Play area
Children's Playground
Free
A custom-made outdoor play area for children.
Explore the UK's largest independent aviation museum, home to historic aircraft replicas like the Blackburn Mercury and Avro 504K. Visitors can enjoy indoor displays, a Grade II listed control tower, a woodland walk, and a dedicated play area.
The UK's largest independent aviation museum, featuring a diverse collection of historic aircraft, a memorial, and family-friendly grounds.
The Yorkshire Air Museum near York is the UK's largest independent museum dedicated to aviation history. Based at a historic site, the museum serves as the Allied Air Forces Memorial and displays a diverse collection of historic aircraft and replicas. Visitors can explore preserved structures like the Grade II Listed Control Tower alongside scenic, family-friendly woodland walks.
Planning a visit to the Yorkshire Air Museum in Elvington, York, is straightforward. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended to ensure a smooth arrival and entry experience. Visitors can comfortably explore the historic wartime airfield, buildings, and aircraft displays at their own pace.
Located on the historic RAF Elvington airfield near York, the Yorkshire Air Museum offers an immersive journey through military and civilian aviation history. As the UK's largest independent aviation museum, the site showcases a diverse collection of aircraft, including a restored 1911 Blackburn Mercury replica. Visitors can explore the Grade II listed control tower, pay tribute at the Allied Air Forces Memorial, and discover wartime exhibition hangars. The experience is completed by a scenic woodland walk, an onsite cinema, and family-friendly outdoor spaces.
In 1980, proposals began to restore the derelict wartime RAF Elvington airfield, leading to site clearance in 1983. The Yorkshire Air Museum officially opened near York in 1986, establishing a lasting **Allied Air Forces Memorial** on the historic grounds. While the Royal Air Force used the adjacent runway until 1992, the museum expanded its collections, launching a major pioneers exhibition in 2010 and securing a preservation grant in 2026.
The Yorkshire Air Museum has been awarded nearly £250,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to modernize its extensive historical collections. This project will improve storage for thousands of wartime artifacts and documents, allowing researchers and family historians better access to the museum's rich aviation heritage. Additionally, the funding will support new community outreach programs, volunteer training, and educational activities centered on the history of the RAF and flight.
Get an inside look at the ongoing restoration of the Avro Shackleton WR963 at the Yorkshire Air Museum. Learn about the team's progress in rebuilding the aircraft's fuselage, engine integration, and the plans for the coming years as this historic machine returns to shape.
The Yorkshire Air Museum recently marked its 40th anniversary with a special celebration honoring its journey since 1985. The event featured vintage flying displays, historical exhibits, and a look back at the museum's role as a charitable trust dedicated to preserving aviation history.
The Yorkshire Air Museum is undertaking a significant restoration project to repaint its historic Handley Page Victor XL231 aircraft. This iconic Cold War tanker will return to its original 1980s camouflage scheme, mirroring its appearance during the Falklands conflict. Visitors can follow the transformation, which is supported by expert partners, with an unveiling planned for June 15th.
The Yorkshire Air Museum has announced the appointment of RAF veteran and aviation pilot Martin Withers DFC as the new Honorary President of the Friends of the Museum. This role celebrates his distinguished flying career and his dedicated seven-year tenure as a museum Trustee. Visitors and members can look forward to his continued involvement as he supports the museum's ongoing efforts and community engagement.
The Yorkshire Air Museum is calling for skilled volunteers to join their team to assist in the preservation of their historic aircraft and site buildings. They are seeking experienced metal workers, engineers, mechanics, and tradespeople who are interested in contributing to the maintenance of the museum's unique collection near York.
Visual previews of the Yorkshire Air Museum near York showcase the expansive historic airfield grounds, featuring authentic Nissen huts, a control tower, and open runways. Images capture a diverse array of historic aircraft parked outdoors on the tarmac, alongside massive bombers housed inside the museum's spacious display hangars. Visitors will also spot vintage ground vehicles, such as classic red rescue tenders.
Locate historic exhibitions and heritage sites in York.
Identify museums to visit in York that match your specific interests. Discover heritage highlights and local history exhibitions tailored to what you want to learn. Plan a highly personalized itinerary through the rich cultural landscape of this historic destination.
