Lashenden Air Warfare Museum

Step Into Aviation History at Lashenden Air Warfare Museum

Experience the extraordinary heritage of wartime aviation at Lashenden Air Warfare Museum, one of Britain’s longest-established and most remarkable aviation collections housed at the historic Headcorn Airfield in Kent. Since opening to the public at Easter 1970, this exceptional museum has preserved irreplaceable artifacts from the golden age of flight and the dark years of World War II, creating an authentic atmosphere where visitors can almost hear the echoes of Spitfire engines and feel the tension of aircrew preparing for dangerous missions. Every exhibit tells a human story of courage, innovation, and sacrifice that shaped the course of history.

World’s Only Surviving Piloted V-1 Flying Bomb

The museum’s crown jewel is the extraordinary Fieseler Fi 103R-4 Reichenberg, the world’s only surviving piloted V-1 flying bomb that represents one of the war’s most desperate and dangerous weapons. This authentic wartime aircraft tells the fascinating story of the brave test pilots who risked everything flying these near-suicide missions, while detailed explanations reveal the technical challenges involved in converting unmanned V-1s for human pilots. The exhibit provides context about Nazi Germany’s increasingly desperate attempts to turn the tide of war, presenting the personal stories of German pilots who volunteered for these almost impossible missions with historical objectivity and educational value.

Rare German Aviation Technology

• Exceptional Focke-Achgelis Fa 330A-1 gyro-kite used by U-boat crews for reconnaissance
• Aircraft components and engines spanning from 1911 to present day
• Restored Pickett-Hamilton Fort pop-up pillbox excavated from RAF Manston
• Aviation instruments and cockpit equipment from various wartime aircraft
• Interactive demonstrations showing how defensive positions operated
• Educational displays about military engineering and airfield protection

Historic Headcorn Airfield Heritage

The museum’s location at Headcorn Airfield adds profound authenticity to the experience, as visitors explore collections on the very runways where Spitfire pilots once prepared for combat missions. Built in 1943 as a light bomber base, Headcorn briefly housed 127 Wing Royal Canadian Air Force under the legendary Wing Commander ‘Johnny Johnson’, before being upgraded by the United States 9th Air Force for D-Day operations. The still-active airfield maintains its wartime atmosphere, with vintage aircraft occasionally using the same runways that once launched missions over occupied Europe, creating living connections between past and present.

Battle of Britain and RAF Heritage

The museum pays particular tribute to the RAF pilots who defended Britain’s skies during the nation’s darkest hour through comprehensive exhibits that explore the tactical challenges faced by Fighter Command. Personal artifacts, including pilot uniforms, medals, and heartfelt letters home, create powerful connections between modern visitors and these heroes of the past, while detailed displays explain the technical specifications of aircraft like the Spitfire and Hurricane. Maps marked with bombing targets, navigation instruments used on dangerous missions, and personal effects recovered from crash sites remind visitors that behind every aircraft was a young person with hopes, fears, and families waiting at home.

International Aviation Heritage

The museum’s collections demonstrate the rapid evolution of aviation technology and its profound impact on military strategy, showcasing contributions from Allied air forces including the American Army Air Forces and the Royal Canadian Air Force. German Luftwaffe technology and tactics are presented with historical objectivity, helping visitors understand the global nature of air warfare and the technological race that drove rapid aviation development. This international perspective ensures that the museum serves as an educational resource that promotes understanding rather than glorifying conflict.

Complete Ashford Area Heritage Experience

Enhance your aviation heritage visit by exploring the magnificent Leeds Castle, often called “the loveliest castle in the world,” with its stunning island setting and 900 years of history. Discover the world-famous Sissinghurst Castle Garden created by Vita Sackville-West, and explore the charming Headcorn village with its traditional Kent character and local pubs.

Experience the heritage Tenterden Steam Railway for nostalgic countryside journeys, enjoy retail therapy at Ashford Designer Outlet, and discover the beautiful High Weald countryside with its rolling hills and ancient woodlands. Visit the elegant Godinton House and gardens for a perfect complement to your historical discoveries in this culturally rich corner of Kent.

Volunteer Dedication and Community Support

The museum’s remarkable collections are maintained by dedicated volunteers whose passion for aviation history ensures that these irreplaceable artifacts remain accessible to future generations. Many volunteers bring personal connections to aviation history, whether through family service or professional aviation careers, creating an atmosphere where every conversation reveals new insights and fascinating stories about the golden age of flight. This volunteer spirit creates a uniquely personal and educational experience that distinguishes the museum from larger, more commercial attractions.

Educational Excellence and Research Resources

The museum serves as an important educational resource for students and researchers studying aviation history, military strategy, and wartime technology. School groups particularly benefit from guided tours that bring history to life through storytelling and hands-on exhibits, while the museum’s archives provide valuable research materials for historians and aviation enthusiasts seeking to understand this crucial period in world history. Professional conservation work ensures that aircraft and equipment remain in excellent condition for future study and enjoyment.

Authentic Wartime Experience

The combination of authentic location, rare artifacts, and passionate interpretation creates an unparalleled opportunity to understand the reality of wartime aviation. Throughout its April to October season, the museum hosts special events that enhance the visitor experience and celebrate aviation heritage, from expert talks about wartime tactics to family activity days that introduce young people to aviation history. Visitors leave with a profound appreciation for the courage, skill, and sacrifice of the aircrew who fought in the skies above Europe, along with a deeper understanding of how aviation technology transformed military strategy and ultimately helped secure victory in humanity’s greatest conflict.

Price Range: ££ (Adults £8-12, Children £5-8, Concessions available)

Opening Hours: April-October: Saturdays & Sundays 10am-5pm (last entry 4:30pm) Bank Holidays during season Closed November-March Check website for special events and group bookings