Description
The RAF Manston History Museum houses aircraft, vehicles, and showcases what life would have been like in 1940 under the bombings and rations of World War II, as well as a model railway of how the RAF Manston looked in the 1930s. The museum charts the heritage of the airbase, starting its days as a Royal Naval Station in 1916 with a base at Westgate Bay for seaplanes and a base for training. World War II saw the first jet fighters arrive at the station and then the longest and widest runway was built to house badly damaged aircraft returning from Europe. It was home in 1950 to the Americans for eight years and then returned to the RAF as a haven for aircraft in trouble and training until they left in 1969 when it was used for civilian aircraft. The RAF returned in 1974 with air and sea rescue helicopters until the RAF left in 1999, though civil aircraft remained until 2014.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday
10am-3pm
Last entry: 2.15pm
Weekend
10am-4pm
Last entry: 3.15pm.
Price
Adult: £6
Child: £3
Child - under 5 years: Free
Family - 2 adults + up to 4 children: £18
Carer: Free
Annual passes available
Some events may incur extra charges.
Picture Credit: © The RAF Manston History Museum.