Shuttleworth Collection
Witness rare vintage aircraft fly and explore a stunning country estate with classic cars and beautiful gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See vintage planes soar!
Shuttleworth Collection
Best Time
See vintage planes soar!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness rare vintage aircraft fly and explore a stunning country estate with classic cars and beautiful gardens.
"The aircraft collection is surely second to none. The best days out in the area."
Check the Flying Schedule
Not all aircraft fly every day. Consult the Shuttleworth website for 'Flying Days' to maximize your visit. :calendar:
Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry, especially for airshows. Consider the 30-day return pass for great value. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vintage Aircraft in Flight
Working Airfield
Witness rare and historic aircraft take to the skies, a truly breathtaking spectacle for aviation enthusiasts.
+4
Edwardian & Classic Cars
Collection Hangars
Explore a stunning array of meticulously maintained vintage cars, from elegant Edwardian models to iconic classics.
Beautiful Estate Gardens
Shuttleworth Estate Gardens
Wander through picturesque landscaped gardens, complete with bridges, water features, and roaming peacocks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Flights
Beyond the Aircraft: Estate Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check the Flying Schedule
Not all aircraft fly every day. Consult the Shuttleworth website for 'Flying Days' to maximize your visit. :calendar:
Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry, especially for airshows. Consider the 30-day return pass for great value. :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the estate and hangars. :athletic_shoe:
Pack a Picnic
Enjoy lunch amidst the beautiful grounds. Cafe options are available but can be pricey. :sandwich:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check the Flying Schedule
Not all aircraft fly every day. Consult the Shuttleworth website for 'Flying Days' to maximize your visit. :calendar:
Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry, especially for airshows. Consider the 30-day return pass for great value. :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the estate and hangars. :athletic_shoe:
Pack a Picnic
Enjoy lunch amidst the beautiful grounds. Cafe options are available but can be pricey. :sandwich:
Explore the Gardens
Don't miss the charming gardens, Swiss cottage, and grotto. Peacocks are a delightful surprise! :peacock:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Shuttleworth Collection for its breathtaking display of vintage aircraft and cars, especially during 'Flying Days'. The beautiful estate gardens also add significant charm. However, some guests have reported less-than-ideal customer service at reception and found cafe prices to be high.
"Just a fabulous museum, we absolutely loved it. HOWEVER THE reception wasn't too great towards my visually impaired Mum in a wheelchair, actually the young lady at the desk on arriving was quite rude and condescending , we decided to forgive her and not let it ruin our special day out - she was probably awaiting A level results and trying to earn a bit of pocket money- that's what I said to Mum afterwards, however, Manners and Empathy cost nothing, it wasn't the greatest welcome for us, actually for me as the daughter/carer it was excruciating and embarrassing, swiping Mums card for £48 for the privilege of being dismissed as nothings. Yes all 3 of us are OAPs.
Cafe was OK but the usual overpriced bought in stale scones not even warmed up , jam extra, cream more extra.
In my opinion as a veteran of visiting museums all over the UK - the exhibits are wonderful, but the rest needs to get its act together, I was glad to leave.
Advice to Shuttleworth?
Be much more welcoming to your paying visitors especially if blind and asking a question. It was embarrassing for me taking my Mum for a special day out.
But the Museum itself is breathtaking- Absolutely go here for a brilliant day out - aviation history, wonderfully researched, fabulous planes. And you might see a plane taking off or landing
Which is what my Mum was asking about in the first place at reception for us.
There were no volunteers here - not like at the MK Museum, where they have numerous experts explaining exibits, but not here- it was almost an ethereal experience being amongst the exhibits in huge hangers, totally alone and isolated. Rather odd.
So you do need to be able to see at this venue. It is not blind friendly. Nor even friendly, and I can see fine."
Kamla Piano
"Fantastic museum with a working airfield, showcasing vintage aircraft, cars and commercial vehicles, all set within the grounds of a country estate. The grounds are shared with an attractive landscaped garden and a manor house, making Shuttleworth a full day out, with something for everyone to enjoy.
All of the vehicles in the collection are maintained in operating condition, and well presented displays cover their respective histories and specifications. The hangars are easily accessible and nicely laid out.
The landscaped garden features picturesque little bridges, water features, a charming thatched "Swiss cottage" and an atmospheric grotto. There's a visitor route around the garden taking in all the points of interest. Keep a look out for the resident peacocks while exploring. Parts of the manor house are open on occasion, with some interesting features to see inside.
Onsite facilities are good, with a café offering refreshments and classic lunch options, a small gift shop, well maintained toilets and plenty of parking.
The combination of museum, working airfield, house and gardens makes Shuttleworth a unique place, and one of the best days out in the area. The aircraft collection is surely second to none. Tickets are £17.50, and permit unlimited return access within 30 days of purchase (except on event days), representing excellent value compared with similar attractions."
Andrew Thomas
"Didn’t stay at the hotel but was their to see the fab RAF air show.
while on site we took a walk around the beautiful garden. Very nicely maintained garden and they even had peacocks roaming freely."
Onkar Dhutti
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Shuttleworth Collection is located in Old Warden, near Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. It's accessible by car via the A1 and local roads. There is ample free parking available on-site. For public transport, the nearest train station is Biggleswade, from which you can take a taxi or pre-booked transport to the Collection.
Yes, Shuttleworth is a feasible day trip from London. It's about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive, depending on traffic. Taking the train to Biggleswade and then a taxi is also an option, though it requires more coordination.
Shuttleworth offers plenty of free parking for visitors. It's conveniently located close to the entrance, making it easy to access the hangars and grounds.
Assistance dogs are welcome at the Shuttleworth Collection. However, due to the presence of live aircraft and animals, other pets are generally not permitted. It's always best to check their official website for the most current policy.
The nearest train station is Biggleswade. From there, you would need to arrange a taxi or other local transport to reach the Shuttleworth Collection, as direct bus routes are limited.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but a standard adult ticket is around £17.50. A key benefit is that your ticket often grants unlimited return access for 30 days, excluding special event days, offering excellent value.
It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for airshow days or popular 'Flying Days'. This ensures entry and can sometimes offer a slight discount.
Opening hours vary seasonally and by day. It's crucial to check the Shuttleworth Collection's official website for the most up-to-date opening times and to confirm if it's a 'Flying Day' or a special event.
Discounts may be available for seniors, students, and children. Family tickets are also often offered. Check the Shuttleworth website for current pricing and any applicable concessions.
Your ticket typically includes access to the hangars with vintage aircraft and vehicles, the estate gardens, and the manor house (when open). 'Flying Days' allow you to see aircraft in action, which is a major draw.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
The collection features a remarkable array of vintage aircraft, including Spitfires and WWI types, as well as classic cars and commercial vehicles. The estate also boasts beautiful gardens and a manor house. +3
Yes, Shuttleworth is famous for its 'Flying Days' where many of its vintage aircraft are flown. It's essential to check their schedule online as not all aircraft fly on every public opening.
Absolutely! Families will enjoy the combination of aircraft, cars, and the expansive gardens. The 'Flying Days' are particularly exciting for children.
Shuttleworth hosts various events throughout the year, including airshows, themed days, and 'Flying Proms'. These events often feature unique displays and entertainment. Check their website for the event calendar.
While the hangars are generally accessible, some areas of the estate and gardens may present challenges for those with mobility issues. One reviewer noted it was not particularly 'blind friendly'. It's advisable to contact Shuttleworth directly for specific accessibility information.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a cafe on-site offering refreshments, classic lunch options, and snacks. Visitors have reported that scones can be a bit stale and extra charges apply for jam and cream.
Yes, bringing a picnic is a popular option at Shuttleworth. The grounds are extensive and offer lovely spots to enjoy your own food, which can be a more budget-friendly choice.
Some visitors have found the cafe offerings to be overpriced, particularly for items like scones. It's worth considering a picnic to manage costs.
📸 📸 Photography
The airfield offers fantastic opportunities for capturing aircraft in flight, especially during 'Flying Days' and airshows. The gardens also provide scenic backdrops for both nature and vehicle photography.
Yes, you can get quite close to the aircraft in the hangars, allowing for detailed shots. During 'Flying Days', you can photograph them as they taxi, take off, and land.
Photography is generally permitted inside the hangars, allowing you to capture the impressive static displays of aircraft and vehicles.
Shuttleworth is ideal for aviation photography, classic car photography, and landscape photography within its beautiful estate grounds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to keep costs down and allow for flexible meal breaks. While the cafe is available, a picnic in the beautiful grounds can be a more relaxed and budget-friendly option. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes, as there's a lot of ground to cover exploring the hangars and gardens.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
+5Pay close attention to the 'Flying Days' schedule and consider attending one of their airshows for the most comprehensive aerial displays. The opportunity to see these warbirds and vintage planes in action is what sets Shuttleworth apart. Don't miss the chance to learn about their history and the engineering marvels they represent.
🚗 Classic Car Lovers
Explore the hangars to admire the craftsmanship and design of these automotive legends. You might even catch some of them in action during special events or 'Flying Days', adding another layer of historical immersion to your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of 'Flying Days'
+5It's crucial to check the Shuttleworth website for their 'Flying Days' schedule before planning your visit. Not every aircraft flies on every public opening, and the specific types of aircraft flying can vary. This ensures you don't miss out on the aerial action you're hoping to see. The combination of the historic aircraft, the working airfield, and the beautiful estate setting makes these flying displays truly special.
Beyond the main flying displays, you might also catch demonstrations of vintage cars or even old buses offering rides around the estate, adding to the immersive historical atmosphere. The dedication of the engineers and volunteers to keep these machines airworthy is evident and adds a layer of appreciation for the history on display.
A Country Estate Experience
The estate also includes parts of a historic manor house that are sometimes open to the public, offering a glimpse into the past. This combination of aviation history, automotive heritage, and natural beauty makes Shuttleworth a destination that can easily fill a full day. Visitors often remark on how much there is to see and do beyond the main hangars, making it a great outing for all ages.
For those looking to make a day of it, packing a picnic is a popular and recommended option. There are many scenic spots to enjoy your lunch amidst the grounds. While there is a cafe, some visitors have found the offerings to be a bit pricey and not always the freshest.
The People Behind the Planes
While one reviewer noted a lack of volunteers actively explaining exhibits compared to other museums, the presence of these experts is invaluable for those who seek deeper knowledge. Their commitment is what allows Shuttleworth to offer such unique 'Flying Days'.
It's worth noting that visitor experiences with staff can vary. While most visitors have positive interactions, one review highlighted a less-than-welcoming reception at the front desk, particularly for a visitor with a disability. It's a reminder that while the collection itself is breathtaking, the overall visitor experience is a combination of the exhibits and the human element.
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