RAF Museum Cosford
Explore decades of aviation history with iconic aircraft, from WW2 bombers to Cold War jets, in this free-entry museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
RAF Museum Cosford
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore decades of aviation history with iconic aircraft, from WW2 bombers to Cold War jets, in this free-entry museum.
"A superb museum with a great variety of aircraft and informative displays, perfect for a family day out."
🎯 Book Free Tickets Online
Secure your free entry tickets in advance online to guarantee your visit.
🅿️ Parking Discounts
Pay for parking online in advance for a potential discount.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
WW2 Wellington Bomber
Hangar 1
Witness the iconic Vickers Wellington, a crucial WW2 bomber, meticulously restored and back on display.
Cold War Hangar
Cold War Hangar
Explore the impressive Cold War Hangar, home to the powerful V Bombers and a testament to a pivotal era.
Nimrod and Maritime Patrol Aircraft
Outdoor Exhibits
See impressive aircraft like the Nimrod and PBY, showcasing the RAF's maritime patrol capabilities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Parking Fee
Plan Your Visit Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Free Tickets Online
Secure your free entry tickets in advance online to guarantee your visit.
🅿️ Parking Discounts
Pay for parking online in advance for a potential discount.
✈️ Check Aircraft Access
Some aircraft may have limited access or be closed for refurbishment.
🥪 Picnic Friendly
Bring your own food and drinks; there's a picnic area available.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Free Tickets Online
Secure your free entry tickets in advance online to guarantee your visit.
🅿️ Parking Discounts
Pay for parking online in advance for a potential discount.
✈️ Check Aircraft Access
Some aircraft may have limited access or be closed for refurbishment.
🥪 Picnic Friendly
Bring your own food and drinks; there's a picnic area available.
🛩️ Paid Activities Available
Consider booking paid activities like the 4D cinema or simulator for extra fun.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise RAF Museum Cosford for its impressive collection of aircraft and free entry, making it a great family day out. While the museum offers a wealth of history, some areas like outdoor display signage and the cafe experience could be improved. Despite minor drawbacks, it's considered a worthwhile visit for aviation enthusiasts and families alike.
"Great artefacts with areas for improvement.
Visited on Wednesday, 03rd September 2025. Booked our free entry tickets in advance and paid for parking in advance, as there is a discount. There is a suggestion you make a voluntary contribution, but having had snacks and a sandwich and parking for circa £50+ you may want to hold fire as they get you one way or another. Easy to find, but watch you don't accidentally pull into the operational base, which is in advance of the museum entrance. There appears to be a dedicated train station a stone's throw from the entrance, and plenty of parking. As I say, parking is chargeable, which is unusual for a site where the parking has no alternative purpose. There is an entry building and 3 airframes to visit around the car park. The description boards for these airframes are completely faded and cracked, which is a shame. Once inside the entrance building, there is a café with a convoluted mobile ordering system and a very limited range of hot food options, but what there is inc chilled is way overpriced. There is a decent little shop opposite as well as toilets. Once through this building (you walk through to the rear, which is un-signposted and feels a little strange) or leave from the entrance and walk around the building. Behind the building, you come across a Nimrod, which wasn't open on my visit, as well as a PBY and Neptune. Again, faded signage felt strange compared to the money spent on the entrance building. You then enter a RAF 100 building, a Second World War display and then the massive but poorly designed Cold War Hangar. The first 2 hangars are brilliant and display stunning examples of airframes and artefacts brilliantly, but the Cold War Hangar is awful. The 3 V Bombers are located in it, but due to the lack of an elevated walkway, you have access to both the equivalent Fleet Air Arm Museum and Duxford; you can't really see the airframes at their best, as everything is crammed in, due in part to the frankly stupid style over substance shape of the building. Not aided by the last third of the building being closed off for no valid reason, it appeared. Still a wonderful museum, but with scope for improvement."
Jeffrey Soley
"This is a superb museum and has such a great variety of aircraft on display. The information boards were very informative and takes you through the history of the aircraft on display. The cafe was clean and service was good even though it was busy. Enterance to the museum is free, just the parking to pay for. Thanks for a great visit, will be definitely returning again 👍"
Matthew Craven
"A brilliant day out.
Plenty of incredible planes, tanks and a few cars too. Full of history and stories, cold war and RAF pilots from across the years.
Hangar 1 is currently closed for refurbishment but there's so lots of see and do.
Highly recommend for all ages and understand the history. Great play area for kids too."
Modelangel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
RAF Museum Cosford is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available (fee applies). It also has a dedicated train station nearby, making it convenient for public transport users.
Yes, there is parking available at the museum. It is chargeable, and booking online in advance may offer a discount.
Yes, there is a train station located very close to the museum entrance, making it a convenient option for train travelers.
The address is RAF Museum Midlands, Lysander Avenue, Cosford, TF11 8UP.
Absolutely! The museum is designed to be engaging for all ages, with exhibits that appeal to aviation enthusiasts and families alike.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, general admission to the RAF Museum Cosford is free. However, there is a charge for parking.
While entry is free, it's highly recommended to book your free tickets online in advance to secure your visit.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official RAF Museum Cosford website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
While entry is free, parking is chargeable. There are also optional paid activities like a 4D cinema and simulators.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to make a voluntary contribution to support the museum's operations and preservation efforts.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of aircraft, including the iconic Vickers Wellington bomber, V Bombers, Nimrod, PBY, and Neptune, spanning different eras of RAF history.
Yes, the museum offers interactive elements and paid activities such as a 4D cinema and a paragliding simulator for an enhanced experience.
Yes, there is a great play area for kids, making it a fantastic family-friendly destination.
Some older display boards have been noted as faded and cracked, though the main hangars are well-presented.
While some aircraft are displayed in hangars, access to walk around them might be limited due to space constraints, especially in the Cold War Hangar.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site. It offers a limited range of hot food and chilled items, though some visitors find it a bit overpriced.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and enjoy it in the designated picnic area.
The cafe offers a selection of food, including snacks and sandwiches. Mobile ordering is used, which some find convoluted.
While specific options aren't detailed, the cafe generally offers a range of food items. It's advisable to check on the day of your visit.
Some visitors have noted that the food and drinks at the cafe can be a bit overpriced.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use, allowing you to capture the impressive aircraft and exhibits.
The hangars offer great opportunities to photograph the aircraft from various angles. The outdoor exhibits also provide unique shots.
Yes, you can photograph the aircraft undergoing restoration, like the WW2 Wellington bomber, to see the meticulous work involved.
While generally permitted, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography.
A camera with good low-light capabilities is beneficial for indoor shots in the hangars. A zoom lens can help capture details of the aircraft.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Hangars: A Journey Through Aviation History
The Cold War Hangar is a massive space that houses the impressive V Bombers, representing a significant era in military aviation. However, some visitors note that the design of this hangar, coupled with limited elevated walkways, can make it challenging to view the aircraft at their best, with everything feeling a bit crammed.
Beyond the main hangars, outdoor exhibits feature aircraft like the Nimrod and PBY, showcasing the RAF's capabilities in maritime patrol and other roles. While the information boards for these outdoor exhibits have been noted as faded, the sheer scale and historical significance of the aircraft on display remain a major draw for visitors.
Family Fun and Educational Experiences
One of the key attractions for families is the great play area for kids, ensuring younger visitors have plenty of fun.
The museum's focus on aviation history, from World War II to the Cold War, provides a rich learning opportunity. Informative displays and the sheer scale of the aircraft can help children understand the evolution of flight and the role of the RAF.
Navigating the Museum: Tips for a Smooth Visit
When it comes to exploring the museum, be aware that some aircraft, particularly outdoor exhibits, may have faded signage.
For those interested in specific aircraft or exhibits, it's worth noting that some areas or aircraft might be closed for refurbishment or have limited access.
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