Royal Air Force Museum London
Explore over 100 years of aviation history with iconic aircraft and engaging stories at this free London museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Royal Air Force Museum London
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore over 100 years of aviation history with iconic aircraft and engaging stories at this free London museum.
"A fantastic free museum with an incredible collection of aircraft and engaging stories!"
🎯 Free Entry Gem!
Admission is free! Donations are welcome to support the museum's preservation efforts.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking across six large hangars, so wear comfy shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spitfire & Hurricane
Hangar 2
Stand beneath the iconic wings of a Spitfire and Hurricane, symbols of Britain's aerial defense.
World War I Aircraft
Hangar 1
Witness early aviation marvels, including biplanes and triplanes that defined the dawn of flight.
Cold War Jets
Hangar 5
Explore powerful jet aircraft that shaped aerial warfare during the Cold War era.
Helicopter & Simulator Experiences
Various locations
Get hands-on with interactive displays and consider a thrilling flight simulator experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Big Impact
Plan for a Full Day
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry Gem!
Admission is free! Donations are welcome to support the museum's preservation efforts. 
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking across six large hangars, so wear comfy shoes!
✈️ Simulator Fun
The Typhoon simulator is a hit with kids and adults alike, though it has a fee.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Playground
There's a great outdoor playground for children, perfect for a break.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry Gem!
Admission is free! Donations are welcome to support the museum's preservation efforts.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking across six large hangars, so wear comfy shoes!
✈️ Simulator Fun
The Typhoon simulator is a hit with kids and adults alike, though it has a fee.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Playground
There's a great outdoor playground for children, perfect for a break.
☕ Cafe with a View
The on-site cafe offers good food and reasonable prices for London.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Royal Air Force Museum London, highlighting its free entry, extensive collection of well-preserved aircraft, and engaging historical displays. Many appreciate the opportunity to get up close to iconic planes and learn about the people behind aviation history. While some interactive exhibits occasionally have issues, the overall experience is consistently described as fantastic and highly recommended for all ages.
"What a great place! And free to visit! Generous displays with cosy feel, great atmosphere, very friendly staff and assortment of planes and other vehicles. I appreciate so much how everything was well designed with the flow of walking around, feels like you didn't miss out and walking back and forth. I really enjoyed seeing more information about people behind, their names and stories, not just machinery. Lots of things to listen and interact with, but unfortunately, so many not working! I guess donations are needed.
Shame that 4D theatre was not available, too, but we still took opportunity with Typhoon simulator and our 5 year old enjoyed it very much. Twice 😄
Great outdoor playground for kids, restaurant has an exciting food selection (finally some salads!) and reasonably priced for London. All areas are easily accessible with plenty of toilet facilities around. Museum shop has great selection of items/products. Spent a fortune there! Plenty of parking available."
Dorota Trapl
"Fantastic museum! Very well laid out across several buildings, all easily accessible. The planes and other displays are presented perfectly, with the chance to walk between the aircraft, so you definitely get a feel for the scale of them. It is great to follow through from 1st world war era planes right through to more modern day items. The information relating to the items on display is really interesting and well presented, which all adds to the experience. Treat yourself to a visit to this museum....you won't regret it (and the on-site cafe is great as well.....perfect chips and friendly helpful staff 👍)."
Paul Lowe
"Amazingly cared for, staff was unbelivably kind and informed, food court tasty and widely ranged, and the visit was incredible as a whole.
We paid for the cheapest Spitfire experience and the lovely man who told us everything there was to know about the plane honestly made us wish we had paid for the 40 min experience instead of the short one. We were really happy with this opportunity.
The toilets are spotless, which is something difficult to say in any place in London, the hangars were interesting and well-divided. Overall, such a great experience if we are ever in London again we will repeat without a doubt."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Colindale, North London. You can reach it via the Northern Line to Colindale station, followed by a short walk or bus ride. Several bus routes also serve the museum directly.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the museum, which is convenient if you're driving.
The nearest train station is Colindale, served by Thameslink. From there, it's a short journey to the museum.
The address is Grahame Park Way, Colindale, London NW9 5LL.
Absolutely! It's well-connected by the London Underground (Northern Line to Colindale) and various bus routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, general admission to the Royal Air Force Museum London is free! Donations are highly encouraged to help maintain the collections. +2
No, you do not need to book tickets for general entry as it is free. However, for special experiences like the flight simulators, booking in advance might be advisable.
The museum is typically open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, but it's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
The museum often hosts special exhibitions and events. Check their website for current listings and details on any associated costs.
While general entry is free, some paid experiences might offer discounts. It's best to check their website or inquire at the information desk.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
You can explore six hangars filled with over 100 aircraft, from WWI planes to modern jets, including iconic Spitfires and Lancasters. There are also interactive displays and stories of the people behind the machines. +2
Yes, the museum offers various interactive exhibits, including flight simulators and displays that allow you to learn about aviation history in a hands-on way. Some interactive elements may occasionally be out of order.
Absolutely! Kids will love the aircraft displays, the outdoor playground, and the interactive exhibits. The Typhoon simulator is a particular highlight. +1
To fully experience all six hangars and exhibits, it's recommended to allocate at least 3-4 hours, or even a full day.
Yes, photography is generally permitted for personal use. Be sure to check for any specific restrictions in certain areas or exhibits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site offering a range of food options, including salads and reasonably priced meals.
While there's a cafe, bringing your own food for a picnic is often permissible in designated areas, especially if you're visiting with family.
The cafe offers a variety of choices, from light snacks to more substantial meals, and is noted for having good chips and friendly staff.
📸 📸 Photography
The hangars themselves, with planes suspended from the ceiling or lined up, offer dramatic photo opportunities. The outdoor areas and specific aircraft exteriors are also great.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited inside any museum space to ensure the safety of visitors and the exhibits.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect artifacts. Always look for signage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The museum offers interactive exhibits designed to engage younger visitors, and the outdoor playground is a huge hit for letting off steam. Consider budgeting for the flight simulator experience, which is a thrilling activity for older children and adults. The museum's layout is generally easy to navigate with strollers, and the on-site cafe provides a convenient spot for meals and snacks.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
+2 The opportunity to get up close to iconic planes like the Spitfire and Lancaster bomber is a dream come true for many. Beyond the aircraft themselves, the museum delves into the technical aspects and the human stories behind them. The historical significance of the Hendon site adds another layer of interest. Don't miss the chance to explore the different hangars, each dedicated to a specific era or type of aircraft, offering a comprehensive journey through aviation's past.
💰 Budget Travelers
+2 This allows you to immerse yourself in aviation history without spending a penny on entry. While some special experiences like flight simulators have a cost, the vast majority of the museum's incredible collection is accessible to everyone. Pack a picnic to save on food costs, or enjoy the reasonably priced cafe. With ample free parking, it's also an economical option if you're traveling by car. It's a full day of entertainment and education that won't break the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Century of Aviation History
+2Beyond the impressive collection of aircraft, the museum excels at telling the human stories behind the machines. Information panels detail the lives and achievements of pilots, engineers, and ground crew, providing a poignant connection to the past. Interactive displays and multimedia presentations further enhance the learning experience, making history come alive for visitors of all ages. The sheer scale of the aircraft, some suspended from the ceiling, is breathtaking and offers a unique perspective on their engineering and impact.
One of the most compelling aspects of the museum is its location on the historic Hendon Aerodrome, a site that played a crucial role during the Battle of Britain. This connection to the past adds a layer of authenticity and significance to the visit. While general admission is free, the museum also offers paid experiences, such as flight simulators, which provide an immersive taste of piloting these incredible machines.
Navigating the Museum: Tips from Visitors
While the museum is largely free, some visitors point out that certain interactive elements, like simulators or specific touchscreens, may occasionally be out of order or require an additional fee.
For families, the outdoor playground is a significant draw, offering a space for children to burn off energy. The on-site cafe is also noted for its reasonable prices and decent food selection, making it a convenient option for a full day out.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit