Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum

Discover the fascinating story of the historic Royal Air Force College Cranwell and become a pilot on the Jet Provost flight simulator.

Royal Air Force College Cranwell is probably one of the most famous landmarks in Royal Air Force (RAF) history. Its long history dates back to 1918 after the amalgamation of the Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Flying Corps who sought to establish a single unit where officers could be trained to fly. It became the first Military Air Academy in the world.

At the Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum you can discover the history of RAF Cranwell from its early days as a Royal Naval Air Service base to the current day. The experience includes interactive exhibits such as a Jet Provost flight simulator, Vampire nose pod, exhibitions and artefacts. There is also a courtyard area with Jet Provost aircraft on display.

To mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force, Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum will be showcasing some of the stories of gallantry involving Royal Air Force aircrew in World War Two. Many of the airmen featured in the exhibition gained the highest award for their valour with some of them paying the iltimate price.

Light refreshments and a gift shop are available together with tourist information. There is also an annual programme of events from changing exhibitions to their annual summer fun day.

Visit the RAF website to learn more about the history of RAFC Cranwell. RAF Cranwell is part of the North Kesteven Airfield Trail.

Entry to Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre is free. Events at the Centre are free to attend also.

Opening Times:

1 April to 31 October: 7 days per week 10am to 4.30pm,

1 November to 31 March: Saturdays and Sundays, 10am to 4pm.

Car Parking: There is free parking at the Aviation Centre.

Disabled Access: Access is available to all areas at the Centre excluding the courtyard, including a fully accessible toilet. Please see our access statement for further information.

Group Bookings: Group and educational visits are welcome if made by prior arrangement with the Centre.

Research: Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre holds large quantities of documents, photographs and other artefacts which are not currently on display. Access can be made available for research purposes. For further information on how to use our archive will be published in the near future.

Go to the Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum website for more...