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

18 Jul - 20 Jul

In two weeks

25 Jul - 27 Jul

In one month

In two months

Lodges in Minster

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

SAR 3,163 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Jul - 16 Jul

Garden

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

Cabin | Pool | Indoor pool

SAR 1,178 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Jul - 16 Jul

Indoor pool

SAR 1,179 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Jul - 15 Jul

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

Sign up, it's free

Recent reviews of Minster hotels

ABode Canterbury

5/5 Excellent

"Best room i have had nice and clean "

A verified traveler stayed at ABode Canterbury

Posted 7 hours ago

Holiday Inn Express Folkestone - Channel Tunnel by IHG

5/5 Excellent

"Chris who booked us in and then helped us later in the evening was exceptionally lovely. He impressed us all a lot and made us happy. The hotel is ideal for the channel tunnel and close enough to Folkestone to have a little wander around the beautiful coast. The hotel is pet friendly which is great. There are some places to walk the dog a 10 minute drive away. "

A verified traveler stayed at Holiday Inn Express Folkestone - Channel Tunnel by IHG

Posted 2 days ago

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

eaf691a7-10a5-429f-b88d-8c791a3907afd02fb634-aa77-477a-a1b9-b6edb345c392