North Weald Airfield Museum

Nestled in Ad Astra House on Hurricane Way at the former RAF North Weald in Essex, this entirely volunteer-run museum brings to life over four decades of fighter station history. From its 1916 Royal Flying Corps beginnings through the Battle of Britain to the advent of jets, the galleries occupy the old Station Office and display original uniforms, personal flying kit and squadron logs. Interpretive panels and archive cabinets trace the exploits of 52 RAF and Allied squadrons—including the Eagle Squadrons of 71 and 121 (US volunteers) and 331/332 (Royal Norwegian Air Force)—as well as the famed “Treble One” Hunter aerobatic team.

Facilities include free on-site parking, a shop offering books, scale models and memorabilia, and group or research visits by appointment. Guided tours by knowledgeable volunteers reveal hidden corners of the Station Office and explain how the airfield once accommodated up to 2,000 personnel. Admission is £2 for adults, £1.50 concessions, 50p for children, under-5s free.

Special exhibits feature a dedicated Battle of Britain room commemorating the 39 aircrew lost defending North Weald and the North Weald Airfield Memorial & Debt of Honour—a granite obelisk erected by Norway in 1952 to honour its wartime squadrons. Issues of the museum’s own Hurricane newsletter, rare aerial reconnaissance prints and original airshow posters round out the display.

Photo credit: North Weald Airfield Museum