RAF Manston History Museum

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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.

Lodging Near RAF Manston History Museum

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
When you stay at this vacation home in Ramsgate, you'll be by the sea, within a 5-minute drive of RAF Manston History Museum and RAF Manston Spitfire and Hurricane ...
We were a family of six adults staying at The Chapel for a birthday celebration and we really appreciated the three en-suite shower rooms, the great family kitchen space and the fantastic, character-filled, enormous lounge complete with piano and snooker table. Suzanne is the most fabulous, relaxed ...

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2025

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Opens in a new windowThe Chapel. A large grade 2 listed property, perfect for families and groups.
Canterbury Bell, Margate by Marston's Inns

Canterbury Bell, Margate by Marston's Inns

4 out of 5
481 Margate Road Broadstairs England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$100 per night from 15 Feb to 16 Feb
AU$100
15 Feb - 16 Feb
includes taxes & fees
With a stay at Canterbury Bell, Margate by Marston's Inns in Broadstairs, you'll be within a 5-minute walk of Grosvenor G Casino Thanet and Westwood Cross Shopping ...
Everthing was outstanding .. thank you 😊

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026

Opens in a new windowCanterbury 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
Fully refundable
The price is AU$106 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
AU$106
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Located in Ramsgate, Holiday Inn Express Ramsgate - Minster by IHG is within a 10-minute drive of Westwood Cross Shopping Centre and Ramsgate Royal Harbour and ...
All good....room, staff, and breakfast

Reviewed on 21 Jan 2026

Opens in a new windowHoliday Inn Express Ramsgate - Minster by IHG
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