Thursday 8th May 2025 marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe, while 15th August marks the anniversary of VJ Day. With Kent’s position in the corner of Britain on the edge of The Channel, Kent has many World War II connections, offering a whole host of museums, memorials, festivals and experiences where you and the family can mark the end of the Second World War, and honour those who fought in it.
Salute to the 40s
20th – 21st September
Set your victory rolls and prepare to celebrate with The Historic Dockyard Chatham’s iconic Salute to the 40s, a vintage festival that is brimming with nostalgia and packed with fun for the whole family. See performances, experience vintage markets, and get a glimpse into wartime life with displays of classic cars and military vehicles, musical extravaganzas and even re-enactors.
Medway’s Armed Forces Day
28th June
The Historic Dockyard Chatham will be celebrating Armed Forces Day with a special tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country. Set at the Dockyard, which has played an important role in maritime and military history, the day will be a celebration of displays, live bands, parades and commemoration to mark the sacrifice of the many brave men and women who have served.
World War Two storytelling at The Guildhall Museum
The Guildhall Museum will be marking the anniversary of VE Day with a whole host of family-friendly events throughout the Summer. Hear wartime tales of local families, learn how they celebrated VE Day, see ordinary wartime household items and enjoy family craft events like make do and mend bunting during May Half Term.
Canterbury and Herne Bay’s rich history
The Bouncing Bomb was an integral part of the RAF’s Dambusters raid in May 1943, but did you know that prototypes of the bomb were tested right here in Kent just off the coast of Reculver? Head to Herne Bay’s Seaside Museum and you’ll have the chance to see one of the Dambuster prototypes from World War Two. For a more hands-on experience, One Pound Lane’s The Comms Room escape room provides a dramatic insight into the Blitz. Unravel the mystery of an unknown traitor while fulfilling your duties as an Air Raid Warden.
Historic days out with Stagecoach
Dig into Kent’s history and visit the Ramsgate Tunnels. Easily accessible on the Thanet Loop, the Tunnels offer a glimpse into life during World War Two. At their busiest, over 1000 people permanently lived in the tunnel network, and many more used them as an air raid shelter throughout the war. When you’ve finished your tour, head into the high street to the Home Front Café and enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of 1940s nostalgia. With Loop buses running every 8 minutes and single fares capped at £3, it’s never been easier to experience Kent’s rich history.
The Battle of Britain Memorial
One of the most important moments of the Second World War was The Battle of Britain, a heroic victory for the RAF which saw tremendous bravery from the iconic Few. Head to the Battle of Britain Memorial this summer to remember their sacrifice, mark the occasion with a visit to the official memorial, see The Wall, with the names of The Few, and get a glimpse of what their mission was like in the interactive Scramble experience.
We will Meet Again at Betteshanger
26th – 27th July
Betteshanger will be throwing a celebration of the forties this summer, with re-enactors, living history, military vehicles, fashion, song and more. Marking the anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day, this year there will even be a static Spitfire and Hurricane, as a salute to the veterans.
Hever’s Home Front: Step Back to the 1940s
21st and 22nd June
Hever’s Home Front will be in full swing this summer, celebrating the resilience of Britain during the Second World War with a two-day event in the tranquil grounds of Hever Castle. Visitors will be invited to get into the spirit of the 40s with vintage fashion, stirring performances, and the chance to hear the stories of those who kept the home fires burning. Hear the sounds of swing music and the roar of military vehicles and enjoy flypasts from Spitfire and Lancasters, over the castle’s blooming gardens.
Wartime Thanet
The Isle of Thanet has a whole host of spots to commemorate this year. The Spitfire and Hurricane Museum is home to the iconic Battle of Britain fighter planes, not to mention a Spitfire and Lancaster cockpit simulator! While St Peter’s World War II Graves Tour offers a sobering glimpse of the many locals who died during or as a result of the World War. And this year, Ramsgate will be marking the 85th anniversary of Operation Dynamo, with 70 Little Ships making a return trip to Dunkirk from Ramsgate. For even more historic days out, be sure to check out the Visit Thanet World War II itinerary.
Dover Castle
We couldn’t leave Dover Castle off our list. Sat high on the White Cliffs, this fortress has stood guard for centuries, but it was the castle’s tunnels and the cliffs themselves that were of utmost importance during World War II. Discover the Secret Wartime Tunnels where Operation Dynamo was meticulously planned, brought to life with an incredible interactive experience. What’s more, these very tunnels were even home to a wartime hospital, which can still be seen today, with artefacts and an exhibition all to be discovered.
