Royal Air Force Museum London

From Aerodrome to Aviation Museum

Hendon's connection to aviation dates back to 1910, when the grass airfield became one of Britain's earliest flying grounds. During the First World War it served as an aircraft acceptance park and training station, and by the 1920s it was a fully operational RAF base. The famous Hendon Air Pageants — spectacular public flying displays held annually from 1920 to 1937 — drew enormous crowds and helped establish Hendon as a household name in British aviation.

After the base closed in 1968, the site was chosen to house a new national museum of aviation. Queen Elizabeth II opened the Royal Air Force Museum on 15 November 1972, with 36 aircraft on display in the original hangars. Since then the collection has expanded dramatically, and a major redevelopment completed in 2018 to mark the RAF's centenary added two new exhibition halls and modernised the visitor experience throughout.

What to See

The museum's six hangars are arranged around a central courtyard and are best explored in roughly chronological order. The First World War gallery charts the birth of aerial warfare with original biplanes and personal artefacts from early pilots. The Battle of Britain hall is the emotional centrepiece — a purpose-built exhibition space where Spitfires and Hurricanes hang alongside a captured Messerschmitt, with an immersive sound-and-light show that recreates the intensity of 1940.

Bomber Command is anchored by the Lancaster S-Sugar, its fuselage still bearing mission tallies from 137 wartime sorties. Beyond the Second World War galleries, the Cold War and modern aviation halls display a Vulcan bomber, a Harrier GR9 and a Eurofighter Typhoon. For hands-on engagement, the 4D theatre experience lets visitors fly with the Red Arrows, and motion simulators recreate the cockpit of a Typhoon jet.

Visiting with the Family

The museum is particularly well suited to families. Children can climb into real cockpit seats, operate interactive radar screens and build model aircraft in the hands-on zone. The outdoor playground and picnic area provide a break between hangars, and a cafe serves hot meals and snacks throughout the day. Entry and parking are both free, which makes it easy to visit for a couple of hours without committing to a full day.

The museum shop stocks a solid range of aviation books, model kits and RAF merchandise. For those wanting to extend the visit, Colindale's other attraction — the nearby Newspaper Library site — and the green spaces of Montrose Park are within walking distance.