14 Sep 2024RAF Kenley’s blast pens – 14 September 2024

Kenley Airfield played a unique and important role in Britain’s history. As the UK’s most complete surviving Battle of Britain fighter airfield, it gives us a direct and tangible link to our aviation past. As an active airfield today, it builds on that heritage, while the surrounding environs of Kenley Common provide us with a site of nature conservation and a protected public open space.

Across the site visitors can find multiple structures called blast pens or fighter pens. These helped to defend WWII aircraft and also military personnel in shelters during air raids. These monuments still stand today thanks to the Kenley Revival Project, a huge conservation project initiated in 2016.

As part of the Open House Festival 2024, we’ll open the doors inside two blast pen shelters and shed light on how these structures would have been designed, built, and used during WWII.

Event Information

Drop in anytime between 11am and 3pm.

This event is free and there is no need to book.

The inside of the shelters are dark but will be lit with LED lights. These spaces are quite narrow with low ceilings.

Meet at the RAF Tribute just off Hayes Lane - what3words

There is on-street parking along Hayes Lane with step-free access to Kenley Common.

Additional Parking at Victor Beamish Avenue.

Closest rail station is Whyteleafe (not Kenley!) The 409, 411 and 657 are among the bus routes that stop near the airfield.