Royal Air Force Museum London

The Basics

The RAF Museum London comprises several main areas: historic hangars, one of which houses the First World War in the Air exhibit (in the Grahame White Aircraft Factory); Bomber Command Hall; and new galleries celebrating the RAF’s centenary. Many visitors come for the aircraft and Eurofighter Typhoon flight simulators, the flying experiences in the 4D theater, and the very popular Spitfire Mk XVI cockpit tour.

Some hop-on hop-off bus tickets and other tours include entrance to the museum.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The RAF Museum London is a must for lovers of WWI, aviation, and military history.

• Admission to the museum is free, though some experiences require a fee.

• There is an on-site café, and an outdoor picnic space and playground.

• Baby-changing facilities are available.

• The museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users. It also offers a downloadable autism-friendly trail.

How to Get There

The museum is about 30 minutes from central London by Tube. Alternatively, take bus 303 from the Colindale Underground station. If driving, the museum is 10 minutes from Junction 4 of the M1; there is paid parking on-site.

When to Get There

The Royal Air Force Museum London is open from 10am to 5pm November to February and 10am to 6pm March to April, with seasonal events throughout the year. The picnic area and playground are best enjoyed in the spring and summer months. The museum can be especially busy during British school holidays.

Little Swifts

The Royal Air Force London is a family-friendly venue with an outdoor aeronautical-themed playground and a program designed especially for preschool-aged children (2 to 5 years) that includes games, arts and crafts, songs, and stories. Check the website for session times and to book in advance.

Ways to explore

The Royal Air Force Museum London is free to visit, but it’s still a good idea to book entry times in advance to guarantee your spot. Several experiences at the museum do charge admission and can be booked online, including shows at the 4D theater, the RAF Eurofighter Typhoon flight simulator, and the Spitfire Experience. It’s also possible to come as part of a tour with a private driver; some itineraries include additional stops to the north of London, such as Bletchley Park.

Accessibility

The museum is wheelchair accessible, with manual wheelchairs and mobility scooters available for use on a first-come, first-served basis.

Age limits

Children aged 10 and below must be accompanied by a companion aged 16 or above.

What to pack

Camera, cell phone, packed lunch (if you plan to use the picnic area)

What to wear

Guests hoping to try the Spitfire Experience should wear pants or shorts, as skirts and dresses may make it difficult to access the cockpit. Flat shoes with a good grip are essential, too.

Not allowed

Drones, tripods, non-service animals

Amenities

Wi-Fi, restrooms, cafe, picnic area, playground

Address

The Royal Air Force Museum London is located on Grahame Park Way, in the North London borough of Barnet. It is accessible by both car and public transportation, with parking available onsite.

Driving

It takes around 30 minutes to reach the museum by car from Central London, via M25 and M1 or A41, A5, and North Circular. There is paid parking onsite, but it tends to fill up during school holidays.

Public transportation

The closest Tube station to the museum is Colindale, on the Edgware branch of the Northern (black) line. The 303 bus also stops opposite Colindale Library on Bristol Avenue. Both are roughly a 10-minute walk to the museum.

Best times to visit

The best time to visit is in the morning, as the museum can get busy in the afternoon hours.

Best days to visit

Weekdays at the Royal Air Force Museum can be busy with school groups. For a quieter visit, come on the weekend.

Best months to visit

Warm weather from spring until fall is ideal for visiting the museum, if you’re hoping to enjoy outdoor spaces including picnic areas.

Special events

The museum hosts events throughout the year. May’s Second World War Week generally features themed activities for visitors of all ages.