Name: Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum
Rating: 5.0

Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum

Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum, Manston Road, Manston, Ramsgate, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

The Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum is one of the best things to do with kids in Kent for families who enjoy aviation history and local heritage. Located on the historic former RAF Manston airfield in Ramsgate, this museum offers a unique, intimate look at the aircraft that defined the Battle of Britain. It is an ideal destination for families seeking an educational day out where children can get up close to legendary wartime planes.

Admission to the museum is free, making it an incredibly accessible choice for families. While entry to the main galleries housing the iconic aircraft is free of charge, donations are encouraged to help support the charity’s ongoing preservation work and upkeep of the site.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines historical discovery with a relaxed atmosphere, this museum is a perfect stop. Whether your children are budding pilots or simply curious about history, the museum provides a memorable, hands-on experience in the heart of Kent.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Iconic Aircraft Displays: See the Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVI and Hawker Hurricane IIC up close in their dedicated hangar.
Wartime History: Explore exhibits detailing the RAF at War and the reality of life on the Home Front during the Second World War.
Spitfire Simulator: Experience the thrill of flying a high-powered WWII fighter with an interactive simulator experience.
Memorial Garden: A tranquil space dedicated to those who served, perfect for a quiet walk after exploring the galleries.
Educational Environment: Discover the airfield’s history, including its role in the Battle of Britain and its part in developing the "bouncing bomb."

Top 5 Highlights

Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVI (TB752): Standing as the museum's centerpiece, this iconic aircraft is a must-see and offers a rare opportunity to appreciate its engineering.
Hawker Hurricane IIC (LF751): Complementing the Spitfire, this aircraft tells the story of the Hurricane’s vital role in British air defence.
Wartime Artefacts: View a curated collection of objects used by pilots and ground crew, helping children connect with the human stories of the conflict.
RAF Manston History Displays: Learn why this specific airfield was so critical during the war, including its role as a recovery base for bombers returning from action.
Interactive Simulator: For older children and adults, the simulator provides an engaging way to understand the challenges faced by pilots in a cockpit.

Facilities

Café: The Spitfire Café is located next to the museum for refreshments and light meals.
Shop: A gift shop on-site sells books, models, and souvenirs related to the museum.
Accessibility: The museum provides level access throughout, including the exhibition halls, café, and Memorial Garden.
Toilets: Disabled access toilets are available, featuring baby change facilities and RADAR-compatible locks.

Pro-Tips

Simulator Booking: If you plan to use the simulator, ensure you book online in advance via the official website, as bookings cannot be made in person or via phone.
Check Requirements: Note that the simulator has specific height and weight restrictions (min height 5', max weight 18 stone) and requires moderate mobility to climb in and out.
Travel Planning: As there is no regular bus service to the site, ensure you have a taxi booked from Ramsgate or Thanet Parkway station.

Targeted FAQ

Is it worth it for toddlers? While the museum is visually stimulating with its large aircraft, it is primarily geared toward older children and adults; however, the open space and interesting exhibits make it a manageable and pleasant short visit for families with younger children.
How long does a visit take? Most visitors spend between 1.5 and 2 hours exploring the hangar galleries, the simulator, and the Memorial Garden, making it an excellent stop to combine with other nearby Kent attractions.
Where is the best place to park? The museum offers its own dedicated car park on flat, asphalt ground, which is free for visitors and provides easy, level access to the museum entrance.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love:

Families appreciate the museum's focus on the human stories of the war rather than just the hardware.
The free entry makes it a highly affordable day out for local families.
The staff and volunteers are consistently noted for being knowledgeable and helpful.
The flat, accessible layout makes it stress-free for families with pushchairs or those with mobility issues.

What Visitors Don't Like:

The lack of public transport to the museum is frequently mentioned as an inconvenience for those not driving.
Some visitors feel the museum is relatively small and best suited for an afternoon trip rather than a full-day experience.
The museum café can get busy, so it is worth timing your visit accordingly.

What to see

Detailed Inventory: Exhibits & Collections

Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVI (LF) TB752: A restored combat aircraft.
Hawker Hurricane IIC LF751: A significant example of wartime aviation technology.
Wartime Flying Helmets: Original headgear used by RAF personnel.
Personal Pilot Logs: Historical documents showing the day-to-day operations of airmen.
Home Front Posters: Original propaganda and information posters from the 1940s.
Navigation Equipment: Tools used by crews to find their way over occupied Europe.
Airfield Models: Detailed representations of RAF Manston during its operational peak.
Ground Crew Uniforms: Attire worn by the mechanics and support staff.
Operation Crossbow Documentation: Information regarding the defence against V-weapons.
Bouncing Bomb Research Photos: Images detailing the trials held at the airfield.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Manston History Museum: Located nearby, this museum offers further insight into the airfield's long history.
Ramsgate Harbour: A short drive away for traditional seaside views, dining, and coastal walks.
Pegwell Bay Nature Reserve: A perfect spot for nature walks and coastal wildlife watching.

New for 2026: Updates at the Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum

The museum continues to enhance the visitor experience in 2026 with fresh focus areas and community-driven updates:
Expanded Battle of Britain Archive: New interactive displays have been installed to better detail the specific role RAF Manston played during the Battle of Britain, featuring recently digitised photographs and personal logs.
Enhanced Simulator Software: The popular flight simulator has been upgraded with 2026 software, offering improved graphics and more realistic flight modelling to provide a deeper look at WWII-era aircraft handling.
Memorial Garden Refurbishment: The peaceful Memorial Garden has undergone a structural update to improve accessibility, ensuring that all visitors can easily visit the site to pay their respects and learn more about those who served.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The museum does not currently offer dedicated birthday party packages. For information regarding private visits or group inquiries, please email [email protected].

Monday - Sunday: 10.00am - 4.00pm.

Address: Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum, Manston Road, Manston, Ramsgate, UK

Post Code: CT12 5DF

Council: Thanet

County: Kent

By Car: We are near the Manston Airport site, signposted from the A299 Thanet Way. If travelling from London / Canterbury, follow signs on the A299 to Ramsgate until the Minster Roundabout. Turn left (signposted Manston / Airport) onto Minster Road. At the next roundabout, turn right onto B2190 Spitfire Way, continuing over a further roundabout, following the perimeter of the airport on your right, until you reach the junction. Turn right and immediately left onto Manston Road.
By Bus: As there are no bus stops immediately outside the museum, we recommend asking the bus driver to direct you to the best to disembark.
By Train: The nearest train station is Ramsgate, the trains being operated by South Eastern (www.southeasternrailway.co.uk) with frequent services from London (Victoria, Charing Cross, St Pancras or London Bridge), Canterbury and Ashford. From Ramsgate station it is a short taxi ride to the museum or bus route 38 towards Minster / Birchington.
Parking: There's ample free parking for both cars and coaches. The museum's car park is a short way down on the right hand side. For coaches, the coach park is just past the museum building on the right hand side. There are a series of brown tourism signs towards the museum.