For anyone with an interest in British aviation heritage, London Biggin Hill Airport is one of the most significant sites in the country. Beyond its current role as a business aviation hub, the airport remains a living tribute to its Battle of Britain past and a centre of restored historic aircraft.
This guide is for visitors planning a heritage trip to Biggin Hill, whether you want to fly a Spitfire, visit the historic chapel, or simply walk where Battle of Britain pilots walked.
The Battle of Britain at Biggin Hill
During the summer and autumn of 1940, RAF Biggin Hill was on the front line of Britain’s defence against Luftwaffe attacks. Positioned in 11 Group of RAF Fighter Command, the station’s Hurricane and Spitfire squadrons intercepted German raids approaching London from the south-east.
The station’s pilots and ground crews paid heavily for the role. Biggin Hill was bombed repeatedly during the Battle of Britain, and the station’s casualty rate was among the highest in Fighter Command. The airfield’s pilots are credited with destroying over 1,400 enemy aircraft during the war.
The story of Biggin Hill is told across multiple sites at the airport and the surrounding area, including the St George’s Chapel of Remembrance, museums, and ongoing heritage operations.
The St George’s Chapel of Remembrance
The chapel is one of the most poignant aviation heritage sites in the UK. Originally built in 1951 to replace a smaller wartime chapel that had been destroyed by fire, it serves as a memorial to the airmen who served and died flying from Biggin Hill.
Inside, the chapel features stained glass windows depicting the squadrons that served at Biggin Hill, memorial books listing the names of the fallen, and Battle of Britain artefacts. It’s an active place of worship as well as a memorial, and is open to visitors throughout the year.
The chapel is located on the airport perimeter and is accessible to the public without needing airside access.
The Heritage Hangar and Spitfire Flights
The Heritage Hangar at Biggin Hill is operated by Fly a Spitfire and houses one of the world’s largest collections of airworthy Spitfires. The hangar restores, maintains, and operates these aircraft, and crucially, offers members of the public the chance to fly in them.
The Spitfire flight experiences are unique. Passengers fly in a genuine two-seat Spitfire (the Mk IX variant), with options ranging from short local flights over the Kent countryside to longer experiences taking in the white cliffs of Dover or other historic Battle of Britain landmarks.
These flights are popular and book up months in advance, but they offer something unavailable almost anywhere else: the chance to actually fly in the aircraft that defended Britain in 1940.
The Heritage Hangar also runs tours of the workshop for visitors who want to see Spitfires under restoration. It’s a working hangar with aircraft in various states of repair, all operated by engineers with deep knowledge of these aircraft.
Other Heritage Aircraft at Biggin Hill
Beyond Spitfires, Biggin Hill is home to other historic aircraft including warbirds operated by private owners and heritage operators. The airport’s annual events typically feature a wider range of historic types in flying display.
Planning a Heritage Visit
Best time to visit — Spring and summer offer the best weather and most flying activity. The Festival of Flight (when held) is the highlight of the heritage calendar.
Booking Spitfire flights — Through Fly a Spitfire’s website. Allow several months’ lead time and be flexible on dates, as flights are weather-dependent and can be rescheduled.
Chapel visits — Open to visitors without booking, though it’s worth checking opening hours in advance and being respectful of any services or commemorations taking place.
Combining with other Kent attractions — A heritage trip to Biggin Hill combines well with visits to Chartwell (Winston Churchill’s family home, just a few miles away), the Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel-le-Ferne near Folkestone, and the RAF Manston History Museum further along the Kent coast.
Getting to Biggin Hill for a Heritage Visit
Biggin Hill is not on a rail line, so most heritage visitors arrive by car or pre-booked transport. For international visitors flying into Heathrow, Gatwick, or London City, pre-arranged transfers to BQH and on to local hotels are the most practical option.
For UK-based visitors, driving is straightforward but parking at the airport is limited and event days can see significant traffic. Pre-booked transfers from the nearest rail stations (Bromley South or Hayes) are popular alternatives.
Where to Stay
For heritage visitors wanting to spend more than a day in the area:
Bromley — Multiple mid-range hotel options, around 15 minutes from the airport.
Sevenoaks and Westerham — Boutique and country hotel options in the Kent countryside, around 20-30 minutes from BQH.
London — For visitors combining Biggin Hill with broader London tourism, staying in central London and arranging dedicated transfer days to BQH is a popular approach.
Combining Heritage with a Flight
Many Spitfire flight customers travel from overseas specifically for the experience. The combination of staying in a London hotel, taking a private transfer to Biggin Hill for the flight, and continuing on to other UK heritage sites makes a memorable trip.
We’ve handled transfers for Spitfire flight customers from across the UK, Europe, North America, and Asia. The flight typically takes a half-day (including briefing time), leaving plenty of time for onward travel.
Need Transport to Biggin Hill for a Heritage Visit?
Whether you’re flying a Spitfire, visiting the Chapel of Remembrance, attending the Festival of Flight, or planning a wider heritage trip across Kent, get in touch and we’ll arrange transport that fits your day.
