RAF Museum

Two Museums, over 100 years of aviation history ✈️. We are open daily from 10.00am. Entry is FREE. Get ready for take off!

[RAF Museum @RAFMUSEUM]

This #VolunteersWeek, we’d like to say a huge thank you to all our wonderful RAF Museum Volunteers 💙

Your passion, time and dedication help make the Royal Air Force Museum a welcoming and inspiring place for everyone who visits ✈️ Thank you — we truly couldn’t do it without you 🙌

[RAF Museum @RAFMUSEUM]

🚍✈️ This week, our London and Stafford volunteers visited RAF Museum Midlands for our annual Volunteer Reciprocal Visit.

Tours, friendship and shared experiences were topped off by a thank-you speech from CEO Maggie Appleton. ❤️

If you would like to learn more about volunteering at one of our sites, please visit: https://t.co/nbaOAqMWTJ

#VolunteersWeek #Volunteering

[RAF Museum @RAFMUSEUM]

✈️⚓ Join us online on Thursday 18 June at 6pm for a fascinating virtual lecture exploring an often-overlooked aspect of the Second World War.

In Marine Aviation as a Fleet Air Arm in the Pacific War, 1941–1945, Dr Peter F. Owen, Lieutenant Colonel, USMC (Retired), examines how U.S. Marine Corps aviation helped protect fleets, strike enemy targets and secure control of the seas during the Pacific campaign.

Offering fresh insights into naval air power and maritime strategy, this thought-provoking talk challenges conventional views of military aviation and explores lessons that remain relevant today. Through the story of VMF-221, discover how one squadron's wartime experience reflected the changing nature of air operations at sea.

🎟️ FREE to attend (conditions may apply)
💻 Live via Crowdcast : https://t.co/nUhuDgmTd8

Book your place today!

[RAF Museum @RAFMUSEUM]

✈️Get up close to some of the RAF’s most recently retired aircraft at the @cosfordairshow next Sunday !

Making their first public appearance since joining the RAF Museum collection, the British Aerospace Hawk T1A, General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper and Westland Puma HC1 will be on static display in the RAF Museum Midlands enclosure.

Together, they represent nearly 50 years of RAF operations, training, intelligence gathering and frontline service.

🚁 Plus, for a small donation, visitors can step aboard the legendary Chinook Bravo November and explore one of the RAF’s most famous helicopters. Known as ‘The Survivor’, Bravo November played a vital role during the Falklands Conflict and remains an aviation icon.

Make sure you visit us on the airfield and experience this incredible line-up for yourself!

[RAF Museum @RAFMUSEUM]

Due to unforeseen circumstances the Airfield Kitchen will be closed today at the RAF Museum Midlands and we will not have a catering offer at this site.

We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience that this may cause and thank you in advance for your understanding. ✈️

[RAF Museum @RAFMUSEUM]

Last Sunday, Pride in Service Day brought together veterans, serving personnel, artists, performers, community organisations and visitors for a powerful and inspiring celebration of LGBTQ+ service and heritage.

Through art, performance and personal testimony, we reflected on the experiences of LGBTQ+ personnel in the Armed Forces and marked 25 years since the lifting of the ban on serving openly.

We'd like to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part and helped make the day so meaningful. The conversations, connections and stories shared will continue to shape our work as we strive to present a more inclusive and representative history of the Royal Air Force.

#PrideInService #RAFMuseum #Inclusion #Veterans #militaryhistory

@fightingwpride @RAF_LGBT @ArmyLGBT

[RAF Museum @RAFMUSEUM]

🎥 Our latest archived RAF Museum Research Lecture is now available to watch on YouTube!

In Defining the ‘Authentic Hero’: The Darker Side of First World War Fighter Aces, researcher Michael Terry explores the complex realities behind the celebrated image of First World War flying aces. ✈️

From the controversy surrounding Victoria Cross recipient Billy Bishop to the darker stories of other famous pilots, this fascinating lecture challenges popular myths and asks what it truly means to be an “authentic hero.” 🤔

A thought-provoking watch for anyone interested in aviation history, literature and the First World War.

📺 Watch now on YouTube at: https://t.co/81MzwA7U6X

This lecture was first broadcast in April 2023.

[Fighting With Pride @fightingwpride]

Ian McIver has finished his 1,155 mile cycle ride fundraising for FWP!

He cycled into @rafmuseum.bsky.social London as part of their Pride In Service day

You can still donate
https://t.co/SQuAKN8EWD

Why did he do it
https://t.co/N54c51EsPw

#PrideInService
#LGBTQPlus
#Veterans

[RAF Museum @RAFMUSEUM]

🚨Now on sale🚨

Tickets for an evening photocall on Friday 12 June featuring the static aircraft assembled for the @cosfordairshow on the Sunday.

For full details, please visit:
https://t.co/gAXpKPh1zb

#aviationphotography #avgeek #airshow

[RAF Museum @RAFMUSEUM]

🎁 Searching for the perfect Father’s Day gift? The RAF Museum's Online Shop has a fantastic range of presents for aviation-loving dads! ✈️

Bring a smile to Dad’s face with the humorous Civil Defence Keyring – “Dad! You Found Your Keys!” for £3.00, paired with the Civil Defence Dad’s Victory Mug for £10.00. Together, they make a fun and practical gift he'll use every day at home, in the office or on the go. ☕🔑

For dads who are passionate about aviation history, the Chocks Away Beer and Pint Glass Bundle at £10.00 combines a refreshing aviation-themed ale with a commemorative pint glass, making it a unique gift that's perfect for raising a toast to Father's Day. 🍺✈️

Or treat him to something stylish with our RAF Museum Roundel Socks (£7.00) and Spitfire Tech T-Shirt (£18.00) – comfortable, eye-catching and perfect for showing off his passion for one of Britain's most iconic aircraft. 👕🧦

Shop now and make this Father's Day one to remember! ✈️
https://t.co/ILfMQabLlZ

#FathersDay #RAFMuseum #GiftIdeas #AviationHistory #RAF

[RAF Museum @RAFMUSEUM]

🚨 Call for Papers 🚨

📢 There's just one week left to submit your abstracts for Future Battlefield Innovation 🛰️🤖

Join the British Commission for Military History and the RAF Museum Midlands on 10 October 2026 for a conference exploring AI, drones, cyber warfare, logistics and the future battlefield.

📄 Submit your abstract and short biography by 4 June 2026.

Full details of topics of interest and who to send your abstracts to can be found at: https://t.co/KKAiD4vwgE

#RAFMuseum #MilitaryHistory #FutureWarfare

[RAF Museum @RAFMUSEUM]

@Gorty674623 Hi, the Lancaster is currently undergoing repairs at the moment and is unavailable to fly. ✈️

[RAF Museum @RAFMUSEUM]

🚨 News just in! 🚨

✈️ Don’t miss a special sight in the skies above the RAF Museum Midlands this Sunday.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Dakota is scheduled to carry out three flypasts over the Museum at approximately 2:55pm on 31 May. 🇬🇧

The aircraft will approach from the south before departing towards the east/north-east on its return to RAF Coningsby.

Make sure to look up and catch this legendary aircraft in action! 👀

Image : Sgt Phil Dye, UK MOD © Crown copyright 2025

[RAF Museum @RAFMUSEUM]

Step back into the summer of 1944 at RAF Museum London this D-Day Weekend ✈️🇬🇧

Join us on 6–7 June for a free, family-friendly weekend marking the anniversary of D-Day with live music, swing dancing, living history and activities for younger visitors.

Enjoy performances inspired by the wartime era, learn classic dance steps in our swing workshops, and meet historic reenactors sharing stories from the 1940s. Younger visitors can also enjoy pedal planes and their own aviation adventure.

Come along for a weekend of music, history and family fun as we commemorate this important moment in history together.

📍 RAF Museum London
🎟️ Free entry
👉 Full details at: https://t.co/47bckYQQ9F

[RAF Museum @RAFMUSEUM]

We’re proud that the RAF Museum Midlands has been recognised at the @BlueBadgeAccess Awards 2025/26, winning Best Accessible Toilet/Bathroom in the UK for our Changing Places facility.

Accessibility and inclusion are at the heart of welcoming every visitor, and this award reflects our commitment to creating spaces where everyone can enjoy and engage with RAF stories comfortably and with dignity.

#Accessibility #Inclusion #ChangingPlaces

[RAF Museum @RAFMUSEUM]

🎥 Our latest Archived Lecture is now live on YouTube!

Join independent air power researcher Bill Pyke as he explores the remarkable career and legacy of Air Marshal Sir John Slessor — one of the key architects of Britain’s Cold War defence strategy. ✈️☢️

This fascinating lecture examines Slessor’s role in shaping nuclear deterrence policy, strengthening Anglo-American defence relations during the Korean War, and helping to build Britain’s V-force during a period of national austerity.

Originally hosted at the University of Wolverhampton as part of the RAF Museum’s Research Lecture Programme, this is a must-watch for anyone interested in RAF history and the Cold War era. 📚

This lecture was first broadcast in April 2023.

Watch it now at: https://t.co/hTfarI05Xw

[RAF Museum @RAFMUSEUM]

📚 It may be half term week, but there’s still time to join us online this Thursday evening for a fascinating FREE virtual lecture! ✈️

On Thursday 28 May at 6.00pm, Dr Jeffrey McGovern will explore the vital role of Second World War glider forces during Operation NEPTUNE — the assault phase of the D-Day landings and a crucial part of Operation OVERLORD.

Discover how gliders, pilots and airborne troops helped secure the success of the UTAH Beach breakout and why their contribution to the Normandy invasion deserves far greater recognition.

📍 Virtual via Crowdcast
🎟️ Free to attend (ages 13+)
⏰ Register now before Thursday!
👉 https://t.co/H8WnWmCg7L

#WW2 #DDay #OperationNeptune #MilitaryHistory #VirtualLecture #HalfTerm

[Fighting With Pride @fightingwpride]

Day 7 of Ian McIver's 1,100 mile cycle ride raising funds for FWP!

Donate https://t.co/MqfSho5550

See why he is doing it https://t.co/VotWUBm3vi

Join events at the @RAFMUSEUM London on 31st May https://t.co/a8vMQhlBaN

Volunteer with FWP on 31st May https://t.co/IH5lEck0HJ