RAF Museum London 2026

History: From Hendon Aerodrome to National Museum

Hendon aerodrome opened in 1910 as one of Britain's first flying grounds, hosting early air shows and later serving as an RAF station. The museum opened on the site in 1972, preserving hangar buildings alongside new exhibition halls, and has since grown into the RAF's official national museum, telling the service's history from its 1918 founding to present-day operations. During the pioneering Edwardian era, aviators like Claude Grahame-White established groundbreaking flying schools right here, transforming Hendon into the focal point of British aeronautical experimentation. Throughout the First and Second World Wars, the airfield functioned as a crucial assembly depot, pilot training facility, and defensive fighter station. Today, walking through these restored hangars allows visitors to trace the evolution of military aviation from fragile wood-and-fabric biplanes to high-speed jet fighters, accompanied by authentic logbooks, flight gear, and personal testimonies of aircrew who served across the globe.

When planning your time, take a moment to essential visiting tips regarding walking routes between the hangars.

Battle of Britain and WWII Aircraft

The Battle of Britain exhibit displays a Spitfire and Hurricane alongside a German Messerschmitt, recreating the 1940 air campaign that defended Britain from invasion. An Avro Lancaster bomber, one of the few complete surviving examples, anchors the Bomber Command hall, with accompanying displays on crew life and the strategic air war. Visitors can walk directly beneath the massive bomb bay of the iconic Lancaster “S-Sugar”, which flew a remarkable 137 operational sorties during the conflict. Surrounding the heavy bomber are meticulously conserved radial engines, original navigation charts, wireless equipment, and flight suits that illustrate the harrowing conditions endured by aircrews. The gallery also highlights the international contributions of Polish, Czech, Commonwealth, and American volunteer squadrons who flew alongside British pilots, providing a poignant, balanced historical overview of the grueling wartime aerial campaigns across European skies.

To organize your visit smoothly around the main hangars, you can see the one-day plan for optimal pacing.

Modern and Jet-Age Aircraft

Later galleries cover Cold War and modern aviation, including a Eurofighter Typhoon, a Harrier jump jet, and Cold War-era bombers and interceptors. Interactive flight simulators (paid add-on) let visitors experience piloting sensations, while a hands-on gallery aimed at children covers the science of flight. In Hangar 6, dramatic dynamic lighting spotlights the supersonic English Electric Lightning, renowned for its incredible vertical climb rate, alongside the swing-wing Panavia Tornado F3 and naval strike jets. Interactive touchscreens break down aerodynamic forces, jet engine propulsion, and radar detection systems, making complex engineering accessible for curious younger visitors. While the state-of-the-art Eurofighter Typhoon showcases cutting-edge contemporary RAF capability, historic trainers and experimental test aircraft fill the perimeter walkways, detailing Britain's post-war transition into the supersonic jet age.

Tickets and Prices

General admission is free, funded by donations and separate paid extras like flight simulators, which cost a small fee per session and can be booked on-site or online. Special temporary exhibitions occasionally carry their own ticket price; check the museum's website before visiting for current offers. Individual visitors do not need to pre-book timed general entry slots in advance; you can simply arrive during open hours and walk straight into the welcome building. Optional interactive experiences include the 4D Theatre, virtual reality dogfight simulators, and motion ride cabins, which typically cost between £5 and £10 per ride. Voluntary donation stations with contactless card readers are positioned near hangar exits to support aircraft conservation, educational workshops, and ongoing preservation of rare aeronautical artifacts for future generations.

Opening Hours

Open daily, typically 10am-5pm in winter and slightly later in summer months, with reduced hours around Christmas and New Year. Weekday mornings are quietest; school holidays bring more families. Allow at least two to three hours to see the main hangars properly. Last admission to the exhibition galleries occurs 45 minutes prior to building closure, and outdoor airfield lawns close shortly after. During peak summer weekends, arriving right at opening time guarantees unhindered photography lines around the Lancaster and Spitfire before guided school groups arrive. The on-site cafe and museum shop mirror gallery opening hours, with hot breakfast bakes served from 10:00 AM. Always check the official calendar when travelling on bank holidays or during seasonal maintenance periods.

Getting There

The museum is in Colindale, north London, a short walk from Colindale Underground station on the Northern line, about 30 minutes from central London. Free on-site parking is available for those driving, making it one of the easier free museums to reach by car from the M1 or A1. From Colindale Tube station (Zone 4, Edgware branch), a clearly signposted pedestrian pathway guides you through Grahame Park Way directly to the museum gate in approximately ten minutes. For bus travellers, London bus routes 303, 204, and 186 stop adjacent to the airfield gates. Drivers travelling south along the M1 motorway can exit at Junction 4 or follow the A41 towards Hendon, taking advantage of the spacious visitor car park on-site with dedicated accessible bays and electric vehicle charging points.

If you have queries about step-free accessibility or local public transport connections, check the answers to common questions below.

Tips for Visiting

Free general admission means no advance booking is required for individual visitors, though checking opening hours before traveling is wise around holidays. Bring a jacket, as some hangars are unheated. The cafe on-site serves sandwiches and hot food; alternatively, Colindale has additional dining options near the station. Because the historic timber-roofed hangars are expansive and naturally ventilated, internal temperatures drop significantly between November and March, so wearing comfortable walking shoes and layering up is strongly recommended. Photography without tripods is welcomed throughout all halls. If you plan to try the popular flight simulators, purchase your time-slot tokens at the welcome desk immediately upon entry to secure your preferred schedule before midday queues form.

Nearby London Attractions

Central London's major sights, including the British Museum and Camden Market, are about 30-40 minutes away by Underground. Closer by, Brent Cross Shopping Centre offers dining and shopping, and Hampstead Heath is a scenic detour for those extending the day north of the city. Because the Northern line runs directly from Colindale through Camden Town, Euston, and Tottenham Court Road, pairing a peaceful morning exploring military aviation with an afternoon browsing market stalls or visiting central cultural landmarks is effortless. Travelers interested in comparing organized city tours and discount sightseeing passes can compare all the tours side by side in our dedicated overview table.