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.

Search Lodges in Minster

Change your mind

Book hotels with free cancellation

deals illustration

Treat yourself

Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels

bed illustration

Be picky

Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Next weekend

12 Sep - 14 Sep

In two weeks

19 Sep - 21 Sep

In one month

In two months

Lodges in Minster

Our top choices for Minster lodges

Cabin | Pool | Indoor pool

SAR 1,141 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Sep - 8 Sep

Garden

"Also continental breakfast as well. Bed was really comfortable, "

Room

SAR 653 total

includes taxes & fees

3 Oct - 4 Oct

2 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, WiFi, bed sheets

SAR 3,124 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Sep - 8 Sep

Indoor pool

SAR 1,170 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Sep - 8 Sep

Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels when you're signed in

Sign up, it's free

Top Minster Hotel Reviews

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

1a183c7c-a88b-4d80-a3e1-334e3c623611a0f8e166-ad1a-4ca0-bae4-e574e127140d