Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum
Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum
Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
About
Royal Air Force College Cranwell (the first Military Air Academy in the world) is probably the most famous landmark in Royal Air Force (RAF) history. Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum portrays the fascinating story of this historic establishment from its early days as a Royal Naval Air Service base to the current day. Discover the history of the RAF Cranwell/RAF College Cranwell through artefacts, story boards, displays and exhibits. Try your hand on our interactive exhibits including a flight simulator where you can attempt to land a Jet Provost on the runway at RAF Cranwell before your fuel runs out! The museum also has a programme of changing exhibitions; the current exhibition 'A Tale of Two Apprentices' tells the story of two of RAF College Cranwell's apprentices, Sir Frank Whittle and Herbert Tomlin. During school holidays (including Bank Holidays) the museum offers family-friendly craft activities on their 'Make-It Monday' sessions. Free entry, donations are welcomed.
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See what travellers are saying
- RichardLlandybie, United Kingdom430 contributionsBrilliant Informative Museum.This is a lovely, informative museum. A lot to see & all well laid out, with hands on items for all ages. The guides are very friendly and informative as is the charming young council lady. Small cafe area and shop, with toilet facilities.What a great review, we’re so pleased to hear you enjoyed your visit to Cranwell Museum and found the guides friendly and informative. We hope to see you again soon!Written August 3, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten June 26, 2023
- Brian28 contributionsAugust Lincolnshire Aviation HistoryWe stopped on the way to Newark Air Museum, during a Lincolnshire aviation weekend trip, from East Kirkby & Coningsby. A lovely little, very personal, museum about the history of RAF Cranwell. Made to feel very welcome by the very personable and knowledgeable volunteer team. Very informative historic museum, with a very interesting apprenticeship section contrasting a very well known name with another apprentice. Drop in if you're passing, we'll worth the visitThank you very much for taking the time to leave a review - we're happy to hear you found the team personable and knowledgeable, and glad you found the museum informative. We hope to see you again soon!Written August 16, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten August 7, 2023
- jon bBurnley, United Kingdom9 contributionsInteresting visitExcellent staff, willing to engage and spend time explaining. Good displays and exhibits fully explaining the life of of aviators from early balloon defences to modern jets. All this set on the doorstep of Cranwell RAF College.Thank you for your wonderful review Jon - we're pleased to hear you found the museum interesting and the staff willing to engage and explain. We hope to see you again soon!Written August 16, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2023Written August 15, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
94 reviews
Excellent
61
Very good
27
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Susan S
4 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Fabulous little museum full of history and information.very lovely lady who was so knowledgeable.
Small gift shop close to RAF Cranwell college and airfield.
Small gift shop close to RAF Cranwell college and airfield.
Written February 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your great review, we’re so glad you found the museum interesting and the guide knowledgeable!
We hope to see you again soon.
Written March 9, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
acabery
Sleaford, UK2 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
We decided to do a quick visit at 2.30pm with our grandsons as a last minute decision knowing the museum closed at 3pm. On arriving at the museum we met the lady running the venue, who was very negative. She stated the cafe, shop and all interactive displays were closed and the access to the aircraft outside was locked. I did apologise for our late attendance but felt half an hour would be more than enough time for the children and it did not state on the website, that things are closed down from 2.30pm. The boys enjoyed the exhibits and we finished our look round in about 10 minutes.
We will visit again at a more earlier time but hope for a more friendly reception from any staff member!
We will visit again at a more earlier time but hope for a more friendly reception from any staff member!
Written February 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about your recent visit to Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum.
We regret that you were met with a negative reception upon arrival and that some of the facilities were closed during your visit. Our aim is to provide an enjoyable and informative experience for all our visitors, regardless of the time of day. We understand your disappointment, especially since it was a last-minute decision to visit.
We appreciate your understanding regarding the time constraints and your efforts to make the most of your visit despite the limited access to certain areas. It's great to hear that your grandsons still enjoyed the exhibits despite the unexpected limitations. We've taken your feedback into consideration and have hopefully improved communication regarding our closing times on our website. Additionally, we will address the issue with our staff to ensure that all visitors receive a warm and friendly reception, regardless of the circumstances.
We hope that you will give us another opportunity to provide you and your grandsons with a more enjoyable experience during your next visit. Please feel free to reach out to us directly if you have any further concerns or if there is anything else we can assist you with.
Thank you once again for your feedback, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum in the future.
Written March 11, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jon b
Burnley, UK9 contributions
Aug 2023
Excellent staff, willing to engage and spend time explaining.
Good displays and exhibits fully explaining the life of of aviators from early balloon defences to modern jets.
All this set on the doorstep of Cranwell RAF College.
Good displays and exhibits fully explaining the life of of aviators from early balloon defences to modern jets.
All this set on the doorstep of Cranwell RAF College.
Written August 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your wonderful review Jon - we're pleased to hear you found the museum interesting and the staff willing to engage and explain.
We hope to see you again soon!
Written August 17, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brian
28 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We stopped on the way to Newark Air Museum, during a Lincolnshire aviation weekend trip, from East Kirkby & Coningsby.
A lovely little, very personal, museum about the history of RAF Cranwell. Made to feel very welcome by the very personable and knowledgeable volunteer team. Very informative historic museum, with a very interesting apprenticeship section contrasting a very well known name with another apprentice. Drop in if you're passing, we'll worth the visit
A lovely little, very personal, museum about the history of RAF Cranwell. Made to feel very welcome by the very personable and knowledgeable volunteer team. Very informative historic museum, with a very interesting apprenticeship section contrasting a very well known name with another apprentice. Drop in if you're passing, we'll worth the visit
Written August 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review - we're happy to hear you found the team personable and knowledgeable, and glad you found the museum informative.
We hope to see you again soon!
Written August 17, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Richard
Llandybie, UK430 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
This is a lovely, informative museum. A lot to see & all well laid out, with hands on items for all ages. The guides are very friendly and informative as is the charming young council lady. Small cafe area and shop, with toilet facilities.
Written June 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a great review, we’re so pleased to hear you enjoyed your visit to Cranwell Museum and found the guides friendly and informative.
We hope to see you again soon!
Written August 3, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amy Griffin
2 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Wow, what a place!! We are local and we're just looking for somewhere to spend a couple of hours before the kids go back to school. We arrived and were immediately greeted and made to feel welcome. We were taken around the museum and everything was explained to us. Lots of interactive things to do for the little ones and a wealth of history were there for all to see. We especially liked the animal display of those that had helped in the wars and the progression of aviation history. Had a lovely little gift shop and a little coffee corner at great value. We then went back in and spent time in the courtyard looking at the plane and finishing off our drinks. Already looking g forward to coming back to see what is on offer at Christmas. Thank you so much for answering our questions and sharing your knowledge with us
Written October 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review, we’re so pleased to hear you had a great time at the museum and hope you manage to visit again soon!
Written December 11, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DocEvil
Wareham, UK11 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
Fascinating museum full of exhibits and interactive experiences to educate and inform in a fun way. The museum is compact and would keep a family busy for a good hour. Unexpected bonus of a full size Jet Provost to marvel at.
Written October 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review, we’re really pleased to hear you enjoyed your visit to the museum and hope you can come again soon.
Written October 26, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Roger Micklethwaite
1 contribution
Sept 2022
A great flying visit to an interesting museum, cheerfully greeted by “Debbie “ who informed us what the museum was about.
There are interactive displays for the younger visitors, but for us it told us about the rich aviation history of RAF Cranwell over the years.
Well worth a visit.
There are interactive displays for the younger visitors, but for us it told us about the rich aviation history of RAF Cranwell over the years.
Well worth a visit.
Written September 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your great review - we're so pleased you enjoyed your visit to the museum and the information on the history of RAF Cranwell.
We hope to see you again soon!
Written October 10, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Zoe C
London, UK50 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
I visited this museum with my history mad husband and our baby daughter and we had a wonderful experience. The museum was empty when we arrived so we spent a lot of time chatting to the lovely staff who are very knowledgeable, as well as being kind and helpful, especially the gentleman who my husband enjoyed talking to about planes. It's a small museum but really interesting and a must for anyone interested in aviation history. There are a few interactive exhibits too which children would enjoy including a flight simulator. At the moment there is a temporary exhibitions on animals in war which was fascinating. Thank you!
Written June 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your lovely review - we’re so pleased you enjoyed your visit to the museum.
We’ll make sure to pass your comments on to the staff and volunteers on duty and hope to see you again soon!
Written June 26, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kevin L
Sleaford, UK48 contributions
Feb 2022 • Solo
I visited on Friday specifically to see the Rebuilding Heroes Exhibition & it’s a fascinating insight into the early days of burns treatment but it is also apparent Mcindoe recognised the mental trauma & looked to find ways to treat that too an insight into a man and his staff of whose efforts should be far more well known.
Although a small museum it is well set out and very informative well worth a visit and you can get coffee and a cake too .
Although a small museum it is well set out and very informative well worth a visit and you can get coffee and a cake too .
Written February 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind review, we’re really pleased you enjoyed the Rebuilding Heroes exhibition. We have some of our previous exhibitions on our website which you may find of interest: https://www.heartoflincs.com/exhibition-collection
We hope you’ll visit us again soon!
Written February 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kirsten169
14 contributions
Can you bring a dog?
Heart of Lincs
Sleaford, UK10 contributions
Dear Kirsten
Apologies it has taken a little while to get back to you. Unfortunately we only allow guide dogs into the centre due to the sensitive nature of some of the artefacts. If you have any further enquiries please don't hesitate to get in touch.
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Claim your listingCranwell Aviation Heritage Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum
- Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum is open:
- Fri - Mon 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Hotels near Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum:
- (3.64 km) Travelodge Sleaford
- (4.69 km) Riverside Guest House
- (9.96 km) The Brownlow Arms
- (15.70 km) Angel and Royal Hotel
- (3.62 km) Byards Leap Lodge
- Restaurants near Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum:
- (0.48 km) La Royale Tandoori Restaurant
- (1.90 km) The Bustard Inn & Restaurant
- (4.69 km) The Plough inn wilsford
- (5.01 km) The Barge and Bottle
- (8.36 km) Red Lion
- Attractions near Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum:
- (14.85 km) The Alpaca Centre at JandJ Alpacas
- (5.38 km) Cogglesford Watermill
- (12.89 km) Heckington Windmill
- (15.49 km) St. Wulfram's Church
- (12.24 km) Belton House