1. It was opened by the Queen
The Royal Air Force is one of Britain's great historical institutions, so who better to declare the RAF Museum open than that other great historical institution: Queen Elizabeth II herself. Her Maj (who, as monarch, was also head of the Armed Forces) cut the proverbial ribbon at the former Hendon Airfield on 15 November 1972, when the museum’s hangars held a mere 36 aircraft. Taxi forward more than half a century: the collection now runs to well over 100 pieces and Liz’s eldest lad – now King Charles III – has taken up the mantle as head of the British Armed Forces.
2. The RAF Museum is located on historic Hendon Airfield
Hendon Airfield is nearly as old as aviation itself. It was in use as early as 1910, just seven years after the Wright Brothers’ historic virgin flight, and hosted a number of military flying displays before becoming an RAF base in the 1920s. It also played a role in the Battle of Britain, when fighter squadrons spent short periods on site, and suffered several V-2 bombing attacks throughout the war. And, although the museum opened in 1972, RAF Hendon itself didn’t officially close until 1987.
3. It’s home to a ‘Dambusters’ Lancaster Bomber
3. It’s home to a ‘Dambusters’ Lancaster Bomber
It’s only fitting that a museum showcasing more than 100 years of RAF history should feature a Lancaster Bomber. The crews of these iconic World War II flying machines became heroes to millions following successful bouncing bomb raids on Germany’s Ruhr Valley in 1943, and their contribution to the war effort was later immortalised in the 1955 movie ‘The Dam Busters’. It’s your chance to get up close to a genuine piece of World War II history.
4. There’s also a rare Battle of Britain Spitfire
It’s also not every day you get an opportunity to share airspace with a genuine Battle of Britain survivor. But that is precisely what the rare Supermarine Spitfire Mk I offers. This fearsome fighter jet played a pivotal role in the defence of Britain as the Luftwaffe launched large-scale aerial attacks, particularly over London, throughout 1940. Britain’s success in repelling the Nazi attacks was due in no small part to aerial superiority on the part of the RAF, and the contribution of this Spitfire – surely one of the most celebrated (and frankly awesome) aircraft in history. Speaking of awesome: other historic sentinels of the skies represented here include the Harrier jump jet and Avro Vulcan bomber.
So whatcha waiting for? A free souvenir Royal Air Force Museum guidebook – plus entry to dozens more top London attractions – is included with The London Pass®.
5. You can see German war planes and weapons here too
5. You can see German war planes and weapons here too
Achtung! The RAF Museum also contains some of Germany’s then-futuristic 1940s technology, in the shape of their much-feared V-2 rockets – the world’s first long-range guided ballistic missile. Despite the destructive intent of these weapons of war, the technology later helped pave the way for modern space exploration. You can also ogle Luftwaffe fighter planes including the fearsome Messerschmitt Bf 109 – Germany’s answer to the Spitfire – plus a rare Heinkel He 162 Salamander (aka the ‘people’s fighter’), a Junkers Ju 88 and a Focke-Wulf FW 190.
6. There’s a 4D theatre and VR experience
Think you’ve got what it takes to be an RAF pilot? Come over all Tom Cruise in ‘Top Gun’ as you take to the skies over the beautiful Lake district, at the (simulated) controls of an RAF Eurofighter Typhoon. Or, if that sounds just a little too high-octane, there’s also a state-of-the-art 4D theatre, in which astonishing sky-high footage combines with moving seats, wind effects and more for a (marginally) less sweaty-palmed experience.
7. Tom Hardy’s clothes have been displayed here
The RAF Museum was consulted to assist with historical accuracy on the 2017 Christopher Nolan movie blockbuster ‘Dunkirk’. And, shortly after its release, the flying gear worn by Tom Hardy in the film was put on temporary display here, alongside the museum’s iconic Mk I Spitfire. Other celebrity affiliations include flying enthusiast (and Iron Maiden frontman) Bruce Dickinson, who visited the museum in 2018 and was so impressed he made some promo videos afterwards!
If you enjoyed our fascinating facts about the Royal Air Force Museum, you might also enjoy checking out the museum itself! Entry is free, but you’ll get a souvenir Royal Air Force Museum guidebook thrown in with The London Pass®. Meanwhile, take a peek at our favourite facts about the London Transport Museum, and check out our guide to the best places to stay close to London attractions.
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