Lashenden Air Warfare Museum

About the museum

The collection of Lashenden Air Warfare Museum was begun in the late 1960s by members of the Maidstone branch of the Royal Air Forces Association. In early 1970 the owner of Headcorn Aerodrome offered the branch a building, and the museum opened to the public at Easter 1970 under the wartime name of the airfield, Lashenden. Its first aircraft, a rare Fieseler Fi 103R-4 Reichenberg piloted flying bomb, arrived just before the opening. The museum became a registered charity in 1977 and is run by a board of trustees.

The museum moved to its present building in 2014-15, and a new exhibition hall followed in 2018; in 2025 it was named the Diana Patten Display Hall. Over the years the museum has taken in the collections of several aviation preservation and recovery groups, among them a large body of wreckage from aircraft archaeologists, a Focke-Achgelis Fa 330 gyro kite and the Andrew Cresswell collection of aircraft wreckage. It also holds a collection of items made by Allied prisoners of war.

The site itself has a long aviation history. A private airstrip existed here from 1911 and was used by the Royal Flying Corps in the First World War. In 1943 it became the Advanced Landing Ground RAF Lashenden, used by Canadian Spitfire squadrons and then by the American 354th Fighter Group with P-51 Mustangs, which flew missions on D-Day. The airfield is still active today with skydiving and flight experiences.

Highlights

• Fieseler Fi 103R-4 Reichenberg, a rare piloted version of the V1 flying bomb
• Focke-Achgelis Fa 330 gyro kite, one of two genuine German aircraft of the Second World War on show
• Hawker Hurricane P3115 display linked to Squadron Leader Thomas Gleave
• Wreckage and engines from Spitfires, Hurricanes and German aircraft
• Collection of items made by prisoners of war
• Exhibits about the Second World War airfield and the American 354th Fighter Group

Permanent exhibition

• Diana Patten Display Hall – The main exhibition hall, opened in 2018, shows aircraft wreckage, engines and the Hurricane P3115 display, among many other items from the Second World War.

Founded

1970

Operated by

Lashenden Air Warfare Museum (registered charity no. 279883)

Admission & discounts

The admission charge is paid on entry. Payment by cash and major credit cards (except American Express and Diners Club), Apple Pay and contactless is accepted.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

All displays are accessible by wheelchair, and a wheelchair can be borrowed. Accessible toilets are available on the airfield. Two disabled parking spaces are outside the museum on a first-come basis (not available on show days; ring 07857 580162 to book). Dogs are not allowed in the museum except assistance dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

The museum describes the aerodrome as a rewarding day out for the whole family; skydiving and flying activities take place at weekends in summer. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times, and children under 5 enter free.

Getting there & parking

The aerodrome is on the A274 between Maidstone and Tenterden; follow the brown tourist signs. Satnav postcode TN27 9HX. The museum is at the eastern end of the airfield next to the main hangar.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Refreshments are available at Stevie's Cozy Dive, a cafe on the airfield. The museum shop sells die-cast aircraft models, books, mugs, badges and clothing, with a range suitable for children. Food and drink may not be consumed in the museum.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit