Bentley Priory Museum

Bentley Priory Museum tells the story of the Grade II* listed country house that served as Headquarters Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain. Set in Stanmore, north-west London, visitors explore ornate interiors alongside interactive galleries that unfold the Dowding System’s pivotal role in Britain’s air defence. A highlight is the meticulously recreated wartime Filter Room where radar plots were sifted and processed, while Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding’s office features a 360° film projection illuminating decision-making under fire

Facilities include free on-site parking just steps from the entrance, step-free access via lifts and ramps, induction-loop hearing assistance, audio guides, a café and museum shop, volunteer-led guided tours, the Italian Gardens and dedicated family trails for young explorers.

Special exhibits encompass the Filter Room recreation, Dowding’s office film immersion, a replica Spitfire cockpit walkthrough, interactive radar and telephony displays, Spitfire & Hurricane flypast models at the Rotunda, and authentic wartime communications equipment.

Photo credit: Matt Brown