
Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome
Explore a remarkably preserved WWI aerodrome, brought to life by passionate volunteers. Discover original buildings, replica aircraft, and experience ...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Experience flight events & living history

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome
Best Time
Experience flight events & living history

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a remarkably preserved WWI aerodrome, brought to life by passionate volunteers. Discover original buildings, replica aircraft, and experience living history.
"Volunteers are so welcoming and the museum is excellent. A brilliant day out!"

🎯 Engage with Volunteers
Volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Their free tours offer invaluable insights into the aerodrome's history.
✈️ Check Event Schedule
Special flight events and living history weekends offer the most dynamic experience. Plan your visit around these!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Restored WWI Buildings
RAF Operations Buildings
Step back in time exploring original buildings that housed WWI pilots and ground crew. A truly authentic glimpse into the past.

Replica Aircraft Hangars
Aircraft Hangars
Marvel at meticulously crafted replica WWI aircraft, offering a tangible connection to the dawn of aerial combat.

The Mess Hall Dining
The Mess
Enjoy a meal in a unique RAF mess hall atmosphere, offering delicious food and a taste of wartime camaraderie.

Flight Events & Air Displays
Aerodrome Airfield
Witness the magic of vintage aircraft taking to the skies during special flight events and air displays.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Living History
Plan for the Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Engage with Volunteers
Volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Their free tours offer invaluable insights into the aerodrome's history.
✈️ Check Event Schedule
Special flight events and living history weekends offer the most dynamic experience. Plan your visit around these!
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the aerodrome and hangars. Wear comfy shoes!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends along! Stow Maries is a dog-friendly site, making it a great outing for the whole family.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Engage with Volunteers
Volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Their free tours offer invaluable insights into the aerodrome's history.
✈️ Check Event Schedule
Special flight events and living history weekends offer the most dynamic experience. Plan your visit around these!
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the aerodrome and hangars. Wear comfy shoes!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends along! Stow Maries is a dog-friendly site, making it a great outing for the whole family.
♿️ Accessible Exploration
The site offers good access for wheelchair users, ensuring everyone can enjoy the historical experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Stow Maries for its authentic WWI atmosphere, brought to life by incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable volunteers. The restored buildings, replica aircraft, and the unique dining experience at The Mess are major highlights. While busy during events, the site is well-managed and offers a deeply engaging historical journey.
"A brilliant day. Volunteers are so welcoming and the museum is excellent. It was a Flight Event, so pretty busy, but catering facilities coped well. The air displays were excellent...on an overcast day, you see more of the planes as you're not squinting in bright sunshine. The in/out for the car park was well managed too.
Great to see the last airworthy Fairey Swordfish, both on the ground and later airborne."
John Witchell
"Attended the Living History Weekend at Stow Maries Aerodrome today and it was brilliant. This was our first visit to Stow Maries, even though we live nearby, but it won't be our last. Our guide, Tim, was very knowledgeable and it was obvious that this place has a special place in his heart. There is so much WW1 history here. It is dog and child friendly and has good access for wheelchair users. Thoroughly good day out."
Donna Flack
"Fantastic site with enthusiastic volunteers that give free tours of the site.
The museum itself is really interesting as are the 2 aircraft hangers that house replica aeroplanes.
You will not go hungry here as there is a very nice mess which provides extensive menu."
A340 fan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Stow Maries is located in Essex, UK. While specific public transport options might be limited, driving is the most common method. The aerodrome has well-managed car parking for visitors.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the aerodrome, and it's managed well, even during busy event days.
Information on direct public transport links can be sparse. It's advisable to check local bus routes or consider a taxi service from the nearest train station if you're not driving.
The aerodrome is spread out, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. Guided tours are highly recommended for an overview.
Follow local signage for Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome. It's a distinct historical site, so navigation should be straightforward once you're in the vicinity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the museum exhibits and hangars typically requires a ticket. However, you can visit the Mess for food and drink without paying an entry fee.
Opening hours can vary, especially on event days. It's best to check the official Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Yes, free guided tours are offered by enthusiastic volunteers and are highly recommended for a comprehensive understanding of the site's history.
Yes, weekdays offer a quieter experience, though special events and flight displays are more common on weekends. Check the schedule for specific weekday openings.
Information on child admission fees can vary. It's recommended to check the official website or contact the aerodrome directly for current pricing details.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
You can explore restored WWI operations buildings, hangars with replica aircraft, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of a preserved aerodrome. Special flight events are a major draw.
During special flight events and air displays, you can see vintage aircraft, including the airworthy Fairey Swordfish, take to the skies.
Absolutely! Stow Maries is child-friendly, offering an engaging and educational experience for younger visitors.
Yes, Stow Maries is a dog-friendly aerodrome, so you can bring your canine companions along for the visit.
The aerodrome is designed with good access for wheelchair users, making it a welcoming destination for all visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Mess offers a fantastic dining experience in an authentic RAF mess hall setting, serving a good menu with options like roast dinners and jacket potatoes.
Visitors often praise the food at The Mess for being delicious and good value for money, making it a recommended spot for lunch.
No, you can visit The Mess for food and drinks without paying the general admission fee for the museum exhibits.
The Mess offers a varied menu, with popular choices including roast dinners and jacket potatoes, catering to different tastes.
While specific menu details can change, The Mess typically offers a range of dishes, and it's always a good idea to inquire about vegetarian options upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the historic buildings, replica aircraft in the hangars, and the unique atmosphere of the Mess. Flight events offer dynamic aerial photography.
Yes, photography is generally permitted throughout the aerodrome for personal use. Be mindful of any specific restrictions in certain areas.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light. Overcast days can provide even lighting for aircraft photography without harsh shadows.
Absolutely! Flight displays are a highlight for photographers. Be prepared for fast-moving subjects and consider a telephoto lens.
Drone usage is typically restricted at active aerodromes and historical sites. It's essential to check Stow Maries' specific drone policy before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of WWI Aviation
The aerodrome's significance lies in its role as one of the few remaining WWI RFC/RAF stations in the UK. It was established in 1915 and played a crucial role in defending Britain from aerial attack. Today, the site is managed by the Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome Trust, a charity dedicated to preserving and interpreting its history. Their work ensures that future generations can learn from and appreciate this important piece of aviation heritage. The commitment of the volunteers is evident in every corner of the aerodrome, making it a truly special place to visit.
Experiencing the Aerodrome Today
For a truly memorable visit, try to time your trip with one of their special events, such as flight days or living history weekends. These events often feature air displays where you can witness vintage aircraft, including the impressive Fairey Swordfish, take to the skies. The atmosphere during these events is electric, combining historical reenactments with the thrill of flight. Even if you don't catch a special event, the on-site Mess provides a unique dining experience. Eating in what was once the officers' mess offers a taste of the past, with good food and a distinctive ambiance.
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