With their Cold War missiles, array of tanks and one of the world’s oldest Spitfires, these imposing warehouses reveal the ideologies and artilleries of war.
Aircraft, engines and missiles fill the tall steel hangars of the Cosford Royal Air Force Museum. The site is known for its Black Hawk flight simulator and Cold War exhibits. Bring the whole family to admire the 70 aircraft spread across three Wartime Hangars.
Watch planes land and take off on the adjacent airfield. Look for one of the oldest of Britain’s most iconic fighter planes, a Supermarine Spitfire 1. Learn about its major role in World War II, defending the country from German air strikes. It stands beside the impressive Lincoln Bomber in the War in the Air collection.
Wander through Hangar 1 to see more than 60 missiles. The National Cold War Exhibition presents Britain’s trump cards in the battle of deterrents. Marvel at the imposing forms of the V Force and Thor missiles. Consider the ideologies of East and West through the historical displays.
Find out about sleepover events organized for groups of kids, allowing them to set up their sleeping bags beneath the wings of majestic aircraft. Children can learn about aviation in the Fun ‘n’ Flight section and watch a short film in the 4-D theater. Check out the restoration projects in the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre.
The museum gift shop displays a range of clothing, books and artistic artifacts. Attend one of the events here on such themes as car rallies and aircraft repair.
Admission to the museum, which opens daily from morning until late afternoon, is free. Note that another branch of the Royal Air Force Museum is based in Colindale in London.
You’ll find the Cosford Royal Air Force Museum in the western limits of Cosford. Walk west from the Cosford railway station for 15 minutes to get here. See neighboring attractions, which include the National Cold War Exhibition, the DCAE Cosford Outdoor Stadium and the Donington and Albrighton Local Nature Reserve.
