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Biggin Hill Memorial Museum

Explore the heroic history of RAF Biggin Hill through immersive exhibits and the sacred Chapel of Remembrance in this inspiring memorial museum.

4.5

Biggin Hill Memorial Museum in Westerham, Kent, commemorates the heroic role of RAF Biggin Hill during the Battle of Britain and World War II. The museum surrounds the Grade II-listed St George’s RAF Chapel of Remembrance, featuring over 80 exhibits including personal artifacts, uniforms, letters, and wartime memorabilia that tell the stories of the pilots, ground crews, and local community who lived and served there. The museum offers interactive displays, a café, and a peaceful memorial setting.

A brief summary to Biggin Hill Memorial Museum

  • Main Rd, Westerham, Leaves Green, TN16 3EJ, GB
  • +441959422414
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Plan your visit between Tuesday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm.
  • Don’t miss the St George’s RAF Chapel of Remembrance with its unique propeller blade floor and stained glass windows.
  • Enjoy refreshments and light meals at the 1940s-themed Nightingale Café on site.
  • Check for special exhibitions and events that highlight lesser-known stories, such as the contributions of women in the war.
  • Use the audio guide narrated by historian Dan Snow and veterans for a richer understanding of the museum’s stories.
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Getting There

  • Train and Bus

    Take a train from London Charing Cross or London Victoria to Orpington (approximately 20-30 minutes), then catch the R8 or R9 bus towards Biggin Hill. The bus journey takes about 35-45 minutes. Note that bus services are less frequent on Sundays and public holidays. A combined train and bus ticket costs around £10-£15 GBP.

  • Car

    Driving from central London to Biggin Hill Memorial Museum takes approximately 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. The museum offers limited parking spaces nearby. Be aware that some local roads are narrow, and parking may be restricted during busy times.

  • Taxi or Rideshare

    A taxi or rideshare from central London to Biggin Hill takes about 40-60 minutes, with fares typically ranging from £50 to £70 GBP. This option offers door-to-door convenience but can be costly during peak hours.

Biggin Hill Memorial Museum location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Biggin Hill Memorial Museum

Honouring the Legacy of RAF Biggin Hill

Biggin Hill Memorial Museum stands as a poignant tribute to one of Britain’s most famous fighter stations, RAF Biggin Hill, which played a crucial role in the Battle of Britain during World War II. Opened in January 2019 after a £5.3 million project supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Ministry of Defence, and Bromley Council, the museum preserves and shares the heroic stories of those who served in the skies and on the ground. It is built around the Grade II-listed St George’s RAF Chapel of Remembrance, a 1951 brick chapel commissioned by Winston Churchill and dedicated to the memory of the aircrew who lost their lives flying from Biggin Hill.

A Rich Collection of Personal Stories and Artifacts

The museum’s collection includes over 80 exhibits, many donated by the public, that bring to life the experiences of the pilots, ground staff, and local residents during the war. Visitors can see personal items such as flying jackets, uniforms, medals, letters, maps, and even furniture from a local pub frequented by fighter pilots. The displays cover themes including Early Years, Station Life, Community Life, and Remembering, providing a comprehensive narrative of the airfield’s history and its community. Notable artifacts include a 50kg unguided bomb, a Luftwaffe tea set, and the ‘Scramble’ and ‘Victory’ bells used at the station.

The Chapel of Remembrance: A Sacred Space

St George’s RAF Chapel of Remembrance is a central feature of the museum and a place of quiet reflection. The chapel’s interior is notable for its wooden floor made from propeller blade slats and twelve stained glass windows designed by Hugh Easton, the artist behind the famous Battle of Britain window at Westminster Abbey. These windows commemorate the squadrons and airmen who served at Biggin Hill, including tributes to Polish, Canadian, and Dutch airmen. The chapel also houses memorial plaques and a missile-shaped font, symbolizing the bravery and sacrifice of those who served.

Engaging Visitor Experience and Community Connection

The museum offers an immersive experience with interactive multimedia displays and an audio guide narrated by historian Dan Snow alongside voices of veterans like Wing Commander Geoffrey Wellum. Seasonal exhibitions, such as the recent focus on Women’s Auxiliary Air Force members, highlight lesser-known stories of courage and commitment. The Nightingale Café on site provides refreshments in a 1940s-themed setting, and outdoor picnic areas and terraces enhance the visitor experience. The museum also hosts talks, events, and educational activities that deepen understanding of Biggin Hill’s wartime legacy.

Preserving History for Future Generations

Biggin Hill Memorial Museum is independently managed by a trust dedicated to safeguarding the heritage of RAF Biggin Hill and its community. The museum’s sensitive architectural design wraps around the chapel, restoring it to its original 1950s appearance while providing modern exhibition spaces. Conservation efforts extend to original RAF gates and railings from the Battle of Britain era, emphasizing the museum’s commitment to preserving authentic historical fabric. Through its collections, stories, and memorials, the museum ensures the bravery of ‘the Few’ and the support of ‘the Many’ are remembered and honoured.

Exploring the Broader Context of RAF Biggin Hill

Beyond the Battle of Britain, RAF Biggin Hill has a rich history dating back to World War I, when it was used for wireless communications experiments. It became a key fighter station by 1930, with Hurricanes and Spitfires flying from its runways. The museum situates visitors within this broader historical context, illustrating technological advances, community life during wartime, and the ongoing significance of Biggin Hill in British military history. The site remains a place of pilgrimage and remembrance, with regular services held in the chapel and ongoing preservation projects ensuring its legacy endures.

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