Martlesham Heath Control Tower Museum
Free Sunday-afternoon museum in the Second World War control tower of Martlesham Heath airfield, run by the local aviation society.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Martlesham Heath was chosen in 1916 as a site for testing military aircraft, and the airfield was dedicated in January 1917. In the 1920s it became the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment, which evaluated more than 400 military and civil aircraft types. In 1936 the Hawker Hurricane was approved for operational use there, and the Spitfire received its name in the same year.
During the Second World War the airfield was a fighter station of No 11 Group, with squadrons from several Allied countries, including American volunteers of 71 Eagle Squadron. From late 1943 the United States Army Air Forces used it as Station 369, and the 356th Fighter Group flew Thunderbolts and Mustangs from the base. The airfield closed in 1963 and the land is now residential and industrial.
The control tower was built in the war so that aircraft and vehicle movements could be directed from one place. Since 2000 it has housed the museum of the Martlesham Heath Aviation Society, with exhibits on the airfield, its air-sea rescue role and a painting of 71 Eagle Squadron. The society also keeps a signal square, revetments and an Anderson shelter set up as a 1940s home shelter.
Highlights
- Original Second World War airfield control tower
- Exhibits on the history of Martlesham Heath airfield
- Display on the Air Sea Rescue flight
- Painting of 71 Eagle Squadron
- Anderson shelter set up as a 1940s home shelter
Permanent exhibition
- Martlesham Heath airfield and control tower – Exhibits on the history of the airfield, its air-sea rescue role and 71 Eagle Squadron, in the former control tower.
- Founded
- 2000
- Operated by
- Martlesham Heath Aviation Society (registered charity)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Groups | £2.50 per personSchool and group visits Monday to Saturday: £2.50 per head, minimum charge £10 (about one hour). |
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Entry is free and donations are welcome.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum has not published accessibility information for the building.
Kids & families
School visits are offered for Monday to Saturday bookings.
Getting there & parking
The museum is at the rear of Parkers Place, off Eagle Way; the website has a map showing how to find it.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
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| Good to know | School visits and small group visits last at least one hour and are booked with the museum manager by email or by text or phone. The society also offers monthly talks and guided visits. |
