Historic Croydon Airport Visitor Centre
A museum in the former terminal and control tower of Croydon Airport, open on the first Sunday of each month by guided tour.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Croydon Airport opened in 1920 and became Britain's first major international airport. Its terminal building and control tower, today called Airport House, began operating in 1928 and were officially opened that May. The airport closed in September 1959, and the terminal is now listed Grade II*.
The Visitor Centre opened in 2000 in the former terminal and control tower. Its displays cover the First World War and National Aircraft Factory No. 1, early civil aviation, Imperial Airways, RAF Croydon in the Second World War, the final years of the airport and the development of air traffic control. They also remember record-breaking flights, such as those of Amy Johnson.
Visits are by pre-booked guided tour on open days, with a lift to the museum and a stair climb for the control tower itself.
Highlights
- Britain's first integrated airport terminal and control tower
- Guided tours with access to the control tower
- Displays on Imperial Airways and early civil aviation
- RAF Croydon in the Second World War
- Record-breaking flights including Amy Johnson
Permanent exhibition
- Museum and control tower tour – A guided tour of the former terminal, control tower and museum covering the history of Croydon Airport from the First World War to its closure in 1959.
- Founded
- 2000
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £10 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | £2.50One-off child ticket. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · Carers of disabled visitors are not asked for a donation. |
| Ticket bought on the day (subject to availability) | £11 |
The adult ticket is an annual pass at £10, so repeat visits during the year are included. Online bookings carry a booking fee. Gift Aid on entry fees is encouraged. Tickets are non-transferable.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- 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
Most of the tour is on the ground floor, and a lift serves the museum. The control tower can only be reached by stairs. Disabled parking bays are in front of Airport House. Visitors with other access needs should contact the centre in advance. The historic building can become crowded at busy times.
Kids & families
A one-off child ticket costs £2.50; no other family-specific facilities are listed.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Croydon Airport (bus stop)
Buses 119 and 289 stop outside Airport House (stop Croydon Airport) or at the Colonnades opposite. Waddon station is about a 20-minute walk. From East Croydon take the 119 (about 15 minutes); from Purley station take the 289 (about 10 minutes).
By car
Free parking
Free car parking, no registration needed; bicycle parking behind the building.
- Accessible parking
Airport House is within the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Anita's Kitchen café is usually open during the day with drinks, cakes and light refreshments; a merchandise and book stall is in the main booking hall (cash or card).
Events & venue rental
Private group tours with a dedicated guide are offered by arrangement for a donation.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Standard tours take about 12 visitors. Assistance and guide dogs are allowed; other animals are not. |
