Royal Air Force Museum London

Located on the historic site of Hendon’s London Aerodrome in Colindale, the Royal Air Force Museum London showcases over 100 aircraft, from early designs to current jets. Visitors can engage with interactive exhibits, including the Aeronauts Interactive Centre, and experience the ‘Our Finest Hour’ multimedia display that recreates the Battle of Britain atmosphere. The museum offers free admission and is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Planning your visit

The RAF Museum at Hendon occupies the site of the London Aerodrome, one of the earliest British airfields, and it displays over 100 aircraft across hangars covering the entire history of military aviation — from First World War biplanes through the Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster to the Typhoon and modern jets. Admission is free.

The Battle of Britain material is the core, including the multimedia Our Finest Hour display, but the Bomber Command hangar carries the greater historical weight. The bomber offensive killed some 55,000 RAF aircrew — a casualty rate comparable to First World War infantry officers — and remains morally contested for what it did to German cities. The museum addresses that rather than avoiding it, and the Lancaster in the hall is the physical centre of the argument.

Interactive elements including the Aeronauts centre and simulators make it work for families as well as enthusiasts.

Hendon is in north London on the Northern line, further out than most visitors venture, which keeps it comparatively quiet.

Bookable options include Bomber Command focused guided tours, and transport formats reaching the museum by car from central London. The site is large; a full visit takes most of a day. Current availability is shown below.