Bentwaters Cold War Museum

About the museum

The Bentwaters Cold War Museum opened to the public in May 2007, after a project that began in 2001. At first the idea was to create a single room in the old control tower, but the plan grew into a full museum in the former Wing Command Post of the Bentwaters airbase.

The hardened building was the operational centre of the Bentwaters and Woodbridge "Twin-Base" complex during exercises and in the event of war. It was manned in April 1986 for the US raids on Libya and again during the 1991 Gulf War, when it supported A-10 aircraft sent to the region. Its Battle Cabin and War Operations Room have been restored to look as they did when in use, and the telephone exchange and the decontamination showers and airlock survive in their original state.

The displays cover RAF Bentwaters and RAF Woodbridge from the Second World War until the American withdrawal in 1993, with the Cold War as the main theme. Rooms are devoted to the two bases, the special operations units at Woodbridge, the Aggressor squadron at Bentwaters and a Cold War timeline. Outside, a number of aircraft and ground vehicles are kept or restored, including an A-10 airframe on loan from the US Air Force Museum. The museum is run by volunteers of the Bentwaters Aviation Society, a registered charity.

Highlights

• Restored Battle Cabin and War Operations Room in the hardened command post
• Original telephone exchange and decontamination showers
• Jet aircraft including Phantom, Jaguar, Harrier, Lightning and Hunter
• A-10 Thunderbolt II airframe outdoors
• Restoration Hangar tours when available

Permanent exhibitions

• Wing Command Post – The restored Battle Cabin, War Operations Room, telephone exchange and decontamination area of the hardened command post, together with rooms on the bases and their units.
• Aircraft and ground equipment – Jet aircraft and Cold War ground equipment shown in the outdoor compound and restoration hangar, including an A-10 airframe.

Founded

2007

Operated by

Bentwaters Aviation Society

Admission & discounts

Payment is accepted by cash, cheque and card.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Children aged 14 and under go in free.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in Building 134 on the Bentwaters Park site near Rendlesham; the gates open at 10:00 on open days.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The museum has a café serving light refreshments and a shop selling souvenirs. Toilets are available on site.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit