RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre
Volunteer heritage centre on the former RAF Sculthorpe airbase, telling the story of North Norfolk’s Cold War USAF atomic base.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
RAF Sculthorpe in North Norfolk was converted into a very heavy bomber base for the United States Air Force between 1944 and 1946. Atomic loading pits and related buildings were built there in secret, and the centre describes them as the first known atomic sites of the USAF in Britain. For more than a decade the base served as part of the atomic deterrent against the Soviet Union and was at one time home to around 10,000 personnel.
The heritage centre grew out of a Facebook page started in December 2017 by Ian Brown, who became its curator. In early 2019 he arranged to use a back room at the Green Park Rural Centre, and he and his family spent about six months building a small heritage room. It opened on 11 August 2019 and drew more than 1,000 visitors.
The centre is a non-profit organisation funded by donations and annual memberships. Its displays cover the atomic base, the 67th Special Operations Squadron, the floods of 1953 and visits by Queen Elizabeth II. Wreckage on show includes parts of a Douglas RB-66 and what the centre calls the only B-29 wreckage on display in the UK, and a gate guard Alconbury F-5 and a B-45 Tornado light bomber are also featured.
Highlights
- History of North Norfolk’s Cold War USAF atomic base
- B-29 wreckage, described as the only on display in the UK
- Douglas RB-66 wreckage and B-45 Tornado material
- Displays on the 67th Special Operations Squadron and the floods of 1953
- AYA Café with American snacks
Permanent exhibition
- Atomic Sculthorpe and Cold War displays – Displays on the atomic loading pits, the 67th Special Operations Squadron, the floods of 1953 and royal visits, with aircraft wreckage including a B-29 and a Douglas RB-66.
- Founded
- 2019
- Operated by
- RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre (non-profit)
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
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 walk from the business park to the site is a few minutes on concrete or tarmac roads. Visitors are asked to stay on the paths and keep away from disused buildings.
Kids & families
- Kids’ birthday parties
Birthday parties can be held on site.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Public parking for events is signposted off the B1454 at the original base entrance, now Tattersett Business Park (postcode NR21 7RN). On the RetroCar Show day only exhibitors and classic vehicles could enter the site itself, and disabled parking was signposted.
The satnav postcode is NR21 7LX. The centre is not in Fakenham, and the website recommends using Google Maps; its what3words address is snowstorm.donates.usages.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
The AYA Café serves coffee, homemade cake, American snacks and sodas, and American-style hot dogs.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
Up to 70 guests.
The venue has a stage, projection equipment and a PA system, with seating for 70. Event enquiries are made by e-mail through the website.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Car groups, organisations and schools are welcome. |
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