The Avro Heritage Museum is located in Woodford, Cheshire, England, on the site of the former Avro Aircraft Factory, which played a pivotal role in the development of British aviation. The museum preserves the legacy of Avro, one of the most significant British aircraft manufacturers, and highlights its contributions to aviation history from its founding in 1910 through to the closure of the Woodford site in 2012.
Avro Heritage Museum
Chester Road, Woodford, Bramhall
Woodford, Stockport SK7 1AG
http://avroheritagemuseum.co.uk
+44 1625 877 534
Winter
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holyday Monday 10:00 – 16:00
- Tuesday, Thursday Pre-booked group visits only
- Closed Monday, Wednesday
Summer
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holyday Monday 10:00 – 17:00
- Tuesday, Thursday Pre-booked group visits only
- Closed Monday, Wednesday
Last admission is 1 hour before closing.
Summer opening hours apply during BST.
Winter opening hours apply during GMT.
Admission fee
Sat Nav: SK7 1QR
Aircraft collection
| G-AGPG
TX235 WZ744 G-ORAL R5868/S WR960 – XM602 XM603 XV235 WK118/CQ XV106/W | Avro Anson 11 (cockpit)
Avro Anson C.19 (frame)* Avro 707C* Avro 748 Series 2A (cockpit)* Avro Lancaster (cockpit replica) Avro Shackelton AEW.2* Avro Type F (replica) Avro Vulcan B.2 (cockpit) Avro Vulcan B.2 BAE Nimrod MR.2 (cockpit) English Canberra TT.18 (cockpit) Vickers VC10 C1K (cockpit) |
The Avro Heritage Museum is situated on the site of the old Woodford Airfield. The current museum site was donated by BAE Systems when the airfield and Aircraft assembly plant was closed down. The airfield fire station building has been converted into a state of the art museum.
The museum houses Avro Heritage Trust’s extensive catalogue of aviation history documents and exhibits including the Vulcan bomber and education centre.
*The Avro Shackleton AEW.2, Avro 707C, Avro 748 Series 2A (cockpit), Avro Anson C.19 (frame) are not on display but stored elsewhere.
Overview Avro Heritage Museum:
- Location: Woodford, Cheshire, England.
- Focus: The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of Avro, a company that produced some of the most iconic aircraft of the 20th century, including bombers, airliners, and military aircraft.
- Historical Significance: The Avro brand is closely associated with some of Britain’s most important military and civilian aircraft, particularly during World War II and the Cold War. The company’s most notable aircraft include the Avro Lancaster, Avro Vulcan, and Avro 504.
Key Exhibits and Highlights Avro Heritage Museum:
1. The Avro Lancaster:
- One of the most famous aircraft in British aviation history, the Avro Lancaster was a heavy bomber used extensively during WWII.
- The museum often features exhibitions on the Lancaster bomber, including detailed models and history about its design, operational use, and the crucial role it played in the Dambuster raids and other strategic bombing campaigns.
2. The Avro Vulcan:
- Another iconic aircraft in the Avro legacy, the Avro Vulcan was a jet-powered strategic bomber used by the Royal Air Force during the Cold War.
- The Avro Heritage Museum showcases the development of the Vulcan and its service history, particularly its role in nuclear deterrence and as part of the V-bomber fleet. It’s the only white painted Vulcan in the UK.
- Cockpit displays and model Vulcans offer visitors a close look at this influential aircraft.
3. The Avro 504:
- The Avro 504 was an early biplane, famously used during World War I as a training aircraft and in combat roles.
- The museum may feature exhibits on this historic aircraft, including its development and the aviation advances it represented during the Great War.
4. Other Avro Aircraft:
- The museum showcases other significant aircraft produced by Avro, including:
- The Avro 707 (a prototype delta-wing jet aircraft).
- Avro Shackletons (used by the Royal Air Force for maritime reconnaissance).
- Avro Andover (a tactical transport aircraft used in the 1960s).
5. Avro Factory History:
- The museum offers insight into the Woodford site’s role in aircraft production, focusing on the people, processes, and innovations that took place there.
- Exhibits often cover the history of the factory during and after World War II, as well as its impact on the local community and the wider aviation industry.
6. Engineering and Design Legacy:
- Avro’s engineers and designers contributed significantly to aircraft technologies, including advanced aerodynamics, materials science, and military applications.
- Visitors can explore the engineering principles behind iconic Avro aircraft through detailed displays, models, and technical information.
Special Events and Activities:
1. Aviation Days and Open Days:
- The museum hosts occasional open days where special exhibitions, aircraft demonstrations, and talks are given, often with a focus on particular aircraft like the Lancaster or Vulcan.
- Aviation enthusiasts and families can participate in hands-on activities and enjoy interactive exhibits.
2. Talks and Lectures:
- The museum occasionally runs talks and lectures by experts, covering various aspects of the Avro aircraft history, aviation engineering, and the role of the company during significant historical events such as WWII.
3. Heritage and Preservation Events:
- The museum organizes events around the preservation of aviation history, where visitors can learn about the work involved in maintaining and restoring historic aircraft and artifacts.
Significance:
The Avro Heritage Museum is a significant destination for aviation enthusiasts and anyone interested in the history of British military and civilian aircraft. With its detailed displays on iconic aircraft like the Lancaster and Vulcan, the museum provides visitors with a deep understanding of Avro’s pivotal role in the development of modern aviation.
Photos Rob Vogelaar
The aviationmuseum.eu team visited the Avro Heritage Museum this summer (2022). We were accompanied by one of the volunteers, who enthusiastically told us about the history of the Avro factory. What struck us most was the time line which listed the many aircraft types produced during that period.
Each Avro type is clearly discussed on the many boards along the wall. All the cockpits and models look good and well cared for.
This museum is well worth a visit.