Hawkinge: Aviation History and Historic Buildings

Hawkinge is closely connected with the history of its airfield during the Second World War. The Kent Battle of Britain Museum preserves related aircraft and buildings; Church of St. Michael and archaeological traces add further historical themes. If you are looking for a hotel in Hawkinge, you can consider whether aviation history, architecture or traces of earlier settlements should particularly shape your stay.

Aircraft and Buildings at the Kent Battle of Britain Museum

The Stuart-Buttle Hangar houses scale replicas of Hurricane and Spitfire aircraft built for the 1968 film “The Battle of Britain.” Much of the film was shot in Hawkinge. The Lord Dowding Memorial Hangar displays three scale replicas of Messerschmitt Bf 109E aircraft, which are also associated with the film. The two hangars therefore highlight different aspects of the town’s aviation history.

Another collection is housed in the Armoury and comprises ground-based and airborne weapons. The museum also includes Second World War buildings at Hawkinge Airfield, including the Operations Block and the Armoury. The original Armoury was built in 1926; the Operations Block followed in 1927. During the war, all air operations in Hawkinge were controlled from this building. The two construction dates help place the historic buildings in context, while their former function illustrates their connection to the airfield.

Individual exhibits on the grounds also add to the picture. Building 4 is the original “B” Flight Dispersal Hut, built in 1940. It formerly stood on the east side of Hawkinge Airfield near Killing Wood. One of three Pickett Hamilton Retractable Forts also stands in the museum car park. Three scale Hawker Hurricane replicas represent aircraft of No. 32 Squadron. The museum grounds thus bring original buildings and replica aircraft together.

Hawkinge Airfield During the War

During the Battle of Britain, Hawkinge Airfield was an important frontline fighter airfield. The first air raid on Hawkinge took place on 12 August 1940, when 15 Ju 88s attacked the airfield. In 1944, Hawkinge Airfield was used as part of Operation Diver against V1 flying bombs. The two dates mark different periods in the airfield’s history: the attack at the beginning of the war and its later use against the V1.

Church of St. Michael and Archaeological Traces

Church of St. Michael dates from the late 11th or 12th century. Features from the 13th and 17th centuries, as well as a restoration in 1875, add to its building history. The nave contains four roof trusses with crown posts. This architectural detail stands alongside the much newer airfield buildings and offers a different perspective on Hawkinge’s past.

Archaeological investigations in Hawkinge have also provided evidence of earlier settlement. They uncovered at least nine roughly rectangular enclosures defined by boundary ditches. The earliest settlement identified at the Hawkinge site appears to date from the Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age, around 900 to 600 BC. This dating is a tentative assessment. The archaeological site is on the North Downs ridge and overlooks the English Channel.

Plan Your Bus Journey

Stagecoach routes 73 and 16 are listed as connections between Folkestone and Canterbury, with stops in Hawkinge and directly outside the entrance to the Kent Battle of Britain Museum. Check the current timetable before travelling to make sure your journey fits your visit.

Discover more destinations: Vigo Village, Whitfield, Paddock Wood, Romney Marsh, Hadlow, West Malling, Southborough, Horsmonden

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