Yorkshire Air Museum

In Brief.

The Yorkshire Air Museum hosts an extensive collection of largely British military aircraft, mostly from the Second World War (WW2) and the Cold War. Located in a retired military aerodrome, the original buildings host exhibitions, many of which relate to the history of the site, which was used by Bomber Command in WW2, in particular by squadrons crewed by French aircrew. The site also hosts a memorial rose garden, in honour of the many crews that did not return; only around half the WW2 air crew survived their tours of duty.

A Victor bomber / tanker.

What's Here?

The museum is located in what was once RAF Elvington, a WW2 air base close to York. Many of the original buildings survive, and now host exhibitions that mostly reflect the wartime role of the site.  Thus there is a control tower, a recreated French Officer's Mess, and exhibitions on Bomber Command and on Air Gunners (my father was one of them in WW2). These exhibits include equipment, uniforms, posters and videos that among other things reflect on the development of the role of bombers during WW2.

Indoors, there is also a building that discusses pioneers of aviation, both pilots such as Amy Johnson and engineers such as Barnes Wallis, and there are two hangers that contain aircraft of different vintages. The centrepiece of the larger hanger is an imposing Halifax bomber of the type that flew from here in wartime.

The main hanger with Halifax bomber.

Outdoors, there is a large collection of aircraft, including two French Mirage bombers, reflecting the French connection to the site, reconstructions of a Spitfire and a Hurricane, and assorted other military aircraft including a Nimrod, Buccaneers and Tornadoes.

The site also hosts a chapel and several memorials, including the Allied Air Forces memorial.

Related blogs include the National Memorial Arboretum, Hack Green nuclear bunker and the Avro Aircraft Heritage Museum. 

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 78 miles

Drive Time: 1hour 35 minutes

Price: $$

Parking: Included in the entrance fee.

Food and Drink: There is a spacious cafe, with good cake and above average coffee, and freshly prepared lunches.

Retail therapy: There is a gift shop, with souvenir t-shirts and model aircraft.

Child Friendly: There is a play area for younger kids.

Toilets: Yes.

Do it justice in:3 hours

Inside-Outside: 50:50

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