Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre
Step back into WWII at RAF Metheringham, a volunteer-run centre preserving Bomber Command history with a focus on 106 Squadron and iconic aircraft.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Open days for visitors
Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre
Best Time
Open days for visitors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back into WWII at RAF Metheringham, a volunteer-run centre preserving Bomber Command history with a focus on 106 Squadron and iconic aircraft.
"A fantastic and memorable visit – highly recommended for its passionate volunteers and immersive wartime atmosphere."
Check Opening Days First
The center is seasonal and not open daily. Always check their website before visiting! :calendar:
Chat with Volunteers
The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Ask them anything! :speech_balloon:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dakota DC3 Cockpit Experience
Hangar
Sit in the cockpit of a refurbished Dakota, explore its workings, and hear its wartime stories. A truly hands-on historical encounter.
Zena Scoley Room Diorama
Visitor Centre Entrance
Get an immersive overview of RAF Metheringham's wartime layout and history through detailed exhibits and a compelling diorama.
Memorial Garden
Visitor Centre Grounds
A peaceful space with plants, plaques, and memories honoring those who served at RAF Metheringham and on 106 Squadron.
Wartime Doors Display
Visitor Centre
See authentic wartime doors from RAF Metheringham, offering a tangible connection to the past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Volunteer-Led Passion
WW2 Aviation Immersion
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Opening Days First
The center is seasonal and not open daily. Always check their website before visiting! :calendar:
Chat with Volunteers
The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Ask them anything! :speech_balloon:
Sit in the Dakota Cockpit
Don't miss the chance to sit in the Dakota's cockpit – it's a highlight for many visitors! :airplane:
Enjoy Cafe Treats
The cafe offers reasonably priced tea, coffee, and delicious cakes/sausage rolls. :coffee:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Opening Days First
The center is seasonal and not open daily. Always check their website before visiting! :calendar:
Chat with Volunteers
The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Ask them anything! :speech_balloon:
Sit in the Dakota Cockpit
Don't miss the chance to sit in the Dakota's cockpit – it's a highlight for many visitors! :airplane:
Enjoy Cafe Treats
The cafe offers reasonably priced tea, coffee, and delicious cakes/sausage rolls. :coffee:
Dog-Friendly Welcome
Bring your furry friends along; the center is very dog-friendly. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre for its passionate, knowledgeable volunteers who bring the history of RAF Metheringham and 106 Squadron to life. The hands-on experience with the Dakota DC3 and the thoughtfully displayed exhibits are major highlights, creating a moving and memorable visit. The cafe and dog-friendly policy add to the positive experience.
"I visited Metheringham Airfield Visitors Centre on a Wednesday and was warmly greeted by one of the volunteers. Right from the start I was given a clear and engaging introduction to the centre and its layout. The exhibits are thoughtfully displayed and were brought to life by knowledgeable members of the team. It was a sobering and humbling experience reading some of the personal stories and details that accompany the displays.
The highlight for me was the stunning Dakota – I was even encouraged to sit in the cockpit, take the controls, and have the workings of the aircraft explained to me in detail. The visit was rounded off perfectly with tea and cake from the reasonably priced café.
This centre is an absolute credit to the dedicated staff and volunteers who have clearly put in an extraordinary amount of time and passion. They’ve captured the essence and ambience of the 1940s, creating a bubble of nostalgia that pays a fitting tribute to those who served at the airfield in the final years of the war. A fantastic and memorable visit – highly recommended."
Bruce Dunn
"It was a very evocative visit; so many people lost who were only 21! I mean, blimey, my son is about that age, and he would be overwhelmed, as would most people that age now, and probably then, too.
I enjoyed the look around the Dakota the most, as it was completely new to me. The volunteers who run the whole place are fantastic: knowledgeable and patient.
Lovely up of tea in the cafe, too."
andrew barlow
"Stayed nearby a couple of times the last few years and had not known about this place. Found it on maps, looked it up and paid a visit. Great volunteers with lots of info about Metheringham Airfield in WW2. Displays excellent. Tea great and sausage rolls, and the Dakota was brilliant. Been in one before, but not allowed to sit in the cockpit. Excellent information about this particular plane's part in the war. An enjoyable time. Well worth a visit."
Adrian Spink Gospel Muscian
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The visitor centre is located at Metheringham Airfield in Lincolnshire. While specific public transport details are scarce, many visitors arrive by car. There is plenty of parking available on-site. For those participating in local walking festivals, guided walks to the centre are sometimes offered.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The visitor centre operates seasonally and is not open year-round. It is typically open on Wednesdays and weekends. It's crucial to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening days and times before planning your visit, as hours can vary. +1
Advance booking is generally not required for individual visits. However, it's always a good idea to check their website for any specific event ticketing or group visit information.
Admission fees are generally reasonable, with specific prices often payable at the visitor centre. Some walking festival events may have a separate fee.
No, the visitor centre is not open all year. It operates seasonally, typically closing for the winter months and reopening in the spring. Always verify their current operating season on their website. 
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits on Bomber Command, 106 Squadron, and the history of RAF Metheringham. Highlights include sitting in a Dakota DC3 cockpit, viewing a diorama in the Zena Scoley room, and visiting the Memorial Garden. +1
A major draw is the refurbished Dakota DC3 aircraft, where visitors can sit in the cockpit and learn about its history. They also display wartime doors from the airfield and have a large Lancaster bomber model. +1
Absolutely! It's a must-visit for anyone interested in World War II aviation, Bomber Command history, and the specific stories of RAF Metheringham and 106 Squadron. The volunteers provide in-depth information. +1
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, allowing you to capture the exhibits and the atmosphere. However, always be mindful of any specific signage or requests from staff.
Yes, the centre sometimes hosts 1940s events and experiences, featuring live music and living history reenactments, creating an immersive wartime atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a small cafe on-site that serves tea, coffee, and delicious cakes and sausage rolls. It's a great spot to relax after exploring the exhibits. +1
While the on-site cafe is convenient, there are likely other dining options in the nearby town of Metheringham if you're looking for a wider selection.
📸 📸 Photography
Key photo spots include the Dakota DC3 aircraft, the Memorial Garden, the wartime doors, and the diorama in the Zena Scoley room. The overall airfield setting also offers a historical backdrop.
Drone usage regulations can be complex and may require specific permissions. It's best to check with the visitor centre management directly before flying a drone over the airfield.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the historical content is serious, the interactive elements and the passionate volunteers make it accessible. The dog-friendly policy is a bonus for families with pets. Remember to check opening days as it's not a daily attraction. The on-site cafe is perfect for a family snack break.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
Explore the wartime doors and learn about the airfield's operational history. The knowledgeable volunteers are a key resource, eager to share detailed information about aircraft mechanics, squadron operations, and the lives of aircrews.
❤️ History Buffs & WWII Aficionados
Understand the strategic importance of RAF Metheringham and the role of Bomber Command. The 1940s events and living history displays can offer an even more immersive glimpse into the era.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of RAF Metheringham and 106 Squadron
The Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of this significant site and the brave aircrews who served there. Through meticulously curated exhibits, personal stories, and artifacts, the centre offers a poignant glimpse into the realities of wartime aviation. Visitors often describe the experience as 'sobering and humbling,' reflecting the immense sacrifices made.
The Zena Scoley Room provides an excellent introduction, featuring a diorama of the airfield and detailed wartime history. The Memorial Garden offers a tranquil space for reflection, honoring the lives lost. These elements combine to create an immersive and educational experience that resonates deeply with visitors.
+1Exploring the Dakota DC3
This hands-on experience is frequently cited as a highlight by visitors, offering a tangible sense of what it was like to operate such an aircraft during wartime. The volunteers' passion and expertise bring the Dakota's story to life, making it a memorable part of the visit. It’s a chance to not only see a piece of history but to feel a part of it.
The Dakota's presence at the centre underscores the broader narrative of RAF Metheringham, showcasing the diverse range of aircraft that supported the war effort. It complements the focus on heavy bombers like the Lancaster, providing a more complete picture of airfield operations.
The Role of Volunteers and Community
Volunteers act as guides, historians, and caretakers, ensuring that the stories of the airfield and its personnel are told accurately and movingly. They are often praised for their knowledge, patience, and enthusiasm, which significantly enhance the visitor experience. Many reviewers highlight how the volunteers 'brought the exhibits to life' and made the visit 'personal and engaging.'
This volunteer-led model creates a unique atmosphere, fostering a sense of shared history and collective memory. It's this dedication that allows the centre to capture the 'essence and ambience of the 1940s,' creating a truly special and memorable tribute.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit