Yorkshire Air Museum and Allied Air Forces Memorial

About the museum

The Yorkshire Air Museum stands on the former RAF Elvington, a Second World War Bomber Command airfield east of York. After the base fell out of use, its buildings and hangars stood abandoned for years, although the RAF kept using the runway for training until 1992. In 1980 Rachel Semlyen approached the owners of the derelict site about turning it into a museum; volunteers began clearing the overgrown ground in 1983 and the museum opened in 1986.

The museum was also created as a memorial to the airmen of the Allied air forces, especially those who served in the RAF in the Second World War, and it describes itself as the only Allied Air Forces Memorial in Europe. A memorial garden and several other memorials stand around the site, and a memorial day is held each September.

Today the museum is a registered charity and an accredited museum. Its collection of more than 50 aircraft ranges from early replicas to Cold War jets, and includes a Handley Page Halifax bomber. Some aircraft are run or flown on special event days. Many of the original wartime buildings survive, among them the control tower. Visitors can also see exhibitions, a small cinema showing archive newsreels, memorials and a playground.

Highlights

• More than 50 aircraft from pre-war types to Cold War jets
• Handley Page Halifax bomber, with pre-booked private tours
• Original wartime buildings including the control tower
• Allied Air Forces Memorial and memorial garden
• Astra Cinema showing archive newsreel footage
• Custom-built playground and kids trails

Permanent exhibitions

• Aircraft hangars – Two hangars of aircraft, from pre-Second World War types to Cold War jets, alongside several exhibition buildings and memorials.
• Astra Cinema – Small cinema showing archive newsreel footage and original material.

Founded

1986

Operated by

Yorkshire Air Museum (registered charity)

Admission & discounts

Prices shown are the cheaper online prices; at the gate an adult ticket costs £18 and a child ticket £8. Standard tickets include free re-entry for 12 months, except on special ticket days. Group rates are available on request, and Gift Aid is offered.

Accessibility

• Partially 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 states that about 90% of the site is accessible, with ramps, accessible toilets and accessible parking. Wheelchairs can be borrowed from Admissions. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome across the site, including the café and shop.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Playground / play area

There is a custom-built playground, kids trails and open space to explore, and a children's menu in the café. Two hangars and several exhibition buildings make the museum suitable for rainy days. A family ticket is available, and special event days such as open cockpit days are held.

Getting there & parking

From the York outer ring road (A64), follow the brown Air Museum signs towards the A1079 (Hull) junction, then take Elvington Lane; the museum is two miles along on the right, on Halifax Way. Sat nav postcode YO41 4AU.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café 77 in the old NAAFI building serves meals, snacks and afternoon tea and has a kids' menu; visitors may also bring a picnic to the outdoor tables. Gift shop with aviation-themed gifts. Dogs are welcome in both.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 90 guests.

The Halifax Suite is the main meeting room (up to 90 people depending on layout). The Astra Cinema seats 42 and can be hired for private screenings. Parties and weddings are held in the wartime setting, with catering and a licensed bar.

Plan your visit