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Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar: The Living Legacy of the Spitfire

Experience the living history of WWII aviation at Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar, home to the world’s largest collection of airworthy Spitfires and restoration expertise.

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Located at 204 Churchill Way, Biggin Hill, Westerham, the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar is a unique aviation hub dedicated to restoring and preserving iconic WWII aircraft, especially the legendary Spitfire. Visitors can witness skilled engineers restoring aircraft, explore a collection of airworthy Spitfires, Hurricanes, and rare warbirds, and immerse themselves in the rich history of one of Britain's most famous fighter bases.

A brief summary to Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar

  • 204 Churchill Way, Westerham, Biggin Hill, TN16 3BN, GB
  • +441959576767
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Book your tour in advance as visits are by appointment and groups are kept small for an intimate experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some walking and standing in a working hangar environment.
  • Bring a camera to capture close-up views of meticulously restored aircraft and vintage memorabilia.
  • Consider upgrading to a Spitfire flight experience for an unforgettable aerial adventure.
  • Check weather conditions and tour availability, as some activities may be seasonal or weather dependent.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from central London to Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar takes approximately 45–60 minutes depending on traffic. Parking is free and available onsite, but space can be limited during events. The route involves suburban roads and some rural stretches.

  • Train and Taxi

    Take a train from London Victoria to Orpington (about 20–30 minutes), then a taxi from Orpington station to the hangar (approximately 15 minutes). Taxi fares typically range from £15 to £25.

  • Bus and Walk

    From Orpington station, take local bus service 320 towards Westerham and alight near Biggin Hill Airport. Then walk about 10 minutes along Churchill Way to reach the hangar. Bus services run hourly; check schedules in advance.

Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar

Aviation History Rooted in Biggin Hill

The Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar is situated on the historic grounds of RAF Biggin Hill, a key fighter station during the Battle of Britain and a pivotal site in the defense of London during World War II. Originally established in 1916 for wireless communications experiments, the airfield quickly became a frontline base for night and day fighter squadrons. This rich heritage forms the backdrop for the hangar’s mission to preserve and celebrate the legacy of the Spitfire and other iconic aircraft.

Restoration Excellence and Living Museum

Founded in 2011 to restore a single Spitfire, the hangar has grown into the world’s largest Spitfire restoration facility. It houses a squadron’s worth of airworthy Spitfires, alongside Hurricanes, a Harvard, a Piper Cub, and a rare Messerschmitt 109E. Visitors can observe expert engineers using traditional techniques such as riveting and panel work, witnessing the meticulous process of returning these historic planes to flying condition. The hangar operates as a living museum, where restoration projects at various stages are visible, and the sounds and smells of a working aviation workshop bring history vividly to life.

Immersive Visitor Experience

Tours of the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar offer an intimate look at the aircraft and their stories. Knowledgeable guides share detailed histories of the planes, the pilots who flew them, and the ground crews who maintained them. The collection includes artifacts like Merlin engines, vintage cars, motorcycles, and WWII memorabilia. Visitors can even sit in the cockpit of a Spitfire, gaining a tactile connection to the past. The hangar also hosts flights in two-seater Spitfires, providing unforgettable aerial experiences over the Kent countryside.

Stories of Valor and Legacy

The hangar is more than a restoration workshop; it is a tribute to the people behind the planes. It honors pilots such as Squadron Leader Tony Gaze and Claude Weaver, the youngest Allied Ace of WWII. The facility also embraces the complex history of the war, welcoming veterans and even former adversaries who share a mutual respect for the Spitfire’s legacy. This human element enriches the visitor experience, connecting aircraft to the courageous stories of those who built, maintained, and flew them.

Unique Collection and Historical Significance

Among the prized exhibits is a Messerschmitt Bf 109E, believed to have been flown by famed German ace Hans Joachim Marseille, highlighting the hangar’s unique role in preserving both Allied and Axis aviation history. The hangar’s location on the original Biggin Hill airfield adds profound significance, as visitors may witness Spitfires taking to the skies from arguably the most historically appropriate venue in the world.

Facilities and Accessibility

The hangar offers modern amenities including accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, and free parking. While it is a working engineering environment with some noise and safety considerations, it remains welcoming to families, aviation enthusiasts, and history buffs alike. Wheelchair access is available, though the environment is best suited to visitors aged 12 and over due to the nature of the site.

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