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.

Find Business Hotels in Minster

Change your mind

Book hotels with free cancellation

Treat yourself

Be picky

Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check availability on Minster Business Hotels

Tonight

Tomorrow

This weekend

Next weekend

Compare Minster Business Hotels room rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

"Clean and comfortable. Friendly staff . Happy with our stay. "

SAR 445 total

includes taxes & fees

5 May - 6 May

Find out more about Minster

Recent reviews of Minster hotels

5/5 Excellent

"Really lovely hotel with excellent breakfast included. Very reasonably priced!"

A verified traveler stayed at ABode Canterbury

Posted 1 day ago

The View Hotel Folkestone, a member of Radisson Individuals

5/5 Excellent

Overal ok.

"Ultra clean. Big drawback is parking and the is info on hotels.com is at best ambiguous. Minor moan is that reception staff absent on arrival for about 15 minutes. "

A verified traveler stayed at The View Hotel Folkestone, a member of Radisson Individuals

Posted 3 days ago

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Find Business Hotels in Minster

Check availability on Minster Business Hotels

Compare Minster Business Hotels room rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

Holiday Inn Express Ramsgate - Minster by IHG

Find out more about Minster

Recent reviews of Minster hotels

ABode Canterbury

voco The Clifton Folkestone by IHG

The View Hotel Folkestone, a member of Radisson Individuals

Holiday Inn Express Ramsgate - Minster by IHG

The Victoria Hotel

Broome Park Hotel

No.42 by GuestHouse Margate

The Carlton Hotel

Best Western Premier Dover Marina Hotel & Spa

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

More Hotel Options in Minster

More Accommodation Types in

Hotels near popular Ramsgate Attractions

Minster Hotels by Star Rating

Explore more hotels