As the name implies the museum has a genuine example of a Spitfire and Hurricane each housed in its own hall surrounded by many labelled artefacts and information all of interest to the historic aviation enthusiast. There will be much here that will interest you. Outside there are well kept memorials and grounds. Entrance is FREE but please make a suitable donation. We have not seen all around the museum yet but it is very interesting and well-presented and I would certainly recommend a visit. Photography is permitted.
The location is on the present edge of Manston airfield and directly opposite the RAF Manston Museum which shares the same car park. The entrance to the Defence Fire Training Centre is just across the road but references to a Firefighting museum are now out of date as the museum moved to RAF Scampton.
Attached to the museum is the Merlin café with indoor and outdoor seating. There is an excellent range of homemade meals on the menu all cooked to order. Sandwiches are made to order. Prices are very reasonable and the staff very friendly and obliging. The range and quality of the food at this small museum puts a much larger one to shame, mentioning no names. From the dining area there are views across the airfield where, sometime in the future, it is hoped you will be able to watch the aircraft come and go again. I can thoroughly recommend the steak pie.
The length of time you need to view is obviously dependant on your viewing habits and who is in tow. We have spent a full day there and are about half way round each museum, including eating time, but no kids and we do like to read and study almost everything.
The museum is not far from Reculver of bouncing bomb test fame.
As I am sure you have all seen a Spitfire before just a couple of photos of exhibits.
A very complicated piece of engineering.
15Apr2015_9351 by p_meddemmen, on Flickr
15Apr2015_9356 by p_meddemmen, on Flickr
15Apr2015_9355 by p_meddemmen, on Flickr
Stirling tail wheel.
15Apr2015_9360 by p_meddemmen, on Flickr
Inert trial version of the bouncing bomb which was filled with concrete recovered from Reculver.
15Apr2015_9349 by p_meddemmen, on Flickr
The Merlin Cafe
15Apr2015_9271 by p_meddemmen, on Flickr
The view across the airfield.
15Apr2015_9269 by p_meddemmen, on Flickr
By: paul1867 - 26th April 2015 at 20:00
Touché!!;) ……but there is a link…….
There certainly is and here it is.
http://forum.keypublishing.com/showthread.php?134732-A-Visit-To-the-RAF-MANSTON-Museum
Must work faster.:highly_amused:
By: charliehunt - 26th April 2015 at 18:37
Touché!!;) ……but there is a link…….
By: paul1867 - 26th April 2015 at 18:03
Not so much drift more like hijack.:D
By: charliehunt - 26th April 2015 at 15:34
We hope to start Reassembly of XR770 soon, some restoration work is currently being done on the gun pack and a hydraulic pump has been fitted to allow us to open the canopy.
Good to hear from an “insider”! Looking forward to seeing the reassembled F6.;)
By: alphacharlie - 26th April 2015 at 15:16
We hope to start Reassembly of XR770 soon, some restoration work is currently being done on the gun pack and a hydraulic pump has been fitted to allow us to open the canopy.
Seconded – extremely good value for money with an interesting and varied selection of exhibits inside and an expanding group outside. The most recent addition being Lightning XR770 still to be assembled.
By: charliehunt - 26th April 2015 at 13:20
Seconded – extremely good value for money with an interesting and varied selection of exhibits inside and an expanding group outside. The most recent addition being Lightning XR770 still to be assembled.
By: alphacharlie - 26th April 2015 at 10:01
Don’t forget to visit the RAF Manston History Museum, we are on the other side of the carpark.
The Museum is open 10-4 all week, entrance is just £2 for adults and 50p for children (ages 5-16)
By: charliehunt - 26th April 2015 at 09:48
See here…..http://forum.keypublishing.com/showthread.php?130110-Still-hope-for-Manston
By: Fouga23 - 26th April 2015 at 09:44
Visited over a decade ago. Nice museum! What’s the latest on the re-opening of the airport?
By: Arabella-Cox - 26th April 2015 at 03:09
I had the pleasure of visiting this museum back in 2007 whilst teaching in the UK and can thoroughly recommend it as well worth the visit. It may not be as big as some of the other museums but there is an absolute wealth of information that goes with their displays – I spent 2 -3 hours there and only left because I’d promised the kids to do other things that day! Well done guys, and keep up the good work. Easily worth a £5 for admission.
Paul
By: paul1867 - 24th April 2015 at 21:57
Agreed heroes, all of them. A lovely aeroplane the Swordfish but the words Swordfish and suicide mission seems to go hand in hand, and, of course, they knew that.
By: hawker1966 - 24th April 2015 at 21:40
A nice well presented Museum to visit, when my work takes me in that direction i cant help but drop in for a mug of tea..
The last photo that looks out at the Airfield always makes me spare a thought for the brave Airman heading towards the freezing waters of the English channel in there out dated 6 Swordfish aircraft to take on the might of the German Navy and highly populated luftwaffe fighter aircraft . what was after to be known as the “channel Dash” The word Heroism to me does not seem powerful enough for the 18 airman that took part in this what turned out to be a suicide mission..
A very deserved V.C. went to Lt Eugene Esmonde.
There is a very good display to honour these Airman in the Spitfire hall..
By: charliehunt - 24th April 2015 at 20:25
As a local and zealous supporter as well as frequent visitor of both museums your post is well observed and much appreciated.;)
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April 24, 2015 at 7:45 pm