Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum
Free museum on the history of RAF Cranwell, with artefacts, interactive displays, a Jet Provost in the courtyard and a cafe.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum tells the story of RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire, from its early days as a Royal Naval Air Service base to the present day. The museum is housed at Heath Farm near North Rauceby and is run by North Kesteven District Council.
The collection includes a Vampire nose cone and cockpit, aircraft engines, an ejector seat and a balloon basket. Interactive displays on aviation themes, including virtual reality headsets, make the exhibits hands-on, and a Jet Provost trainer aircraft stands in the courtyard. A separate hall hosts a changing programme of exhibitions.
The museum holds the Sandford Award for heritage education and offers a learning programme linked to the National Curriculum. It has also signed up to the Kids in Museums manifesto.
Highlights
- Vampire T11 cockpit and nose cone
- Jet Provost aircraft in the courtyard
- Ejector seat, engines and balloon basket
- Virtual reality headsets and other interactive displays
- Changing exhibitions and free entry
Permanent exhibition
- RAF Cranwell collection – Artefacts including a Vampire cockpit, engines, an ejector seat and a balloon basket, with interactive displays and a Jet Provost in the courtyard.
- Founded
- 1992
- Operated by
- North Kesteven District Council
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Groups | –A nominal charge applies for group visits. |
|---|
Admission is free. A nominal charge applies for group visits.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- 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: no information
The museum is on one level with level access from the main entrance to the shop, cafe, displays and exhibition hall, except the gravel area of the courtyard. An accessible toilet with a baby change unit is just outside the main building. Parking is on grass with reserved spaces for visitors with access needs, 43 metres from the entrance on a natural slope. There is no hearing loop. Dogs, including assistance dogs, are welcome in the cafe, shop and courtyard but not in the exhibition hall.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
- Baby changing facilities
The museum has signed up to the Kids in Museums manifesto, offers a downloadable family activity pack and interactive displays, and is a breastfeeding-friendly venue.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
The museum can only be reached by car; there is no public transport access.
By car
Parking available
Grass car park; the reserved accessible spaces are 43 metres from the entrance.
- Accessible parking
The museum is a 10-minute drive from Sleaford and is signposted from the A17 between Sleaford and Newark. what3words: validated.boarded.library.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Cafe with tables and chairs serving hot and cold drinks and light refreshments, and a shop selling aviation-related books, pictures and souvenirs. Dogs are welcome in the cafe and courtyard.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
Private hire of the museum is possible on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; enquiries by email.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The learning programme offers workshops linked to the National Curriculum, and the museum has won the Sandford Award for heritage education. A downloadable family activity pack is available. |
