iRAF Museum
The RAF Museum sits on the site of the old London Aerodrome in Hendon, and it's a genuinely impressive aviation collection. Over 80 aircraft fill several enormous hangars — from a Sopwith Camel to a Eurofighter Typhoon, via a Spitfire, Lancaster bomber, and the cockpit of a Vulcan you can sit in. It's a bit of a trek to north London, but it's completely free and much less crowded than the central museums. The interactive flight simulators are popular with families.
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What's On
Permanent Collections
The First World War in the Air 1914-1918
Hangar 2's exhibition on how aviation became vital to WWI, told through personal artefacts and the finest surviving collection of period aircraft, from reconnaissance to bombing and combat.
The Age of Uncertainty 1980-Today
Hangar 6's exhibition on the RAF's recent history, from the Falklands conflict to today, exploring how technological advances have kept the service agile and responsive.
Battle of Britain
Hangars 3 and 5 display the "Fighter Four" — a Spitfire Mk 1A, Hurricane Mk 1, Messerschmitt Bf109E-4/B and Fiat CR42 Falco — telling the story of the 1940 battle through the pilots and ground crews who fought it.
RAF Stories: The First 100 Years 1918-2018
Hangar 1's introductory exhibition, telling the first 100 years of the RAF through the stories of its people and partners, from its 1918 formation as the world's first independent air force.
RAF: The First to the Future
A Hangar 1 exhibition on how innovation keeps the RAF at the forefront of air and space power, with interactive digital experiences covering missions, cyber defence and aircraft design.
Hangars 3, 4 and 5: War in the Air 1918-1980
Three hangars spanning RAF history from 1918 to 1980, including Battle of Britain fighters, strategic bombers and Bomber Command's Lancasters, plus the RAF's international partnerships and helicopter development.
Strike Hard, Strike Sure: Bomber Command 1939–1945
Hangar 5's exhibition on Bomber Command's WWII campaign, centred on the Avro Lancaster "S-for-Sugar" — which flew 137 combat missions — alongside the Fairey Battle, Handley Page Halifax and Boeing B-17, told through the personal stories of air and ground crew.
Plan Your Visit
Getting there
Hours
| Mon | 10:00–17:00 |
| Tue | 10:00–17:00 |
| Wed | 10:00–17:00 |
| Thu | 10:00–17:00 |
| Fri | 10:00–17:00 |
| SatToday | 10:00–17:00 |
| Sun | 10:00–17:00 |
Admission
Free
Some simulators and special experiences require paid tickets
Accessibility
Step-free access to all hangars. Wheelchairs available. Hearing loops at information points. Free parking including disabled bays.
Last verified
Visitor Information
- Is RAF Museum free to visit?
- Yes, general admission to RAF Museum is free. Some simulators and special experiences require paid tickets. Some special exhibitions may charge a separate ticket, so check the museum's website before visiting.
- What are the opening hours of RAF Museum?
- RAF Museum is open Daily 10:00–17:00, last entry 16:30. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
- Where is RAF Museum?
- RAF Museum is located at Grahame Park Way, London NW9 5LL, in the Hendon area of London. The nearest station is Colindale.
- What can I see at RAF Museum?
- Over 80 aircraft from biplanes to jet fighters, free to visit on a historic London aerodrome. Current highlights include The First World War in the Air 1914-1918, The Age of Uncertainty 1980-Today and Battle of Britain.
- Do I need to book RAF Museum in advance?
- RAF Museum is free to enter and most days you can walk in. Some simulators and special experiences require paid tickets. For special exhibitions, weekends, and school holidays, booking a timed slot can help you skip queues. Check the museum's website for current requirements.
- When is the best time to visit RAF Museum?
- Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.
- Is RAF Museum accessible?
- Step-free access to all hangars. Wheelchairs available. Hearing loops at information points. Free parking including disabled bays.
Image credits
8
- RAF MuseumAnk Kumar / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
- The First World War in the Air 1914-1918Courtesy of RAF Museum
- The Age of Uncertainty 1980-TodayCourtesy of RAF Museum
- Battle of BritainCourtesy of RAF Museum
- RAF Stories: The First 100 Years 1918-2018Courtesy of RAF Museum
- RAF: The First to the FutureCourtesy of RAF Museum
- Hangars 3, 4 and 5: War in the Air 1918-1980Courtesy of RAF Museum
- Strike Hard, Strike Sure: Bomber Command 1939–1945Courtesy of RAF Museum