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.

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.

Fascinating museum displaying artefacts and exhibits from a unique period of time in British history. Allow about three hours to absorb the information detailed for the exhibits, from both the Allied and Axis sides of the Battle of Britain. Very friendly staff (all volunteers) and you can enjoy some delicious food from the on-site canteen. Overall, a fascinating and enjoyable experience that I highly recommend visiting.

I have visited all of the similar WW2 aircraft museums in Britain, and Hawkinge is by far the best! An incredible array of not only BoB artifacts, but also Home Front, ARP, Civil Defence, V1 and V2 and so much more. Dave and his team clearly work extremely hard to keep Britain’s Darkest and Finest history period alive! My recommendation would be to arrive early and be prepared to spend some time here, as there is so much to see and read.

Visited today, fabulous and very moving displays. One of the volunteers, Dave Hetz , spent a lot of time with us, explaining some of the displays and generally making it a very personal experience. Such an emotive place to visit, stories from both sides told exceptionally well. Well done for the work they do. And good tea and cake plus greetings from the team cat Scramble.

I 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.

This 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.

Very 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.

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.

Second 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.