The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford
Dakota at The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford. Photo by Chris Cannon
Shifnal
Shropshire
TF11 8UP
T: 01902 376200
E: cosford@rafmuseum.org
W: www.rafmuseum.org
The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford houses one of the largest aviation collections in the United Kingdom. 70 historic aircraft are displayed in three wartime hangars and within the National Cold War Exhibition.
This landmark building contains 18 aircraft, military transport, missiles, memorabilia and interactive kiosks and hotspots of information. This unique exhibition reflects the social, cultural and political history of the Cold War era, in a fun and innovative way. A major feature of this unique exhibition is Britain’s three postwar V Bombers, the Vulcan, Victor and Valiant. A Number of these aircraft are suspended in flying attitudes including a Dakota, Canberra, Meteor, Lightning and Jaguar. Visitors are able to view them from an elevated viewing gallery.
RAF Museum Cosford is one day that everyone from small children upwards will enjoy whatever the weather. Children and adults alike will be fascinated by fun ‘n’ flight. Packed with hands on excitement, it’s the easy way to answer all those questions about how planes stay up in the air. The advanced flight simulator is also a great way to get an instant flying experience.
The Visitor Centre is home to the restaurant serving hot and cold meals and snacks. The Checkpoint Charlie Cafe serving light snacks and drinks and the well stocked museum shop are both located within The National Cold War Exhibition.
Opening Times
Open daily 10am – 6pm (last admission 5pm) including bank holidays. Closed 24-26th December and 1st of January.
Entry and parking are both FREE of charge.
Directions by Road
From Junction 3 of the M54 take the A41 south towards Wolverhampton. Follow brown signs to Royal Air Force Museum.
Cosford Air Museum Photo Gallery
Images courtesy of Chris Cannon
Nimrod R1 XV249 last flight - Friday 29th July 2011
At precisely 11am on Friday 29th July, Nimrod R1 XV249 took off from its home base at RAF Waddington for the last time, after takeoff the aircraft turned and flew across Waddington’s runway before turning once again and carrying out one final flypast with loads of power with a final steep climb up through the clouds. This was the last ever Nimrod flight with XV249 being flown down to Kemble Airport to be dismantled and being moved by road to its new home at Cosford Air Museum.
Images courtesy of Ian Bracegirdle