The Kent Battle of Britain Museum is the oldest and largest museum dedicated to the Battle of Britain, situated on the former RAF Hawkinge airbase, making it one of the best things to do with kids in Hawkinge. Operating as an interactive aviation and history museum, it offers families an immersive, educational journey into World War II aerial history and local airfield heritage.

Prices start from £0.00 for children under 5 years old, while standard adult admission is £12.00 and child entry (ages 5–15) is £5.00. With budget-friendly admission tiers and free parking provided on-site, it serves as an affordable family day out.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, this multi-hangar museum provides a detailed look at 1940s wartime aviation. Children can explore full-scale aircraft replicas, view recovered WWII plane wreckage, examine authentic weapons and uniforms, and walk through original RAF airfield buildings. It makes for an engaging historical visit in Kent.

What are the key features for families?

• Interactive Exhibits: Authentic cockpit displays, tactile wartime artifacts, and historic airfield structures allow children to step back in time to 1940.
• Educational Day Out: Families learn about the Battle of Britain, RAF Fighter Command, Luftwaffe aircraft, and local Kent airbase history.
• Sensory Play and Nature: Soundscapes of Merlin engines, metallic fuselages, vintage radio recordings, and open grass lawns stimulate curiosity.
• Outdoor Exploration: Outdoor footpaths link separate display hangars, armory sheds, and static aircraft models across former airfield grounds.

What are the main highlights kids will love?

• Full-Scale Supermarine Spitfire Replicas: Standing up close to full-size models of the iconic RAF fighter plane that protected British skies in 1940.
• Hawker Hurricane Display: Seeing the rugged WWII fighter aircraft that carried out the majority of interceptions during the Battle of Britain.
• Messerschmitt Bf 109 & German Aircraft Relics: Examining recovered parts and engine fragments from German Luftwaffe aircraft.
• Original 1940 RAF Hawkinge Buildings: Walking through authentic wartime airfield huts and stores used by real pilots and ground crews.
• Armory & Vehicle Collections: Viewing vintage airfield emergency vehicles, weapons displays, and pilot equipment.

Specific Named Objects and Sub-Exhibits Within the Collection

• Supermarine Spitfire Mk I Replica Displays
• Hawker Hurricane Mk I Full-Scale Replica
• Messerschmitt Bf 109E Replica & Crash Relics
• Bristol Blenheim Aircraft Components & Engines
• Rolls-Royce Merlin Engine Cutaway Display
• Recovered Heinkel He 111 & Junkers Ju 88 Airframe Relics
• Original RAF Hawkinge Station Armoury Building
• Battle of Britain Pilot Uniforms & Flying Gear Exhibition
• Wartime RAF Operations Room Table & Tracking Map
• Vintage Airfield Emergency Ambulances & Support Vehicles