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.

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

SAR 3,184 total

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19 Jun - 20 Jun

"A unique historic building to stay in. Location brilliant for access to Canterbury's historic heart. Manager very accomodating and helpful. "

"We only stayed for a night, but had a very good nights sleep. The host is very friendly and had supplied lots of teas, biscuits, shampoos etc for our comfort. Nice sitting area outside where out dog cold walk around freely. Lovely place"

SAR 464 total

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1 Jul - 2 Jul

SAR 1,185 total

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18 Jun - 19 Jun

SAR 1,187 total

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17 Jun - 18 Jun

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Recent reviews of Minster hotels

5/5 Excellent

"For the price you can not moan, staff are great, hotel needs updating, but if it does you won’t get it at this price, great location and views"

A verified traveler stayed at The Carlton Hotel

Posted 1 day ago

5/5 Excellent

"Our family room was spacious and extremely clean! We were checked in quickly and had a very friendly, Warm welcome. Ness on reception was memorable and memorable as I spoke to her on the phone before we came. We would love to come back another time, thank you "

A verified traveler stayed at Hampton by Hilton Canterbury

Posted 2 days ago

5/5 Excellent

"Stayed here for daughter's wedding and we rented 10 lodges between us. Ideal setting as all close together and was great for all the family to be together. Lodges lovely and adequately sleep 6, however some are very dark and some at top of a steep hill. We stayed in number 2 which was lovely, very bright and had a nice bit of garden for kids to run about in, however some further up do not have this facility and are darker as big trees very close by. I would definitely stay again."

A verified traveler stayed at Broome Park Hotel

Posted 7 days ago

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The Carlton Hotel

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