The Shuttleworth Collection, located in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, England, is a world-renowned museum dedicated to the preservation and display of historic aircraft, vehicles, and other mechanical wonders. The collection is known for its exceptional care of aircraft from the early days of flight, many of which are still flown regularly.
Shuttleworth Collection
Old Warden Aerodrome
Biggleswade
Central Bedfordshire SG18 9EP
+44 (0)1767 627 933
April – October
- Daily 09:30 – 17:00
November – March
- Daily 10:00 – 16:00
Admission fee
Gift shop
Shuttleworth (Old Warden) Aerodrome is two miles due west of the A1 where it bypasses Biggleswade, approximately 30 miles from Junction 23 of the M25. Brown signs will direct you to the Collection entrance.
Aircraft collection
Photo Gallery
de Havilland DH.88 Comet G-ACSS/34
| G-EBJO (G-WAHT) D.2263 G-ABVE/48 (G-ADEV) E3273 (G-AHSA) K3241 (G-AHKX) TX176 G-ARSG/12 G-AEBJ G-AANI G-AANG (G-ASPP) No.12A (G-AEPH) B1162/F (G-BWJM) C4918 G-ACTF G-EBLV G-ACSS/34 G-EBIR G-EBWD (G-ANKT) K2585 (G-BCGC) WP903 G-AANH G-AAPZ BAPC.8 BGA580 BAPC.11/4 BGA1999 (G-AMRK) K9785 G-CAMM/6 (G-AENP) K5414/XV (G-BKTH) Z7015/7-L (G-AFTA) K1786 BAPC.437 BAPC.438 G-AEBB G-ADGP/8 (G-AJRS) P6382/C (G-AKPF) N3788 (G-BTXI) FE695/94 G-AAIN (G-KAPW) XF603 G-SVAS (G-BSSY) 28 (N7779) S11 (G-BZSC) X G-EAGA (G-EBKY) 9917 (G-BOCK) N6290 G-AAYX (G-AWII) AR501/DU-E NC8155 G-TATR/29 – (G-AZWT) V9367/MA-B | Air Navigation & Engineering ANEC II Albatros D.Va Arrow Active 2 Avro 504K Avro 621 Tutor Avro 652a Anson Nineteen Srs.2 Avro Triplane IV (replica) Blackburn B.2 Series 1 Blackburn Single Seat Monoplane Bleriot XI Bristol Boxkite (replica) Bristol F.2B Fighter Bristol M-1C (replica) Comper CLA-7 Swift de Havilland D.H. 60 Moth de Havilland DH.88 Comet de Havilland DH-51 Moth de Havilland DH-60X Hermes Moth de Havilland DH-82A Tiger Moth II de Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk Mk.22 Deperdussin Monoplane Desoutter Mk.I Dixon Ornithopter Elliott AP.7 EoN Primary English Electric Wren Fauvel AV-36 Monobloc Gloster Gladiator Mk.1 Hawker Cygnet (replica) Hawker Hind Hawker Sea Hurricane Mk.1B Hawker Tomtit Mk.1 Lilienthal Kleiner Doppeldecker (replica) Lilienthal Normal-Segelapparat (replica) Mignet HM-14 Pou-du-Ciel Miles M-2L Hawk Speed Six Miles M-14A Hawk Trainer 3 Miles M-14A Hawk Trainer 3 Noorduyn AT-16 Harvard IIB Parnall Elf 2 Percival Provost T.1 Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub Polikarpov Po-2 Ryan STM-2 Sopwith Camel F.1 (replica) Sopwith Dove (replica) Sopwith Pup Sopwith Triplane (replica) Southern Martlet Supermarine Spitfire LF.5C Travel Air D-4000 Travel Air R (Replica) G-TATR/29 Wallbro (replica) Westland Lysander IIIA |
Bristol Boxkite (replica) G-ASPP No.12A
Photo Gallery
Shuttleworth Air Show 5 September 2010
The Shuttleworth Collection is a unique aviation and automotive museum located at the Old Warden Aerodrome in Bedfordshire, England. Founded by aviation enthusiast Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth in 1928, it houses one of the most prestigious collections of vintage aircraft, classic cars, motorcycles, and other early vehicles. The collection is renowned for its commitment to preserving and operating historic aircraft and vehicles, some of which date back to the early 20th century.
Highlights of the Shuttleworth Collection:
1. Vintage Aircraft – The collection includes one of the world’s oldest operational aircraft, the 1912 Blackburn Monoplane, alongside other World War I and World War II-era planes, such as the Sopwith Camel, Hawker Hurricane, and Spitfire.
2. Classic Cars and Motorcycles – Alongside its aircraft, the collection features a wide array of classic cars and motorcycles from brands like Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and others dating back to the Edwardian and Victorian eras.
3. Live Demonstrations – A standout feature of the Shuttleworth Collection is that many of its planes and vehicles are kept in working condition. The collection regularly holds flying days and special events where visitors can see these historic machines in action.
4. Engineering Workshops – The museum includes workshops dedicated to the restoration and preservation of historic machinery, with expert staff who keep the vehicles in top condition.
5. Heritage Gardens and Parkland– In addition to the vehicles, the Shuttleworth Collection is set on a beautiful estate with heritage gardens and a Swiss Garden, enhancing the experience for visitors.
6. Themed Airshows – Shuttleworth hosts themed events throughout the season, such as Military Airshows, Vintage Weekends, and Twilight and Evening Airshows. These shows often focus on specific eras, like World War I or World War II, giving historical context to the displays.
The Shuttleworth Collection offers a rare glimpse into the history of aviation and automotive technology, with an emphasis on preservation and operational displays. It’s a popular destination for enthusiasts, historians, and families, and it celebrates the legacy of innovation in early 20th-century engineering.
Photo Gallery
Shuttleworth Air Show 5 September 2010
Shuttleworth Evening Airshow 2018
Shuttleworth Evening Airshow 2024
Highlights of the Shuttleworth Collection:
- Historic Aircraft:
- The collection is home to a stunning array of vintage aircraft, some of which are rare or one-of-a-kind examples.
- Key aircraft include:
- The Bristol Boxkite (a faithful reproduction of one of the earliest British aircraft),
- The Avro 504K (a training biplane from World War I),
- The de Havilland Dragon Rapide (a classic 1930s airliner),
- The Hawker Sea Hurricane (a famous British fighter from World War II).
- The museum is also home to pre-World War I aircraft, showcasing the very beginnings of powered flight.
- Regular Flying Displays:
- What sets the Shuttleworth Collection apart is its operational fleet. Many of the museum’s aircraft are regularly flown, offering a spectacular sight of these historic machines in action.
- The museum holds regular flying days and airshows where visitors can watch the aircraft perform.
- Classic Vehicles and Engines:
- In addition to aircraft, the collection features a range of historic vehicles and engines, including vintage cars, motorcycles, and military vehicles.
- Displays also include early automobiles and motorcycles, many of which are still functional.
- Restoration Workshops:
- One of the most interesting aspects of the Shuttleworth Collection is its on-site restoration workshops, where visitors can see restoration work in progress.
- The museum has a team of skilled engineers and craftsmen who work to preserve and restore the aircraft and vehicles in the collection, often to flying condition.
- Educational and Interactive Exhibits:
- The Shuttleworth Collection provides educational materials and interactive displays, allowing visitors to learn about the history of aviation, engineering, and the science of flight.
- There are often events and activities aimed at families and school groups, making it a great destination for younger visitors.
- Heritage and Preservation:
- The Shuttleworth Collection is not just a museum, but also a preservation society, dedicated to ensuring that the aircraft and vehicles in its care are not only displayed but also flown, used, and preserved for future generations.
- Many of the aircraft have been lovingly restored to their original condition, and the museum’s emphasis on operational aviation makes it unique in the world.
- Airshows and Events:
- The Shuttleworth Collection hosts numerous airshows and special events throughout the year, including vintage aircraft flypasts, classic vehicle rallies, and special themed days.
- These events often feature both flying and static displays, providing a unique experience for visitors of all ages.
- Visitor Facilities:
- The museum offers excellent visitor facilities, including a café, gift shop, and picnic areas.
- The gift shop offers aviation-themed merchandise, books, models, and souvenirs, perfect for fans of aviation history.
Photos Rob Vogelaar