A dream come true Spitfire flying experience

Situated at Manston, near the seaside town of Ramsgate in East Kent; the Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum is a free to enter attraction housing two genuine wartime aircraft.

The Spitfire & Hurricane are synonymous with the Battle of Britain, but they saw service throughout the Second World War and played a key role in the Allied victory.

Both aircraft displayed were built in 1944 and saw active service. Spitfire Mk XVI (LF) TB752 was credited with four combat victories flying with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

There are a host of supporting artefacts on display, giving visitors a real insight into the RAF at War and life on the Home Front. Period background music from the era also adds to the sense of nostalgia.

For those who want a more hands-on experience there is both a Spitfire and Lancaster Bomber flight Simulator available (charges apply).

The Spitfire Experience

The Spitfire Experience takes pilots on a virtual flight from Biggin Hill, over London and down the river Thames to land finally at Manston. This gives a chance for pilots to experience taking off, landing and performing aerobatics in this iconic aircraft for a fee of just £30. A volunteer instructor will be on hand to ensure that you get the most out of your experience and you will get a generous £200 discount on a flight in a real Spitfire with flyaspitfire.com.

The Lancaster Experience

The Lancaster Experience takes pilots on a route from Manston, which served as 617 Squadrons base for the dams raid trials, up the Thames and into London, on the way there will be opportunity to try your hand at low flying followed by a low pass down the mall and over Buckingham Palace before a touch and go landing and pass over Windsor Castle. This experience costs just £75 and you will be accompanied by a volunteer ‘Flight Engineer’.

No visit would be complete without a stroll around the Allied Air Forces Memorial Garden that provides a quiet focal point for remembrance and reflection.

The Museum is a registered charity, run and cared for by a friendly team of volunteers. If you would be interested in joining the team please drop the Museum a line or pop in for a chat.

The Museum is open daily 10am – 4pm.   There is also a café, please contact them on 01843 661601 to check their opening times

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