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Historical places #3 in Folkestone

Battle of Britain Memorial

4.8 · 3,116 reviews
A quiet place for reflection and historical observation.
Battle of Britain Memorial, New Dover Rd, Capel-le-Ferne, Folkestone CT18 7JJ, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

The memorial is located on the site of a former coastal defense battery used during World War II.

2

The Christopher Foxley-Norris Memorial Wall is the only place in the world where the names of all 3,000 members of the Few are listed together.

3

The site sits on the White Cliffs of Dover, offering a clear view across the English Channel to the French coast.

4

The Wing visitor center is designed architecturally to resemble the shape of a Spitfire wing when viewed from above.

5

The memorial was officially unveiled by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother in 1993.

Overview

The Battle of Britain Memorial is situated on the cliffs of Capel-le-Ferne between Folkestone and Dover, serving as the primary national site commemorating the pilots and crew of 1940. Its centerpiece is the Christopher Foxley-Norris Memorial Wall, which lists the names of every known aircrew member who flew during the battle. The site features the National Memorial to the Few, a statue of a pilot looking out over the English Channel toward France. The Wing, an interactive visitor center, replicates the fuselage of a Spitfire and houses an immersive experience called the Scramble Experience. It occupies a strategically significant location where many combat operations occurred during the conflict. The grounds are maintained by the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, a registered charity. It is home to several replica aircraft, including full-scale models of a Hurricane and a Spitfire.

Photo spot

The statue of the pilot looking out toward the English Channel provides the most iconic perspective.

Insider tips

Bring a jacket, as the clifftop location is frequently exposed to strong, cold winds regardless of the season.

Check the official website for scheduled flight displays or memorial ceremonies before planning your trip.

Allow extra time to read the individual names on the memorial wall, which provides significant historical depth.

What to avoid

Attempting to reach the site via the public footpaths on the cliff edge, as they can be unstable; use the designated main entrance.

Etiquette

Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor as this is a site of remembrance.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Late spring or early autumn for clear visibility across the Channel and manageable temperatures.
Address
Battle of Britain Memorial, New Dover Rd, Capel-le-Ferne, Folkestone CT18 7JJ, United Kingdom
51.099, 1.206
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsChristopher Foxley-Norris Memorial Wall, full-scale Spitfire and Hurricane replicas
Interactive featureThe Scramble Experience immersive display

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late spring or early autumn for clear visibility across the Channel and manageable temperatures..

The statue of the pilot looking out toward the English Channel provides the most iconic perspective.

Close by you'll find Folkestone Harbour, Folkestone Harbour Arm, The Lower Leas Coastal Park.