RAF Kenley Tribute

The control tower still stands at RAF Kenley, a proper working reminder of the airfield's pivotal role during the Battle of Britain. You're looking at one of the few operational fighter stations from the 1940s that hasn't been completely swallowed by housing estates or retail parks - which is frankly remarkable given how much of Surrey has changed.

What you'll actually see depends on access on the day you visit. The site remains operational, so it's not a full museum experience with ropey exhibits and tea rooms. Instead, you're getting a tangible piece of military history: the tower, some original buildings, and the sheer scale of the runway. For aviation enthusiasts and WWII history buffs, it's worth the drive from Redhill. Casual visitors might find it a bit underwhelming if they're expecting a full heritage experience - you're essentially looking at a working airfield with historical importance rather than a preserved museum.

If you're staying at Alderstead Heath or Milberry Green Meadows, you're only a short hop away. I'd suggest ringing ahead to confirm opening arrangements, as this isn't a typical visitor attraction with set hours. Allow an hour if you get access to the tower; twenty minutes if you're viewing from the perimeter. Best visited on a clear day when the history feels less like nostalgia and more like something that actually happened here.