Below are details of our aviation heritage sites in the Lincolnshire area of the MAHN Central region. The air defence of this area, along with North Wales, was assigned to the RAF Fighter Command 12 Group from 1937 and Lincolnshire, with over 50 airfields used for bombing raids, became known as ‘bomber county’.

Please note full details including their address and website for each heritage site are listed in the site directory below the map, in alphabetical order. Some sites open seasonally or irregular hours. Do check their websites for the latest visiting information.

Highlights include:

• World War One bases that defended coastal shipping from submarines, and flew air defence night and day against German airships and bombers
• Bomber, fighter and coastal airfields that played major roles in the bomber offensive against Germany and the maritime war
• The largest concentration of USAAF airfields for the 8th and 9th Air Forces
• Cold War bases for aircraft and missiles that were key parts of the NATO defence network
• Specialist bases involved in the development of technologies such as radar, and the Control & Reporting network for air defence.

You can also find some useful trail booklets covering parts of this area, including our own for East Anglia and others covering Lincolnshire and Norfolk.




Map Symbol Key:

Symbol:

Location:

Aviation Museum.

Heritage / Visitor Center.

Aviation Memorial.

Historical Site.

Other / Restoration Site.

The Museum is a memorial dedicated to the personnel of the 306th Bomb Group who operated from Thurleigh during WW2, as part of the Eighth Air Force 40th Combat Wing, 1st Air Division.The Museum is an original building formally used by the 306th BG as a Small Arms ammunition store. We use it today to display artefacts to re-create the activities and atmosphere of the airfield and surrounding areas. Read more

Address: 306th Bombardment Group Museum, Thurleigh Road, Bedford, MK44 1QT

Email: 306thmuseum@gmail.com

www.306bg.co.uk

Located on an operational RAF airfield the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight operates the only airworthy Lancaster in Britain, six Spitfires, two Hurricanes, a Dakota and two Chipmunks. The Memorial Flight is a living tribute to all RAF air and ground crews who gave their lives in the Second World War. Commitments mean that the presence of particular aircraft cannot be guaranteed. Read more

Address: RAF Coningsby, Dogdyke Road, Coningsby, Lincolnshire LN4 4SY

Phone: 01522 782040

Email: bbmf@lincolnshire.gov.uk

www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/bbmf

Royal Air Force College Cranwell is probably the most famous landmark in the RAF. This recently accredited museum portrays the fascinating story of this historic establishment from its early days as a Royal Naval Air Service base to the current day. The experience includes interactive exhibits, including a Jet Provost flight simulator, Vampire nose pod, exhibitions and artefacts. There is also a courtyard area with a Jet Provost aircraft. Light refreshments and a gift shop are available together with local tourist information. Group and school visits are welcome by arrangement. For information on special events please contact the museum during opening times or visit their website. Read more

Address: Heath Farm, North Rauceby, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 8QR

Phone: 01529 488490

Email: cranwellaviation@n-kesteven.gov.uk

www.heartoflincs.com/cranwell

Grantham was home to the Headquarters of No 5 Group in Bomber Command and a lot of the planning for the Dam Busters raid took place there. Grantham Museum has some displays relating to the raid and to the American forces that were stationed in the area during the Second World War, alongside other exhibitions relating to the town.Read more

Address: St Peter's Hill, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6PY

Phone: 01476 568783

Email: info@granthammuseum.org.uk

www.granthammuseum.org.uk

Opened in Spring 2018, this Centre provides a focal point for the first-hand testimonials of all those involved in Bomber Command. Centred around the UK’s tallest war memorial it provides the only place in the world to commemorate the names of 58,000 men and women who gave their lives whilst in the service of the Command. A large visitor centre with exhibits over three galleries, cafe, shop and other visitor facilities are all set in nine acres of Peace Gardens.Read more

Address: Canwick Avenue, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN4 2HQ

Phone: 01778 421420

Email: info@internationalbcc.co.uk

www.internationalbcc.co.uk

Located on a former bomber airfield, the centre includes Avro Lancaster "Just Jane" which performs taxi runs regularly in the summer months (check website for dates) and the country's only running Mosquito. The restored original WWII watch tower forms part of the museum which holds thousands of exhibits and photographs focusing on Bomber Command, a Barnes Wallis bouncing bomb, Home Front exhibition, Hampden and Proctor restoration projects and the Royal Air Forces' Escaping Society Museum. Special events are scheduled throughout the Summer season. At the entrance to the Centre is a memorial stone to those who served in 57 and 630 Squadrons that were based at the airfield.Read more

Address: East Kirkby Airfield, East Kirkby, Spilsby, Lincolnshire PE23 4DE

Phone: 01790 763207

Email: enquiries@lincsaviation.co.uk

www.lincsaviation.co.uk/

Located on the domestic site of former RAF Metheringham, the visitor centre recalls life on an operational airfield and honours those who served there with 106 Squadron, Bomber Command. The centre contains an abundance of information and displays many artefacts that relate to the aircrew and the Lancasters they flew and ground staff who supported the squadron during its time at Metheringham. Displays include a C47 Dakota that was in use from 1944 to 2000. The airfield was one of four Lincolnshire airfields fitted with FIDO (Fog Intensive Dispersal Operation) in 1944 to clear the main runway of fog. Nearby are the remains of runways, taxiways and a memorial to 106 Squadron.Read more

Address: Westmoor Farm, Martin Moor, Metheringham, Lincolnshire LN4 3WF

Email: enquiries@metheringhamairfield.co.uk 

www.metheringhamairfield.co.uk

Newark Air Museum is located on part of the former World War Two airfield of RAF Winthorpe, close to the Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire border. Our diverse collection of aircraft and cockpit sections covers the history of aviation; the aircraft on display include 13 National Benchmark aircraft; 34 Significant aircraft and 21 Noteworthy aircraft as listed in the National Aviation Heritage Register. Nearly two thirds of the exhibits are now displayed inside. In addition to the aircraft the museum displays a diverse display of aviation artefacts and a collection of more than 35 aero engines.There is ample free parking, café and a museum shop.Read more

Address: Drove Lane, Winthorpe, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG24 2NY

Phone: 01636 707170

Email: enquire@newarkairmuseum.org

www.newarkairmuseum.org/

North Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre is dedicated to creating a permanent memorial and museum to the memory of those men and women of all nations (Australia, Belgium, Britain, Canada, France, India, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Poland and the USA) who served the Royal Air Force locally between 1939 and 1945. The Centre seeks to tell their story and to create an archive to allow learners of all ages to research and understand the subject further. The site is on a former RAF airfield at Hibaldstow which opened in 1941. It once had three runways, 13 hangers and was used primarily as a Hurricane fighter base by 12 Group to protect against intruder sorties. The base also witnessed the RAF’s first attempts at night fighting in 1941 (firstly with ‘Pandora’ Havocs and later with ‘Turbinlite’ Havocs). Part of the airfield is still in use as a parachuting centre and the control tower has been converted to a dwelling. The site has several WW2 buildings ‘in situ’ and a memorial to the Operational Training Units, with plans to convert an orchard into a garden with an Anderson shelter for school groups.Read more

Address: Field House Farm, Redbourne Road, Hibaldstow, Brigg, North Lincolnshire DN20 9NN

Email: nlahc@outlook.com

nlahcentre.com

The RAF Cranwell Heritage and Ethos Centre pays tribute to the personnel who have trained at Cranwell and strived through adversity to succeed within the RAF. The centre hosts a display dedicated to the history of the RAF Central Flying School. The Centre is open by appointment during normal working hours and visits can be booked by email.Read more

Address: RAF College, Byards Leap, Cranwell, Sleaford NG34 8HB

Email: CRN-RAFCranwell-Heritage@mod.gov.uk

www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-college-cranwell/

The original operations room bunker of this former Fighter Command airfield has been restored, complete with plotting table, state boards and equipment Other rooms include items related to the many bomber squadrons that were based in the county and the history of RAF Digby. Digby was originally called RAF Scopwick and was established on 28 March 1918. It has been home to a number of units, including Nos. 2 and 3 Flying Training Schools. In 1941, the Station welcomed a number of Royal Canadian Air Force Squadrons, a relationship that endured until the end of WWII. Following a brief period as a Technical Training unit, the role of the Station changed yet again in 1955 with the arrival of No. 399 Signals Unit. This was later joined by 591 Signals Unit and the Aerial Erectors School. The Station has a rich RAF heritage with former Station Commanders including ACM Sir Arthur ‘Bomber’ Harris, MRAF Lord Tedder and ACM Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory. The museum is located on a working RAF base and access is restricted to guided tours which can be booked by calling the Visits Co-ordinator at the contact number below.Read more

Address: RAF Digby, Scopwick, Lincolnshire LN4 3LH

Phone: 01526 327429 – Mon – Fri 0800 – 1700 – answerphone available

Email: JCG-JSSOD-OpsRoomMuseum@mod.gov.uk

www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-digby/contact-us/

RAF Elsham Wolds was home to 103 and 576 Squadrons during WWII. There is a Memorial Garden and Memorial Room dedicated to RAF Elsham Wolds which is open to visitors by prior appointment only. Visits can be arranged through the curator, Robin Lingard who can be contacted on the number below.Read more

Address: Within the Anglian Water Treatment Works, Middlegate Lane, Elsham, North Lincolnshire DN20 0PH

Phone: 01652 653247

www.elshamwolds.org.uk/site_code/pages/memorial.html

TRAF Ingham was to home to No's 300 & 305 (Polish) and 199 Bomber Squadrons, flying Vickers Wellingtons.TA team of community volunteers are currently renovating the former Airmen's Mess to create RAF Ingham Heritage Centre. You can visit our Exhibition Room and learn a little about RAF Ingham then visit the Memorial Gardens which contain memorial stones to those who served at RAF Ingham then view the Memorial to the Fallen, remembering the 166 aircrew of four nations who lost their lives flying from RAF Ingham.The Memorial Gardens are also home to a unique "life-sized' metal silhouette of a Wellington crew returning from operations. Read more

Address: Middle Street, Fillingham, Lincolnshire DN21 5BU

Phone: 07787 805978

Email: rafingham@hotmail.co.uk

rafingham.co.uk

The Waddington Viewing Area is situated south of Lincoln on the A15 overlooking RAF Waddington.We offer a unique attraction of being able to view all aircraft (E3-D Sentry, Sentinel and Shadow R1) as well as visiting military aircraft.A purpose built car park offers unrestricted views over the airfield with a snack bar and gift shop on the site. Read more

Address: Sleaford Road (A15) Waddington, Lincolnshire LN5 9FG (opposite the Vulcan XM607 aircraft)

www.facebook.com/groups/www.waddingtonwave.co.uk/

To promote and preserve the heritage of RAF Waddington, its units and personnel, by:A. Displaying appropriate documents, images, artefacts and anecdotes in context within local and national history.B. Providing a facility to educate service personnel and civilians, allow further research and publicise the history of the Station.Read more

Address: RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire LN5 9NB

Email: wad-heritagecentre@mod.gov.uk

www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-waddington/facilities/ and/or www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-waddington/contact-us/

Located in the control tower of this former Lancaster base, the museum records the history of the station and displays artefacts related to RAF Wickenby and the Lancaster Bomber and it's crews. We have included a large number of photographs in our displays which include post-war Wickenby, off duty Wickenby, the Women's Auxilliary Air Force, the Lancaster and the ground crew. Artefacts on display include uniforms, medals, a bomb aimer's panel and bomb sight, radio and transmitter, log books and the original Ops Board which currently features the raid to Mailly le Camp on 3 May 1944 when Wickenby lost 7 out of 27 aircraft. The Museum looks out over two of Wickenby's original runways which are still used today by light aircraft. Near the tower is a memorial to 12 and 626 Squadrons. Whilst enjoying your visit take the opportunity to have some light refreshments in the Watch Office cafe.Read more

Address: The Old Control Tower, Wickenby Airfield, Langworth, Lincolnshire LN3 5AX

Phone: 01673 885000

Email: wickenbymuseum@outlook.com

www.wickenbymuseum.co.uk

The Centre, situated on the former bomber base, is dedicated to the history of RAF Woodhall Spa and the Squadrons which operated from the airfield: 97, 619, 617 (the Dambusters) and 627 squadrons, and civilian life in Lincolnshire during World War II. The base was built in 1940 and the airmen's dining halls, the NAAFI, ablution block and ration Store are within the Centre's boundary. Displays include civilian life in Lincolnshire in the 1940s, the Women's Land Army, the Home Guard, prisoners of war, the Arnhem Story, aircraft models throughout the ages, the history of the Air Training Corps as well as a section on the Cold War, WW1 and the Royal Flying Corps in Lincolnshire. A cinema room shows films on the history of WW1 aircraft and airships.Read more

Address: Woodhall Spa Road, Tattershall Thorpe, Lincolnshire LN4 4PE

Phone: 07396 228 655

Email: secretary@thorpecamp.org

thorpecamp.wixsite.com/visitorscentre

We'll Meet Again Museum highlights life during the war, with an extensive collection of wartime memorabilia, both civilian and military. The museum includes an array of artefacts from both world wars and a virtual reality Lancaster cockpit experience. The museum specialises in dedicated and educational days for schools and private groups with hands-on role play to help bring the WWII subject to life. Read more

Address: Shore Road, Freiston, Boston, Lincolnshire PE22 OLY

Phone: 07903 529614

Email: paulandlindab@hotmail.co.uk

www.wmamuseum.co.uk/

The Wellesbourne Wartime Museum displays a vast array of artefacts from local aircraft digs along with a De Havvilland Vampire T11, Sea Vixen and Provost airframes. The museum is located by the control tower and is usually open on Sundays and Bank holiday Mondays (check website for details).Read more

Address: Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield, Loxley Rd, Wellesbourne, Warwickshire, CV35 9EU

Email: www.wwm22otu@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/22otu/