RAF Hornchurch Heritage Centre

91 reviews

119-121 Suttons Ln, Hornchurch RM12 6RU, United Kingdom

www.rafhornchurch.com

About

RAF Hornchurch Heritage Centre is a Museum located at 119-121 Suttons Ln, Hornchurch RM12 6RU, United Kingdom. It has received 91 reviews with an average rating of 4.8 stars.

Photos

Hours

MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
Thursday11AM-4PM
Friday11AM-4PM
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of RAF Hornchurch Heritage Centre: 119-121 Suttons Ln, Hornchurch RM12 6RU, United Kingdom

  • RAF Hornchurch Heritage Centre has 4.8 stars from 91 reviews

  • Museum

  • "Wowwww what a little gem!! I'm Only local to the area, drove past and saw the museum open sign, didn't know there was one!! Went and got my father in law and said we'd take a look for half hour, how wrong can you be"

    "It is truly remarkable what the team of dedicated volunteers have done to create this magnificent RAF heritage centre, housed as it is in a former RAF building dating from the airfield’s heyday"

    "Very helpful and knowledgeable staff"

    "Visited the heritage centre yesterday morning with my 8 year old grandson"

    "For what would be considered as a small museum, the quality and quantity of exhibits is exceptional"

Reviews

  • Paul Romano

Wowwww what a little gem!! I'm Only local to the area, drove past and saw the museum open sign, didn't know there was one!! Went and got my father in law and said we'd take a look for half hour, how wrong can you be.... 2 hours later we still hadn't seen it all, and for only £5 entrance fee, the people who run it are non profitable charity so all money goes back in to the project. If your local (or even if not) and you like history especially centered around hornchurch, and the old airfield, and the RAF amongst other items please take a look, you won't be disappointed. They have only just opened after a long battle with Havering and bellway to salvage and keep one of the original buildings that there now putting new houses on and demolishing them that was built in for the war, there will be a cafe coming soon amongst other items of war history.

  • Ken Bennett

It is truly remarkable what the team of dedicated volunteers have done to create this magnificent RAF heritage centre, housed as it is in a former RAF building dating from the airfield’s heyday. It is very professionally set up to guide visitors logically through the stages of the Hornchurch RAF story and contains a vast array of items of relevant interest - all displayed sympathetically and creatively. Enthusiastic volunteers are on hand to add background and detail to the displays and you are encouraged to take time to explore the centre fully. There is a high quality and great value tea room on site to help you refuel during your visit. Highly recommended for anyone with a local, military or specifically, an RAF connection.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Mark Reeder

Very helpful and knowledgeable staff. I have seen many military museums and finally found this with connections most local to my childhood. Managed to give my 1925 vintage dad a few hours here to rekindle some memories, and I learned a lot about WW2 bombing tech and pieced together the geography and how it changed between the 1920s and 1970s. Couldn't get dad to the upper floor in wheelchair but more than enough to occupy us before he got too tired. When I can, I'll be revisiting to see upstairs and spend more time on the exhibits.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Michael Cook

Visited the heritage centre yesterday morning with my 8 year old grandson. We both found this to be a very interesting museum with plenty to see and learn about the airfields history. The volunteer staff on duty were absolutely engaging with my grandson. They were very knowledgeable and passionate about the local history. We definitely recommend both adults and children visit the centre.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Stephen Chambers

For what would be considered as a small museum, the quality and quantity of exhibits is exceptional. The staff are very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and friendly. We paid to go in and ended up with a guided tour. If you like World War One and predominantly World War Two history, then you should put this high up your list of must visit. Thoroughly enjoyed and will be going back soon.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Sam Chittick

Must visit location for anyone with interest in history. Packed to the brim with historical pieces from the airfield that plays a major role in RAF history. Exhibits range from the aerodrome's service during WWI up to its retirement during the Cold War. Even has a room dedicated to the Battle of Britain movie. One of the other reviewers called it a "hidden gem," they're absolutely right.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Adrian Pope

What a fantastic place, staffed by volunteers. It was a perfect 'filler' for me between visiting Harrow Lodge parkrun, in Hornchurch, then witnessing Margate's victory in their football match against Hornchurch. The staff were friendly, and knowledgeable. There's a cafe, but there was no 'plant' milk. I normally have some in the car, otherwise I would have stopped for a drink.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Jay Smudger

I visited this museum today, what a great little gem it is,packed with items telling the history of raf hornchurch from its opening in ww1 till it closed in the 60s ,rooms full of items telling the story of the pilots ,ground crew and civilians of the base and local area .a must see museum.will be returning soon.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Sandra Frost

Well worth the entrance fee, well organised and informative. Friendly and helpful staff. Spent a couple of hours looking round, had a lovely cup of tea and cake then walked in the Country Park which was on the site of RAF Hornchurch and next door to the centre. A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Will definitely return with the grandchildren and will recommend to friends and family.

  • Jackie Challis

I found this place really interesting. It was my first visit here anyway and I will definitely be going again in the future. Too much information to take in at one visit so will definitely be returning. Lots of interesting items to see. Lots of photos of personnel,famous faces and others... The cafe was very nice too with tea and a delicious fruit scone...loved it all

  • Sue Beckwith

Amazing museum on local war history. Wonderful, friendly staff who are very knowledgeable. Museum looks small from the outside but is like a tardis with so many exhibits. Highly recommend a visit. I went with the scout group so went during the week but open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • John Blake

I was really impressed with the centre - it is packed with interesting objects and information, well presented and serves to remind us of the sacrifices the men and women in both world wars made so that we could enjoy the freedoms we have today. The volunteers who run the centre deserve the highest praise for the welcoming atmosphere and helpfulness.

  • colin spash

Just had a brilliant afternoon here. A great local museum, the volunteers are very knowledgeable and very enthusiastic about RAF Hornchurch and local history of the time. Some of my enthusiasm must have rubbed off, as I was asked if I'd like to join their team
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • James Curran

Visited there today. It is a superb museum. A must for anyone interested in WW1, WW2, the RAF or the history of Hornchurch. There is so much there it cannot be taken in on a single visit. For a mere £20.00 I have become a member so I can go back again and again.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
No

  • Michael Kenny

We didn't know that it was there. We went and enjoyed looking at the momentoes and exhibits. The people running it were very very helpful and friendly which made the visit really nice. They sell refreshments plus food. We can recommend the scones with jam and cream.
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Billy O'Connor

Not many people know this but there used to be a RAF airforce base where the Airfield Estate is, which is how the estate got its name and the RAF Hornchurch Heritage Centre is really good place to learn all about what happened during the war. If you like history, especially local history, you should visit this place.

  • Harpreet Mitchell

This is a hidden gem in Essex. Wonderful museum filled with so much local history. Can't wait to visit again when we are in the area. Staff were friendly and so helpful to share their knowledge with us. Highly recommend a visit.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Sarah Hague

Very interesting museum with 10 areas of exhibits. The place is full of information about the airfield and the part it played in the wars. There's a fun exhibit on the film The Battle of Britain, a room presented as the officers' mess and another showing life in the 40s. Well worth a visit for all ages.

  • Ron Shipton

A place of local and national historic interest covering the history of the inception of Suttons Farm WW1 with the RFC to then the forming of the RAF & RAF Hornchurch WWII up unto the aerodromes closure in 1962.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Dean Southgate

People who wanted to visit the raf heritage site today should of been told on the web site that you were closed due to the queens passing,we drove all the way theret to find it was closed
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
No

  • Catherine Alderson

Visited the Heritage Centre in a prebooked tour for a large group. Excellent organisation, interesting exhibits and individual stories to tell, followed by a delicious cream tea.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Kim Chinery

Fantastic place - so much more to see than expected. The staff are brilliant - friendly & so informative. Well done to everyone involved for providing an amazing experience.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Del Ganly

Visited here as a treat for my 'war mad' mate as a little birthday treat, he was well happy! Great little talks in each room, lots to see and read, keep it up squadron!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Paul Timothy

What a fantastic place, it's keeping history alive, it's not just a history of RAF Hornchurch but a personal history of the people who lived,fought,worked and died for their country, if you live local get yourself and the family down there.

  • Derek Hills (Delboy)

First visited about three years ago when we donated a "steam" radio. Great to see the progress made since then, volunteers all very knowledgeable and friendly. The NAAFI was a bonus, tea and bread pudding. Joined as a yearly member

  • spaceart Ltd

Great place to literally feel the history of them times,very passionate and knowledgeable people to guide you around! Absolutely hidden treasure!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Ian Plowman

A great and friendly place to visit if you're interested in local history. With interesting and fascinating personal stories of RAF Hornchurch.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Tony Holden

If you live locally or happen to be in the area and have an hour or two to spare, pop in. Small museum full of information and artifacts connected to RAF Hornchurch, staffed by volunteers, some of whom served at the former base.

  • Sharon Nicholson

Very well presented museum with superb local relevance, friendly staff and knowledgeable curator. Good to see women in history recognised too.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Colin J

Very interesting with too much to see on one visit. Very friendly and informative staff who were keen to pass on information and listen to us.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Susan Harrington

An interesting & enjoyable morning/afternoon. The volunteers are so knowledgeable & friendly. Had a nice cup of tea & sandwich/cake half way through. Would go again & recommend friends & family to go along. Well done …

  • Mike Harries

Very enjoyable visit with my Dad, who was based here in early 1960s as it closed down and where I was born. Informative exhibitions, a bit text heavy, but very informative.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

  • M F

A long overdue centre to the memory of all who served at such an important and sadly overlooked airfield. So much to see in here and the staff are well informed and courteous. The tea shop does good snacks and coffee too.

  • John

Excellent museum, very interesting and informative. Well worth a couple of hours to visit - or longer if you visit the tea room. Ideal to combine with a visit to the nearby country park: the old Hornchurch Airfield.

  • tony reeve

Brilliant place to visit £5 entry fee is one of the last cheap places to visit with grandparents to children find out about local and international heroes
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Cliff Stone

A great place to visit, the history of RAF Hornchurch and Suttons Farm and the men who flew from there is well documented, manned by helpful and knowledgeable volunteers and they do a nice toasted sandwich too!

  • Ron W

Absolutely brilliant heritage centre. Displays are informative and the staff knowledgeable and friendly. Anyone interested in local history must visit. And have a cream tea in the lovely courtyard in the rear.

  • Janet Edwards

Thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the museum.The guided tour was very informative.Staff all very helpful and friendly.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Mike Wainwright

Very new, put together by enthuastic and knowledgeable local enthusiasts after years of trying to get a permanent museum for the Battle of Britain fighter bsse at RAF Hornchurch. Just brilliant!

  • Dean Lincoln

Just spend over 2 hours in this museum, deceptively much bigger than you think, made all the more enjoyable by the volunteers who are extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the place

  • Ged Coad

Friends visited a few weeks ago but I was elsewhere... gave it a look today... glad I did.. give yourself at least 2 hours... its small but very full of interesting memories and information

  • Ken Hawkins

Very interesting place, very knowledgeable staff plus a tea room.Well worth a visit.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Kim Previdi

Well worth a visit. RAF history shared by very passionate and knowledgeable volunteers.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Sandra Bloys

Fantastic place, well worth a visit. Very friendly and helpful staff.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Kerri Mitchell

A fantastic museum full of history. Recommend it thoroughly to everyone.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Keith Burnett

It was very informative and interesting but also sad that so many men and women lost their lives
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Corrine Buxton

Excellent museum and knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Tony Hatch

Great displays using limited space well thought out. Staff very friendly and informative. Will certainly return soon as more displays are planned.

  • Chris Mott

Great musuem. A lot packed in the little building.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Derek Alexander

Brilliant place to visit. Many thanks to all who helped with our visit today. We also had a lovely cup of tea and bread pudding.

  • PHILIP MANN

Excellent small museum covering the history of this airfield and surroundings from WW1 through to the sites clousure.

  • Tim Bailey

Great amount of detail. I wouldn't take my kids but I know the school visits are recommended. £5 entrance cost.

  • James Sander

Really worth a visit, so much information about RAF Hornchurch and a very important airfield during WW2.

  • Jasmine Gray

A wonderful and vast collection of local history. Very interesting and I will be coming back again.

  • keith babbs

Why hasn't the RAF Heritage museum got a flag at half mast in respect of the queen passing.

  • Jemma Styles

Highly recommend! The volunteer s are friendly, engaging and very knowledgeable Thankyou !

  • Stuart Hudson

What a great place. Staff friendly and have a wealth of k owledge. We'll worth a visit

  • Robert Adlington (M0BOB)

Really interesting. Probably suitable for children aged 8+
Visited on
Weekend

  • kevin rawlings

People there with very good knowledge of exhibits and local history to be proud of.

  • Roger Woods

What an eye-opener, from the front looks tiny, easily spend a couple of hours there

  • Simon Bedford

Well put together with a large number of items on display. Worth a visit

  • Wow Worldwide


Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

  • DEREK SILK

Very interesting about our local history.

  • Barry Major

Fantastic place to visit so much to see.

  • James Smith

Amazing displays large cinema see pic.

  • Stephen Edward Dolby

Brilliant place please visit

  • Grant Warren

Local history at its best

  • niall finucane

Well worth a visit.

  • Pauline Hedger

Well worth a visit

  • anthony wall

Nice little visit

  • John Lovell

A must visit site

  • Lisa Rowe

Brilliant place

  • John Lucey
  • Fábio Tanniguchi
  • Leonard Howard
  • Stephen Daly
  • Dave Taylor
  • Adam Carpenter
  • John Parish
  • Susan Maguire

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