Bentley Priory Museum

About the museum

Bentley Priory in Stanmore is a Grade II* listed mansion that served as a private home, a hotel and a girls' school before the Air Ministry bought it in 1926. When RAF Fighter Command was formed in 1936 the house became its headquarters. A temporary filter room and operations room were installed in the mansion straight away, and the permanent underground versions were finished in March 1940.

During the Battle of Britain Bentley Priory was the nerve centre of Fighter Command. It collated information on incoming raids and passed it on to the fighter groups. Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding worked there for most of the period, although he lived in Stanmore.

After the site was redeveloped with private housing, the Officers' Mess and especially Dowding's office were kept as a museum. The museum occupies the ground floor of the mansion house and tells the story of the Battle of Britain through three groups: Dowding as "The One", the aircrew as "The Few", and the many people on the ground whose work made the victory possible. The Bentley Priory Nature Reserve lies next door.

Highlights

• Former headquarters of RAF Fighter Command in a Grade II* listed mansion
• Dowding's office and the Officers' Mess
• The Battle of Britain told through the One, the Few and the Many
• Free parking and a vintage-style café
• Two self-guided audio-described tours

Permanent exhibition

• The Battle of Britain: the One, the Few and the Many – Galleries on the ground floor of the mansion tell the story of Fighter Command through Air Chief Marshal Dowding, the aircrew and the ground staff.

Admission & discounts

The website quotes prices that include an optional 10% Gift Aid donation (adult £10.45, concessions £9.35, HM Forces and veterans £8.25, children £5.50); the amounts shown here are the standard prices without that donation. Booking in advance is not required; tickets are bought at the reception desk.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

The galleries are step-free and a lift serves the lower floor. The reception area has two steps, with a step-free route through the door to the right. There is one unisex accessible toilet with an emergency pull cord, but no Changing Places toilet. Two wheelchairs can be borrowed, door openings are wide, and seating is available throughout. Information is available in large print and audio formats, and two self-guided audio-described tours (one for adults, one for families) are included in admission. Blue Badge bays are provided close to the entrance.

Kids & families

• Baby changing facilities

The men’s and women’s toilets have baby change areas. A self-guided audio-described tour for families is included in admission.

Getting there & parking

Enter postcode HA7 3HT into the satnav; this leads to the gates of the Bentley Priory Estate, where the concierge team opens the gates on arrival.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

The vintage-style café on the lower ground floor opens at 10:00, takes last orders 45 minutes before closing and is open to visitors with admission and annual members. A picnic area is available. The shop is next to the reception desk. All public toilets are on the lower ground floor.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies: not available

The Learning Centre and the Ballroom can be hired for meetings, conferences, training sessions, private parties and filming. The Learning Centre is available Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:30, not in the evening or at weekends. Wedding ceremonies cannot be held because the museum has no civil licence.

Plan your visit