Kent Battle of Britain Museum
Kent Battle of Britain Museum
Kent Battle of Britain Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
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
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
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.
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
256 within 3 miles
Attractions
119 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Philip GAshford, United Kingdom7 contributionsA wonderful collection of aircraft artifactsI went with my family and enjoyed a good day out. Im a massive aircraft buff and used to help my dad at Hawkinge when the late Mick Lewelyn was starting up there ,so alot of memories. Its a beautiful museum and a great testament to all that fought and died in the Battle of Britain, and in the wars themselves. A must to go to.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten March 31, 2024
- Zoe CLondon, United Kingdom74 contributionsBeautiful tributeThis museum is a lovely tribute to those who fought in the Battle of Britain. The stories accompanying the artefacts are touching and really bring home what it must have been like for the brave men who fought for their country. There is so much to see and we ended up spending most of the day there, looking at the objects and chatting with the staff/volunteers who were so knowledgable, and very kind and patient to our 2 year old who just wanted to run around in the court yard and see all of the planes. The little cafe was lovely and a nice place to stop for lunch and a cup of tea. I can see reviews below complaining about not being allowed to bring in phones and cameras, but you have to remember that some of the items belonged to men who died including objects found on their bodies. We have to be respectful of the wishes of their relatives - yes it’s a museum but it’s also a memorial for those who died far too young. Clearly people in the past were not respectful of this (as well as trying to steal), which is why they have had to bring in the rule.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 5, 2024
- sibar500Canterbury, United Kingdom16 contributionsTotally memorableVery interesting, and atmospheric. I felt as if the souls of those days were watching. I very much understand why no photography or note-taking is allowed within the museum, at the request of bereaved donors of items. There are several rooms (replica hangars?) full of informational objects. We were unable to see everything, as there was so much to see. The cafe has the WW2 ambience, too. All the volunteers in the museum and the cafe were helpful and friendly. Returning soon.Visited May 2024Traveled with friendsWritten May 6, 2024
- Martin - Orchard House NorthamptonNorthampton, United Kingdom16 contributionsTime to reflect on Churchill's famous words.....This museum is about the brave pilots who defended Britain against the Nazi Tsunami that had swept away most of Europe. the planes and memorabilia are secondary to the stories behind the dog-fights, the Blitz and those that never came home. I went in thinking it was going to be just about Spitfires and Hurricanes, but no, it's so thought provoking, you can hear the Merlin engines in your ears as you wander around. And respect to those pilots of other Nations who fought, and the Luftwaffe. A great morning, friendly knowledgeable volunteers (thank you Ian), all very poignant.Visited May 2024Traveled soloWritten May 26, 2024
- Carl2812 contributionsExceptional museumSecond visit in a couple of months as working nearby. Far too much to take in first time at this fantastic museum. Great cafe and well stocked shop. As with many museums some very good and friendly volunteers. Their knowledge on the exhibits is second to none. An exceptional museum that tells an important story. Only complaint is I live too far away to visit more regularly.Visited May 2024Traveled soloWritten May 28, 2024
- John S1 contributionGreat day out hereAn amazing museum, so much to see .Really friendly and knowledgeable staff and ever so helpful . Cafe excellent value for money . Forget RAF Hendon , this is the one to visit — no surly un knowledgeable people here . Great day out . Thank you so muchVisited June 2024Traveled with friendsWritten June 5, 2024
- PamUpminster, United Kingdom18 contributionsAbsolutely brilliantAbsolutely brilliant was so interesting and informative - our guide Barrie was so knowledgeable and friendly. The information he gave was amazing. The ladies in the cafe were also very lovely. The staff could not have done any more to help - all brilliant and thank youVisited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 14, 2024
- Elizabeth JFolkestone, United Kingdom95 contributionsFresh and respectfulThis museum has all to give, for those who gave in the WW11. A very humbling place to read, look, and understand. I have returned to this place as a mark of respect. It has a good layout and items of great interest. If one needs a reason to go then this is it,The cafe top friendly helpful service of fresh cooked and to enjoy. Clean and welcoming. Double Egg and chips a firm favourite the menu is endless though.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 15, 2024
- Bedouin29Sydney, Australia388 contributionsIntense and worth the tripAn excellent collection of parts from downed WW2 aircraft from both sides, obviously a lot of research has gone into identifying the exact pilots etc and then each item carries a story about person, squadron and country of origin. There are quite a few full replica aeroplanes associated with some of the parts. There is also machinery, posters, vehicles, uniforms, models and weapons Some things are not well label including a few large nearly intact aeroplanes. I doubt anybody could stop and read all of the information but just reading some gives a good understanding of life on the base even a meal at the cafe is designed to give insight into a pilots lifeVisited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 20, 2024
- Go712820Minster, United Kingdom14 contributionsA must visitYou will not visit a museum that has more information and exhibits about the Battle of Britain than this one. I go every year to visit BoB museum at Hawkinge and still spend between 2 and 3 hours there. The volunteers on site all know there subject. I would recommend this place to everyoneVisited June 2024Traveled with friendsWritten June 28, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
802 reviews
Excellent
568
Very good
149
Average
45
Poor
15
Terrible
25
Stewart C
Chatham, UK1,105 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
I visited the Kent Battle of Britain Museum with some friends on a Saturday in July. We travelled by car and there is a good amount of free car parking for visitors.
The museum is deceptively large and there is a lot to see here in one day. The museum mainly commemorates the Battle of Britain and there are several galleries containing airplanes, and other military equipment, parts of aircraft recovered from crash sites and most poignant of all real-life accounts and personal effects of some of the pilots and aircrew who fought in this conflict on both sides. Ther is an inner open area with some impressive period aircraft including a German Heinkel bomber and Junkers transport plane.
Some of the accounts are interesting to read, especially when accompanied by parts of their plane as recovered from the crash site, makes the you appreciate just how courageous these pilots were and the risks they took on a daily basis.
We were here most of the day and I firmly believe I could visit again and still find some things I did not see first time around. The Museum has a nice little café if you are in need of refreshments, I thought with reasonable priced drinks and snacks and we visited here on ore than one occasion during our visit All of the staff that we came into contact with during our visit were helpful and friendly.
Visitors should be aware that photography is prohibited in the galleries and this is strictly enforced with cameras or phones requested to be either left in your vehicle or in a locked safe area at the entrance. This is because some of the exhibits have been donated by family members of the pilots mentioned in some of the texts and they wish these to remain viewable only by visitors to the museum. One exception to this rule on the day of our visit was that we were allowed to photograph the aircraft in the open are albeit under supervision.
I was pleasantly surprised by the number of exhibits here and would certainly visit again, perhaps with my grandchildren.
The museum is deceptively large and there is a lot to see here in one day. The museum mainly commemorates the Battle of Britain and there are several galleries containing airplanes, and other military equipment, parts of aircraft recovered from crash sites and most poignant of all real-life accounts and personal effects of some of the pilots and aircrew who fought in this conflict on both sides. Ther is an inner open area with some impressive period aircraft including a German Heinkel bomber and Junkers transport plane.
Some of the accounts are interesting to read, especially when accompanied by parts of their plane as recovered from the crash site, makes the you appreciate just how courageous these pilots were and the risks they took on a daily basis.
We were here most of the day and I firmly believe I could visit again and still find some things I did not see first time around. The Museum has a nice little café if you are in need of refreshments, I thought with reasonable priced drinks and snacks and we visited here on ore than one occasion during our visit All of the staff that we came into contact with during our visit were helpful and friendly.
Visitors should be aware that photography is prohibited in the galleries and this is strictly enforced with cameras or phones requested to be either left in your vehicle or in a locked safe area at the entrance. This is because some of the exhibits have been donated by family members of the pilots mentioned in some of the texts and they wish these to remain viewable only by visitors to the museum. One exception to this rule on the day of our visit was that we were allowed to photograph the aircraft in the open are albeit under supervision.
I was pleasantly surprised by the number of exhibits here and would certainly visit again, perhaps with my grandchildren.
Written August 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jim h
Romford, UK12 contributions
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MomDawn
St. Albans, UK353 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
Fantastic little museum that is run by enthusiasts.
If I lived closer I would become a member as it would be possible to see something new at every visit!
The tea shop is nice and warm, friendly. Those running the museum are ready for a chat to share stories- especially liked the little WW garden.
Went with a twenty something and an 80+ year old and they both loved it too.
Something for all ages.
If I lived closer I would become a member as it would be possible to see something new at every visit!
The tea shop is nice and warm, friendly. Those running the museum are ready for a chat to share stories- especially liked the little WW garden.
Went with a twenty something and an 80+ year old and they both loved it too.
Something for all ages.
Written October 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gill B
3 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
My camera and both of our phones were confiscated on entry and we were only allowed them back at the end of the visit to take photos with an intrusive ‘minder’ following us around to ensure we didn’t go back in to any of the hangars. Ludicrous!
It would have been more civilised to simply ask people not to take indoor photos, as other venues do. I can’t imagine that anyone visiting this type of museum would be sufficiently disrespectful as to need to be treated like a child in this way.
It would have been more civilised to simply ask people not to take indoor photos, as other venues do. I can’t imagine that anyone visiting this type of museum would be sufficiently disrespectful as to need to be treated like a child in this way.
Written May 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mwooduk
Miami, FL8,989 contributions
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan S
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
There are a lot of these little aviation museums in Kent. This one is similar to the two up at Manston, near Ramsgate. It is absolutely crammed full of the stories of the men who lost their lives in the Battle of Britain. Working mostly in reverse, starting with the digging out of a field, the wrecked engine of a crashed plane (on display) and then piecing together the back story of the pilot and his Time in the Air Force. Most only 19 to 23yrs old when they died. All very moving. There is a shop and a nice Cafe and also some real Aircraft to look at. Follow it up with a visit to The Battle of Britain Memorial a few miles away.
Written October 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jillian C
3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We were met by friendly staff, who explained the best way around the museum. This is obviously a labour of love for everyone involved. There is so much to see. (Be prepared to leave phone/camera locked securely at the front desk, as photography is not allowed - there are a lot of personal items on show)
The attention to detail in the displays is second to none, and it was interesting to see the information and artefacts from enemy planes too.
The cafe was excellent, with staff going above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed our food...which was well cooked and delicious.
All in all, I would thoroughly recommend a visit for young and old to get an insight into one of the most iconic events in British history.
The attention to detail in the displays is second to none, and it was interesting to see the information and artefacts from enemy planes too.
The cafe was excellent, with staff going above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed our food...which was well cooked and delicious.
All in all, I would thoroughly recommend a visit for young and old to get an insight into one of the most iconic events in British history.
Written October 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James V
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
I’m fortunate enough to have been taken to various museums from a very early age (aged 6) pertaining to the Battle of Britain due to my fathers research and his eventual publication of 12 books on the both the Battle of Britain and the air war throughout the Second World War(albeit from a Luftwaffe perspective). Having been too and experienced many museums on the Battle of Britain it is my opinion that Hawkinge is by far the best.
Why?
The attention to detail in the exhibits is tremendous. The knowledge of those employed there and those that also volunteer is also exceptional. The lay out of the museum is first class and it manages to create and capture the essence of the battle that was raging above our islands skies in 1940.
I beleive that I’m somewhat privileged, in as much that as a young boy I was able to meet and talk to several German (yes German) fighter pilots who flew in the battle, I could name several that stayed at our house in Liverpool, who were lovely people and had nothing but time and interest for those British people like Dave Brocklehurst who were more than prepared to also give their side of the story. This alone makes this museum something special. Don’t get me wrong I’m glad we defeated the threat of invasion, however, this museum also presents another side of the story.
The curator of this museum is a MBE and quite rightly so. In his company I feel both humbled and privileged as he has an unique ability of being able to view the Battle of Britain from both sides, rather than that of an angry Brit glad that we defeated the Nazi threat.
That’s something special which can’t be reached nor coached. Hence why Dave Brocklehurst has an MBE.
On summing up this museum, it’s a hard thing for me to put into words, however I’ll try.
From spending a lot of hours there. There is no bias. There is no blame. The museum gives an honest account of those involved and tells the story from both sides without prejudice . I’ve met more than 3 members of the luftwaffe who’s machines and artifacts now reside within hawkinge museum, having known those pilots, would they be proud (albeit they were German), Absolulelty.
Why?
The attention to detail in the exhibits is tremendous. The knowledge of those employed there and those that also volunteer is also exceptional. The lay out of the museum is first class and it manages to create and capture the essence of the battle that was raging above our islands skies in 1940.
I beleive that I’m somewhat privileged, in as much that as a young boy I was able to meet and talk to several German (yes German) fighter pilots who flew in the battle, I could name several that stayed at our house in Liverpool, who were lovely people and had nothing but time and interest for those British people like Dave Brocklehurst who were more than prepared to also give their side of the story. This alone makes this museum something special. Don’t get me wrong I’m glad we defeated the threat of invasion, however, this museum also presents another side of the story.
The curator of this museum is a MBE and quite rightly so. In his company I feel both humbled and privileged as he has an unique ability of being able to view the Battle of Britain from both sides, rather than that of an angry Brit glad that we defeated the Nazi threat.
That’s something special which can’t be reached nor coached. Hence why Dave Brocklehurst has an MBE.
On summing up this museum, it’s a hard thing for me to put into words, however I’ll try.
From spending a lot of hours there. There is no bias. There is no blame. The museum gives an honest account of those involved and tells the story from both sides without prejudice . I’ve met more than 3 members of the luftwaffe who’s machines and artifacts now reside within hawkinge museum, having known those pilots, would they be proud (albeit they were German), Absolulelty.
Written August 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katherine Ashby
London, UK6 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
This museum is unlike anywhere else. It tells the story of every person who was directly involved in the Battle of Britain. Through planes, log books, uniforms and anything else you can imagine, it honours every life, no matter what nationality, rank or background. The items are there to tell the stories, rather than just being historic artefacts to look at. It has made me cry several times, laugh and just stand in awe of what these incredible men achieved. I can honestly say I have been many times and merely scratched the surface of the history this museum contains. I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is incredible.
Written August 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
189Doug
Bexhill-on-Sea, UK50 contributions
Jun 2023
We visited the museum today. I really don't understand some of the negative reviews on here? We had an excellent time at the museum, and everyone we encountered from Scramble the museum cat to all the volunteers and cafe staff, were friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. There is so much to see and take in, it could take months to read it all! The fact that you can't take in cameras or mobile phones, is museum policy, so if you don't like it, then don't go in. We had no problem with this rule, and it is in their leaflet, and on enough noticeboards before you go into the museum. We had our lunch in the onsite cafe. The choice of food was good, and extremely reasonable compared to some establishments. A mug of tea only £1.30, absolute bargain. The recent addition of the pilot's statue is amazing, and quite moving when you see the original photograph that it was based on. So sad to think 9 months after the photo was taken they had all perished fighting for their country. A truly excellent museum, with dedicated staff. Thank you for a most interesting visit.
Written June 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Not sure about the museum the BB memorial is mainly open air
Written August 13, 2019
Can anyone please confirm the opening times as the website suggests it is closed between November and April?
Written February 27, 2019
Check the website I know they are closed but reopen on 02/04/2019 open from 10am to 4pm but is closed on Mondays
Written February 27, 2019
Hi can you tell me if it is wheelchair friendly and has disabled toilets please
Written November 12, 2018
It is all on one level so should be easy for wheelchairs but I'm afraid I'm not sure if there is a disabled toilet.
Sorry I can't be more help.
Written November 28, 2018
We are coming to Margate on Saturday. Can we get a bus from there and how much for two OAP's .Thank-you in advance.
Written August 21, 2018
I don't know to be honest but if you can it is a lovely place to visit.
Written August 22, 2018
What are the opening hours for the cafe in August and can you get lunch?
Written June 8, 2018
Dave B
Hawkinge, United Kingdom
The No.25 Squadron Mess and Tea Room is open as the Museum is, so currently 10am to 5pm Tuesdays to Sundays. Closed Mondays except the August Bank Holiday. If you look at the Kent Battle of Britain Museum Trust website you will be able to view the menu to give you an idea of the wide range of food and drinks available and there reasonable costs. Kind regards Dave Brocklehurst MBE
Written June 10, 2018
Would it be suitable to bring my father to visit in his electric scooter?
Written August 30, 2017
It's all at ground floor level and if I remember it's wheelchair friendly. I would say, "Go for it", I'm sure you'd get the old boy around with little or no problem!!
Written September 1, 2017
I'm coming to folkestone next week for a holiday with my 7 year old son and he's mad into the second world war but I've read some things on the reviews about no photographs to be taken there and I just wanted to know if that is still the case because if I can't take photos of our day out there's no point me going. would like to know as soon as possible so I can plan to go somewhere else instead and also can you just turn up or do you have to book in advance.
Written August 8, 2017
Unfortunately no cameras or phones that take pictures are allowed and no you don't need to book.
Written August 9, 2017
Am I allowed to push my baby around in his pushchair?
Written July 11, 2017
Showing results 1-10 of 17
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing