Battle of Britain Memorial Capel-le-Ferne
A poignant national memorial on the white cliffs, honoring the bravery of RAF pilots in the Battle of Britain with aircraft displays and interactive e...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better for reflection
Battle of Britain Memorial Capel-le-Ferne
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better for reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A poignant national memorial on the white cliffs, honoring the bravery of RAF pilots in the Battle of Britain with aircraft displays and interactive exhibits.
"A beautiful tribute to pilots and aircrew who fought in the Battle of Britain."
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
Entry is free, but parking costs £2 for 2 hours or £6 all day. Consider carpooling!
✈️ Aviation Paradise
A must-visit for plane lovers! See Spitfires, Hurricanes, and learn about WWII aviation history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Scramble Experience
Interactive displays, a moving film, and a flight simulator offering a glimpse into the lives of WWII pilots.
Pilot Statue Looking to Sea
A poignant statue of a pilot gazing out at the English Channel, symbolizing hope and loss.
Stuka Sculpture
A unique sculpture of a downed German Stuka dive bomber, symbolizing reconciliation.
Aircraft Displays & Memorial Wall
Outdoor exhibits featuring Spitfires, a Hurricane, and a wall inscribed with the names of those who served.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Parking Fee
Best Time for Aviation Enthusiasts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
Entry is free, but parking costs £2 for 2 hours or £6 all day. Consider carpooling!
✈️ Aviation Paradise
A must-visit for plane lovers! See Spitfires, Hurricanes, and learn about WWII aviation history. +1
🚶♀️ Coastal Walk Views
Enjoy stunning views of Folkestone, Dover, and the French coast from the clifftop location.
☕ Cafe with a View
The on-site cafe offers refreshments and delicious cake with beautiful sea views. Gluten-free options available.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
Entry is free, but parking costs £2 for 2 hours or £6 all day. Consider carpooling!
✈️ Aviation Paradise
A must-visit for plane lovers! See Spitfires, Hurricanes, and learn about WWII aviation history. +1
🚶♀️ Coastal Walk Views
Enjoy stunning views of Folkestone, Dover, and the French coast from the clifftop location.
☕ Cafe with a View
The on-site cafe offers refreshments and delicious cake with beautiful sea views. Gluten-free options available.
🕊️ Spirit of Reconciliation
The Stuka sculpture is a powerful symbol of peace and remembrance for the 80th anniversary.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Battle of Britain Memorial as a beautiful and poignant tribute to the brave pilots of WWII. The free entry, stunning coastal location, and the engaging Scramble Experience are frequently highlighted as major positives. While the main museum is basic, the interactive elements and historical significance make it a highly recommended visit for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
"A beautiful tribute to pilots and aircrew who fought in the Battle of Britain.
The Scramble Experience is well worth the small entry fee with lots of modern interactive displays and a basic flight simulator that is great fun.
On site cafe is pretty good, gluten free cake available and a selection of non barista (i.e from a machine) drinks"
Phil B
"A beautiful memorial to a sad time.
The main part of the museum is basic but free. You can go outside and see the spitfires, aircraft pilot statue and memorial wall.
I'd definitely recommend paying the small fee for "The scramble" which is a collection of information about the lead up to the battle of Britain and first hand stories. It also offers some dress up items and a simulator where you're a hurricane pilot.
It also had a very moving film which is played every 30 minutes or so and everything else turns off, which I personally thought was great.
Overall a great testament to those who gave their lives during that time.
We also visited the shop, which was fairly priced and had some lovely things in.
We paid a visit to the cafe, also reasonably priced, the cake was delicious and even though the weather was similar to a monsoon the views were beautiful."
Sam Smith
"Lovely memorial to all the very brave men who fought to protect their King and Country.
There is one particular statue which is of a pilot looking out to sea,waiting for his friends to return, very sad, very poignant.
There is nice visitors center.
Plenty of parking.
Free entry."
Marianne
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The memorial is located at Capel-le-Ferne, Folkestone, Kent CT18 7JJ. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available (fee applies). Public transport options might involve local buses from Folkestone or Dover, though driving is generally recommended for ease of access.
Yes, there is parking available on-site. The cost is £2 for two hours or £6 for all day.
While possible, it's less direct. You might need to take a bus to Capel-le-Ferne from Folkestone or Dover and then potentially walk. Checking local bus routes and schedules in advance is advised.
The memorial is situated on New Dover Road, Capel-le-Ferne, CT18 7JJ. It's well-signposted from the A20 and coastal roads.
The site is generally accessible, with paved paths around the main outdoor exhibits. The Scramble Experience is also accessible. It's always a good idea to contact the venue directly for specific accessibility queries.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Battle of Britain Memorial itself is free. However, there is a charge for parking. The 'Scramble Experience' has a small entry fee which is highly recommended.
The memorial is typically open daily from 10 am to 4 pm or 5 pm, but it's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours, as they can vary seasonally or for special events.
No, you do not need to book tickets in advance for general entry as it is free. If you are planning to attend a special event or guided tour, it's advisable to check if pre-booking is required.
No, the Scramble Experience is an additional paid attraction within the memorial site. Visitors highly recommend paying the small fee for this interactive exhibit.
While entry is free, there aren't specific discounts mentioned for general admission. However, guided tours or special event tickets might have different pricing structures.
🎫 ✈️ Aviation & History
You can see outdoor displays of iconic WWII aircraft like the Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane. There's also a sculpture of a downed Junkers Ju87 Stuka.
The Scramble Experience offers interactive displays, a moving film about the Battle of Britain, and a flight simulator where you can pilot a Hurricane. It's designed to immerse visitors in the lead-up to the battle.
It is the national memorial to the pilots and aircrew of the Royal Air Force (RAF) who fought in the Battle of Britain between July and October 1940, defending the UK against the Luftwaffe.
While the main memorial site is free to explore with outdoor exhibits, the 'Scramble Experience' acts as an indoor museum with interactive displays and historical information.
Yes, the memorial is situated on the white cliffs at Capel-le-Ferne, offering stunning views of the coastline, including the White Cliffs of Dover and potentially the coast of France.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site that serves refreshments, including cake (with gluten-free options available) and various drinks.
The cafe offers a selection of drinks (non-barista machine coffee), cakes, and light refreshments. It's a good spot to relax after exploring the memorial.
Picnic areas are not explicitly mentioned, but it's generally acceptable to bring your own food to enjoy in designated outdoor spaces, especially given the beautiful clifftop location.
Yes, the memorial is located between Folkestone and Dover, both of which offer a wide range of dining options, from casual cafes to more formal restaurants.
Yes, the cafe offers the choice to sit inside or outside, allowing visitors to enjoy the stunning coastal views while they dine.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft, the poignant pilot statue, the unique Stuka sculpture, and the panoramic coastal views from the clifftops.
Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the memorial site, allowing you to capture the historical aircraft, sculptures, and breathtaking scenery.
Specific drone regulations are not mentioned, but it's always advisable to check local bylaws and venue policies regarding drone usage before flying.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Clear weather will also enhance the coastal views.
Photography rules inside the Scramble Experience may vary. It's best to check for any signage or ask staff upon entry.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks and drinks, though the on-site cafe is available. The open clifftop location provides space for kids to move around, but always supervise them closely due to the proximity to the cliff edge. The Stuka sculpture can also spark conversations about peace and reconciliation.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
Keep an eye out for special events, such as anniversary flypasts featuring historic aircraft, which offer an unparalleled spectacle.
The memorial's location also provides opportunities to see modern aircraft flying over the Channel, adding to the aviation theme. 🚶♀️ History Buffs & Day-Trippers
As a day trip destination, the memorial is easily accessible by car and offers stunning coastal views, making it a pleasant outing. Combine your visit with a walk along the White Cliffs or explore nearby Folkestone and Dover for a fuller experience.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Scramble Experience: Immersive History
Beyond the simulator, the experience includes a moving film that plays regularly, offering a poignant narrative of the events. The information presented is designed to be accessible and engaging for all ages, making it a central part of understanding the memorial's significance. The small entry fee is widely considered well worth the cost for the depth of information and interactive elements provided.
This section of the memorial truly brings the history to life, offering a tangible connection to the past. It’s a place where you can learn, reflect, and even feel a sense of the adrenaline and pressure faced by the pilots during those critical months in 1940.
Iconic Aircraft and Sculptural Art
Adding a unique artistic and symbolic dimension to the memorial is the 'DOWN.TWO.EARTH' sculpture. This striking piece depicts a downed Junkers Ju87 Stuka dive bomber, created by German artist 'Hex'. Installed in 2020 for the 80th anniversary, it stands as a profound symbol of reconciliation and remembrance, acknowledging the shared human cost of conflict. It's the only 1:1 scale metal sculpture of its kind.
+1Beyond these prominent features, the memorial also includes a memorial wall inscribed with the names of those who served, offering a deeply personal connection to the individuals honored here. The combination of historical aircraft and thought-provoking art creates a layered and impactful visitor experience.
Stunning Coastal Location and Views
+1Visitors can gaze out towards the coastlines of France on a clear day, with Folkestone and Dover visible along the shore. This scenic vantage point allows for a moment of quiet contemplation, appreciating the vastness of the sea that was so central to the Battle of Britain. The clifftop setting also makes it a popular spot for coastal walks, with the memorial serving as a notable point of interest along the route.
+1Birdwatchers and nature lovers might also find the location appealing, as the area is known to attract birds of prey and a variety of butterflies and moths. The combination of historical significance and natural beauty makes the Battle of Britain Memorial a truly memorable destination.
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