The Sywell Aviation Museum, located at Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire, England, is a charming and informative museum, focuses on local aviation history, particularly during World War II and the development of Sywell Aerodrome itself.

Sywell Aviation Museum

Sywell Aerodrome

Sywell, Northants NN6 0BN

Northampton

United Kingdom

www.sywellaerodrome.co.uk/museum.php

info@sywellaerodrome.co.uk

+44 7968 061708

• Opening Times: Open on weekends and bank holidays 10:30 – 16:30, typically from Easter Saturday – September. It is best to check the museum’s official website or contact them directly for exact timings.

Aircraft collection

XD599/A WG419 WH887/847 G-RAVL WN904 KF532 WZ820

de Havilland Vampire T.11 (cockpit) de Havilland Canada Chipmunk T.10 (cockpit) English Electric Canberra TT.18 (cockpit) Handley Page HP-137 Jetstream 1 Hawker Hunter F.2 North American Harvard IIB (fuselage) Slingsby Grasshopper TX.1*

• not sure the Grasshopper is in the collection

1. Exhibits and Highlights:1. World War II History:
   • RAF Sywell: The museum emphasizes Sywell Aerodrome’s role during WWII as a training ground and maintenance base. Aircraft and Artifacts: Displays include wartime memorabilia, uniforms, equipment, and model aircraft.
   2. Aircraft Displays:
   • Several restored aircraft and cockpits, such as:
     • Hawker Hunter F.2 RAF and Jetstream 1 former Cranfield College of Aeronautics. Aircraft components from crashed or salvaged planes, often tied to compelling stories.
   3. Home Front and Military History:
   • Focuses on life in Britain during wartime, including:
     • Local civilian contributions to the war effort. Evocative displays about air raids and civil defense.
   4. Post-War Aviation:
   • Displays explore the post-war aviation industry and Sywell Aerodrome’s transformation into a modern airfield.
   Special Features:
   • Interactive Exhibits: Visitors can explore cockpits and handle some objects. Storytelling: Personal accounts of pilots, engineers, and locals involved in aviation during significant historical periods.
   Visitor Information:
   • Opening Times: Open on weekends and bank holidays, typically from spring to autumn. It is best to check the museum’s official website or contact them directly for exact timings.Admission: Free, but donations are welcomed to support the museum’s operations.Facilities:
     • Located near Sywell Aerodrome’s amenities, including a café and parking.The aerodrome itself is a historic site, with a 1930s Art Deco-style control tower and hangars still in use.
   Events and Activities:
   • Air Shows and Fly-Ins: The museum participates in and sometimes hosts events featuring vintage and modern aircraft. Educational Visits: Aimed at schools and groups interested in aviation history.
   The Sywell Aviation Museum is an excellent stop for aviation enthusiasts.

The 305th Bombardment Group (Heavy) Memorial Association is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the 305th Bombardment Group, known as the “Can Do” group, which served during World War II. This group completed 480 missions, flying B-17 “Flying Fortresses,” and suffered significant losses, including 158 aircraft and 769 personnel.

Operational aircraft at Sywell Aerodrome

Pictures Rob Vogelaar aviationmuseum.eu