Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome

About the museum

Stow Maries opened in 1916 as a Royal Flying Corps airfield and became home to B Flight of No 37 (Home Defence) Squadron. It was part of the new Air Defence of Great Britain, set up to counter Zeppelin and Gotha raids on London and the south-east. On 1 April 1918 the squadron became part of the newly formed Royal Air Force, and the RAF closed the aerodrome in spring 1919.

Afterwards the land went back to Flambirds Farm. The airfield became pasture, and the buildings were adapted for farming and housing but otherwise left largely alone. As a result the site is described as the largest known surviving group of Royal Flying Corps buildings on a First World War aerodrome that was not reused for later military purposes.

Today a registered charity looks after the site as a museum. Visitors can walk among the original buildings, see hangars with vintage aircraft and a growing collection of First World War objects, and join volunteer-led tours. The museum also runs school programmes, events with visiting aircraft and a woodland nature trail on the grounds.

Highlights

• Largest known surviving group of Royal Flying Corps buildings from the First World War
• Two hangars with vintage aircraft
• Pedal planes and interactive cockpits
• Airmen’s Mess café in the historic site
• Woodland nature trail

Permanent exhibition

• First World War aerodrome buildings and aircraft – Original Royal Flying Corps buildings and hangars with vintage aircraft and a growing collection of First World War objects.

Founded

2008

Operated by

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome (registered charity)

Admission & discounts

2026 standard prices. Serving members of the Armed Forces and one guest are free on non-event days with ID; Propeller Club members are free. Visiting only the café and shop is free on non-event days with a wristband from the shop. Event prices vary.

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 buildings are single storey and most paths are flat, but grass areas can be uneven. Push wheelchairs are available on request, benches are placed around the site, and there is a quiet room. Visitors with specific needs can email the museum.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

Children can try interactive cockpits and pedal planes and explore the wide open spaces and the wildlife trail. School days include practical science demonstrations, paper plane building and a cat trail; Scout and Brownie groups can also camp overnight.

Getting there & parking

The site is about 3.5 miles from South Woodham Ferrers station, roughly 10 minutes by taxi; the taxi office is in the station car park. The museum asks visitors not to use the postcode for navigation and to use the what3words address passports.glorious.mulled instead. Vehicles over 7.5 tonnes must use the Crows Lane entrance, not Hackmans Lane. Arrivals by air need prior permission.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Airmen’s Mess café serves breakfasts, homemade food, cream teas and drinks. The shop sells models, gifts and souvenirs, and there is a bookshop. Drinking-water taps are available inside and outside.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Venue hire and film location hire are offered; details are on the museum’s venue hire page.

Plan your visit