Hawkinge Battle of Britain museum

I have visited this museum in the past, probably 15+ years ago, but as they have always had a 'no photography' rule I have not been back. In the past this has been attributed to security reasons and more recently copyright reasons. Latterly the museum quotes respecting the wishes of families that have donated items for display but do not wish them to be photographed. Any of these reasons are pretty unique amongst museums I have visited in several countries but their museum their rules. However, with the expansion of exhibits displayed outside of the museum it transpires that it is permissible to photograph exterior displays providing you ask the staff on arrival. At the end of your visit they will then permit you to fetch your camera in and escort you around whilst you take a few snaps. It makes this aspect a bit rushed but it's a means to an end that encouraged me to visit today.

The museum itself is dedicated to the Battle of Britain and has an extensive display of recovered items, several full size replica aircraft of the battle, home front type displays, vintage weapons, uniforms etc and is a really interesting place to visit. The museum holds a full size replica of the Boulton Paul Defiant, built by Boulton Paul and is also home to the Westland Whirlwind restoration project most of the fuselage of which is now complete - but it is inside so no snaps!

The aircraft outside include three replica Hurricanes, a post war Spanish Ju52 (ex Cosford), a Blenheim project which will be a composite of four aircraft once finished and an original Heinkel He111 previously with the OFMC and then at IWM Duxford. Most recently the museum have acquired a Storch from Cosford which is currently outside but scheduled to go indoors sometime after the end of this month.

Including using the on site cafe we were there around 4 hours so there is plenty to look at although not so much to photograph.