Minster Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

The history of the airfield from 1916 and it's use by the RAF and civil airlines.

Manston started its Aviation days as a Royal Naval Station in 1916, with a base at Westgate Bay for seaplanes. The early airfield was on the area now occupied by the passenger terminal.

By 1917 Manston airfield had grown to include four underground hangars, its own railway line to Birchington, a power station to generate electricity, barracks for 3,000 men and even an indoor swimming pool.

After WW1, training of airmen in airframe maintenance and engine repairs was taught in the School of Technical Training.

1940 and WW2 brought the Battle of Britain. Barnes Wallis arrived in 1943 to test his bouncing bomb at nearby Reculver, before the Dam busters carried out their famous raid. Roland Beaumont arrived with the Typhoon which came to be the most successful ground attack aircraft in WW2.
The history of the airfield from 1916 and it's use by the RAF and civil airlines.

Manston started its Aviation days as a Royal Naval Station in 1916, with a base at Westgate Bay for seaplanes. The early airfield was on the area now occupied by the passenger terminal.

By 1917 Manston airfield had grown to include four underground hangars, its own railway line to Birchington, a power station to generate electricity, barracks for 3,000 men and even an indoor swimming pool.

After WW1, training of airmen in airframe maintenance and engine repairs was taught in the School of Technical Training.

1940 and WW2 brought the Battle of Britain. Barnes Wallis arrived in 1943 to test his bouncing bomb at nearby Reculver, before the Dam busters carried out their famous raid. Roland Beaumont arrived with the Typhoon which came to be the most successful ground attack aircraft in WW2.
#museum
Great acting
Very cool plane
Holiday Inn Express Ramsgate - Minster by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Ramsgate - Minster by IHG

3 out of 5
Tothill Street Minster Ramsgate England
The price is AU$105 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
AU$105
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ramsgate. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (996 reviews)
Was great

Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026

Holiday Inn Express Ramsgate - Minster by IHG
The Falstaff Hotel

The Falstaff Hotel

4 out of 5
8-10 St Dunstan Street Kent Canterbury England
The price is AU$155 per night from 28 Jan to 29 Jan
AU$155
28 Jan - 29 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Canterbury. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
The room was very warm and comfortable with tea, coffe, bottled water and biscuits. Check in was seemless. Beautiful bar area with cocktail happy hour 6 to 7pm and free cheese and biscuits. Breakfast was excellent eith friendly attentive staff. Would definitely stay here again and strongly recommend. ...

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

The Falstaff Hotel
Dover Marina Hotel & Spa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Dover Marina Hotel & Spa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
Waterloo Crescent Dover England
The price is AU$103 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
AU$103
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Dover. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (811 reviews)
Impressive checkin service, great dining option at reasonable prices topped off with. Great big comfy bed and amenities. Breakfast was different as I was asked for name rather than room number and my leaving luggage was put safe so I didn’t clutter the dining room. Food has been excellent and what ...

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026

Dover Marina Hotel & Spa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Clarendon Hotel

The Clarendon Hotel

4 out of 5
51 - 53 Beach St Deal England
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Deal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Deal Pier and Astor Theatre are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (101 reviews)
The room was fantastic, the absolute bonus was the heating was on low to keep the place toasty even though it was cold outside.

Reviewed on 18 Dec 2025

The Clarendon Hotel
5 double bedroom Art Deco Villa by the sea with heated pool

5 double bedroom Art Deco Villa by the sea with heated pool

margate England
Stay at this beach holiday home in Margate. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a beach locale. Popular attractions Palm Bay and Walpole Bay are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (56 reviews)
Fantastic house, beautiful views, had everything you could want for a stay with a group of friends. The weather was kind to us so spent fabulous time in the garden and pool. Would highly recommend. Really is a special place

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

5 double bedroom Art Deco Villa by the sea with heated pool
Minutes from Whitstable beach and high street. Sleeps up to 6

Minutes from Whitstable beach and high street. Sleeps up to 6

Whitstable
Stay at this cottage in Whitstable. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Canterbury Cathedral and Playhouse Theatre Whitstable are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
Awesome
Ideal location, lovely cottage, great food and drink nearby and super seafront walks…

Reviewed on 26 May 2025

Minutes from Whitstable beach and high street. Sleeps up to 6
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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