent
525
Very good
141
Average
44
Poor
14
Terrible
23
jim h
Romford, UK4 contributions
Cheap day out with a remarkable amount of stuff to see.
Apr 2022 • Couples
Great value for money. was amazed at how much stuff their was on show.great day out for anybody interested in the war/battle of britain. ive never seen so many artifacts in one place. staff were knowledgeable and friendly.Museum was very well kept and immaculate.The infomation supplied would take days to read and is impossible to read on one visit.Although we never used it as we were visiting somewhere else afterwards they had a really nice cafe there as well. onsite toilets. Be warned you can not take a camera or mobile phone into the museum, although at the end of your visit you can go back outside and take photos of the the various aircraft etc. For £10 this is a bargain day out and i would strongly recommend people support and visit this museum.Personally i think they are undercharging for what is the best battle of britain museum you will ever visit. Parking is free as well. I will be making a donation to help support this fantastic museum and would like to thank everybody for preserving an important part of our history for future generations to enjoy.
Written April 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The Reynards
Isle of Wight, UK507 contributions
Interesting museum.
Sep 2020 • Couples
The Battle of Britain museum, is a little treasure for those remotely interested in WW2, the Battle of Britain, or WW2 planes, they have many planes, and other artefacts. The place is run purely by volunteers, who have a vast knowledge, which they are only to pleased to share. Costs £8 per person, and a visit would last approx 2hrs. Please note that they do not permit cameras or phones into the museum, but are only to pleased to look after your phones while you visit. There is an on site cafe, and toilets.
Written September 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mary C
Ilchester, UK87 contributions
Fantastic visit
May 2022
I cannot put into words what a fantastic place this is! The stories of young men who lost their lives fighting in WW2 are quite poignant. There is so much there it does take quite a long time to see it all. The volunteers are friendly, knowledgeable and one guy even went out of his way to find a map of the area. They are very strict about no cameras and/or phones inside but you're allowed to get for taking photos outside. We were lucky to go on a day that there was a RAF 're-enactment group and all were open for photos. Cafe was not over priced.
Written May 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mwooduk
Miami, FL7,629 contributions
Some parts good and some parts bad!
Sep 2022 • Couples
As everyone else has said, the fact that you can’t bring your cell phone in with you is a bit preposterous in this day and age but it is what it is. You leave your cell phone at the desk pay to come in, there is a discount if you are a senior. First the bad - we took my mother with us who just turned 90 and she was in a wheelchair. It is extremely difficult to maneuver a wheelchair into the various sheds and display areas. Many of the entrances have steep ramps and it’s such tight quarters inside you really can’t move around too much. Also some of the display info, as others have said, are written in capital letters which is an absolute no no. Lastly, my mother in the wheelchair could not see into some of the display cases because they were either too high or at the wrong angle. Now for the good! For my husband and son who were visiting from America and are fascinated by history and WW2, they were absolutely thrilled to be here and could have spent at least two more hours going around everything. My mother thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the old newspaper clippings and advertisements and also the parachutes that had been made into clothing, and she reminisced about the air raid shelters and told us personal stories about various things that she saw in the museum. That will be my main memory from taking her here for the day. She was so funny, she kept telling everyone we bumped into that she had lived through the war and been evacuated and telling them all about the different bits and pieces in the museum. She and I were pretty bored by all the engine parts, but we all had a fantastic lunch at the smashing little café. I highly recommend the egg salad sandwich or the egg chips and ham! Very affordable and super staff in the café and you can use a credit card! I am very glad we went to the Battle of Britain memorial before we came here, as it help to make more sense of things. One great extra ones that we saw a couple of spitfires flying overhead while we were visiting. Obviously we have no photos to share! Lol
Written October 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
nataliebarnes88
133 contributions
A lot of info but very cramped and difficult to navigate
Jun 2021 • Family
Lots to look at, but a bit too much! All the artefacts and information was so crammed in it was too overwhelming to look at it all. Also, the written information had been there so long with no maintenance, a lot had faded. It was difficult to find the information on a particular artefact that took your interest.
I enjoyed the newspaper front pages, the shelters and brands from the era.
The museum doesn’t want you taking pictures for some reason so bans phones. We had to leave ours with the reception despite needing Apple Pay for the cafe (we therefore couldn’t use the cafe!)
But then people who took their phones anyway took lots of pictures with no consequence
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Airstream56
Beaconsfield, UK10 contributions
Outstanding collection of Battle of Britain exhibits and memorabilia
May 2022
An excellent museum of Battle of Britain exhibits and memorabilia. We were all (three adults) very impressed with everything there is to see. Allow over two hours to view this extensive collection of reclaimed and recovered equipment. This collection has been built up over more than forty years and is very well curated. There is a lot to read about the (mostly) young men who were lost. Visitors will need to ‘take a moment’ and reflect on how many stories of hope, extraordinary bravery and tragedy are recorded here.
I very much understand why the ‘no phones or photographs’ is an essential requirement for this place. Look carefully, read and remember the time of your visit with great respect.
Our visit was a highlight of our visit to the Walmer, Deal and Dover areas. Many thanks to the volunteers and organisers.
Written May 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
davidrutter37
29 contributions
A moving, but fascinating place to visit
Oct 2022
There were many very moving stories and artifacts relating to those who served during ww2. Many families donated personal items from those they had lost during the War, or who had since passed away. This way, their stories will live on for all who visit to see. There is a great selection of Aircraft, weapons, uniforms along with many stories behind them. Be prepared to be moved by some of those stories. I was a little disappointed I wasn't able to take photos inside the museum, but once it was explained why, I fully understood the reason and totally respect that decision by the Museum. The Museum also has Cafe serving hot/cold drinks and snacks. Do try the homemade cakes, very nice!!!!!
Written October 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nick S
Banbury, UK35 contributions
Highly recomended
Sep 2022
Astounding collection of aircraft, uniforms, weaponry and countless artefacts from the Battle of Britain. Even Goering's cap is here. Almost overwhelming, there is so much to see in a relatively small but well presented museum.

Super helpful staff with great stories that really add to the visitor's experience.

Greatly improved since I visited 4 years ago, so it's being added to and improved all the time. Aircraft restoration projects go on while it is closed for the winter. Just an amaxing achievement by the proprietor and his team.
Written September 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael
Brighton, UK2 contributions
unforgettable day out
Sep 2020
i went with some friends and absolutely loved it! I had high expectations but the museum was way better than I was hoping and ended up spending all day looking at all there is to offer. so much to see and learn about, plenty of artefacts and historical information its overwhelming in a good way. the staff made our visit even more special and personal by talking to us throughout the visit and going above and beyond to answer our onslaught of questions. the café has great coffee and food at a vary reasonable price and the gift shop isn't overpriced like a lot of museums are! we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and all agreed to make the trip from Brighton (over 100 miles away) again in the near future. we are all in our 20's and are lucky that the battle of Britain history is being kept alive and well by the team of volunteer's at the museum, thanks for a amazing day! lest we forget
Written September 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DawnM1963
Stroud, UK119 contributions
An absolute must-see!!!
Sep 2022 • Couples
What an amazing place. Walk through what feels like a never ending display of WW memorabilia. Incredibly emotive and inspiring, this museum houses an enormous collection with so many moving and heart wrenching back stories.
The planes, vehicles and models are fabulous but the life size bronzes of the spitfire pilots sitting outside on the grass are incredibly poignant and beautiful.
This small site is like a tardis so allow plenty of time because the food is also extremely good.
We loved it and I’m not ashamed to say I was moved to tears by some of the stories.
Written September 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 726
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing

Kent Battle of Britain Museum, Hawkinge

Frequently Asked Questions about Kent Battle of Britain Museum
Kent Battle of Britain Museum is open:
  • Tue - Sun 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Kent Battle of Britain Museum tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Kent Battle of Britain Museum tours on Tripadvisor
Restaurants near Kent Battle of Britain Museum: View all restaurants near Kent Battle of Britain Museum on Tripadvisor