RAF Coltishall Heritage Centre

About the museum

RAF Coltishall in Norfolk opened as a Royal Air Force station in June 1940 and soon became a Fighter Command station, in time for the Battle of Britain. Spitfires and Hurricanes flew from it, and after the war it received Gloster Meteors and later English Electric Lightnings. During the Cold War it was a base for interceptor squadrons, and from the 1970s it became known as the home of the SEPECAT Jaguar. The airfield was decommissioned as an operational station in 2006 after about 66 years.

The heritage centre was started by a group of former station personnel and volunteers in June 2021 and is run by the RAF Station Coltishall Heritage Trust, a registered charity that depends on donations. It is housed in the original station guardroom, Building 40 at Scottow Enterprise Park.

Displays include images, models and interactive exhibits on the station’s role from the Battle of Britain to the Cold War and Gulf War eras, the story of aerial photography with a tactical reconnaissance display, a coin-operated helicopter and a real ejector seat. Aircraft on show include a SEPECAT Jaguar GR1, XZ384, brought to Coltishall in July 2024, and a Gloster Meteor T.7, WL332, which is being restored.

Highlights

• Displays in the original station guardroom
• SEPECAT Jaguar GR1 XZ384, “Home of the Jaguar”
• Gloster Meteor T.7 WL332 under restoration
• Sit in a coin-operated helicopter or a real ejector seat
• Tactical reconnaissance and aerial photography displays

Permanent exhibitions

• RAF Coltishall station story – Images, models and interactive displays on the station’s history from the Battle of Britain to the Cold War and Gulf War, set in the original guardroom.
• SEPECAT Jaguar GR1 XZ384 – A Jaguar airframe acquired by the centre and brought to Coltishall in July 2024.
• Gloster Meteor T.7 WL332 – A Meteor trainer being restored on site by its owner.

Founded

2021

Operated by

RAF Station Coltishall Heritage Trust (registered charity 1176736)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free; the centre relies on donations. Groups must book in advance.

Accessibility

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

The centre states that it has full accessibility and facilities. Assistance dogs are allowed; other dogs are not allowed on the guided tours.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

The centre describes activities and exhibits for all ages, including interactive displays, a coin-operated helicopter and a real ejector seat.

Getting there & parking

Follow the signs for Scottow Enterprise Park and the small brown signs on approach to the site.

Amenities & dining

The Javabean Café on the site is open on Talk and Tour days for light lunches and refreshments; refreshments and a memorabilia shop are also offered at open days.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit