Sywell Aviation Museum

Key Facts

Officially opened on 21st July 2001, the Sywell Aviation Museum aims to preserve the history of Sywell Aerodrome and Northamptonshire’s rich aviation heritage from the early days of aviation to the Second World War and beyond. There is a large collection of memorabilia photographs, artefacts, models and uniforms on display which charts the history of the area. Aviation Archaeology – the recovery of crashed aeroplanes – is a core aspect of the displays. One of the larger exhibits is a Bristol Hercules engine recovered from the wreck of the Vickers Wellington bomber which crashed tragically at Hardwick, now carefully cleaned and preserved. Other displays include the History of Sywell from 1928; Brooklands Aviation etc; RAF memorabilia; USAAF Display hall (concentrating on the USAAF at Chelveston); RAF/USAAF ordnance including a 1943 Mercury Bomb Tractor, period C Type Bomb Trolley and inert 1000 lb bomb, Norden Bomb sight, mock up B17 Cheek Position etc. The museum building comprises three linked together Second World War Nissen huts, previously located at the now closed RAF Bentwaters and moved by S.A.M. members.

At Sywell aerodrome, off the A43 north east of Northampton, just before the village of Sywell, Northamptonshire. See this location on Microsoft Live Search Maps

Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays 10.30 am to 4.30 pm, Easter to the end of September. All other times by prior appointment.

Entrance to the Museum is free (donations welcome).

Amenities:

Free Car Park; adjacent to Aviator hotel with overnight accomodation, WCs, Bar, restaurant; fixed wing, helicopter, microlight pleasure flights and aircraft hire; hangarage etc; Public airfield viewing area; Conference centre (Hangar One).

Note: The Auster and Grasshopper are currently in store, and the other types are held elsewhere until more display space is available.

Sywell Aviation Museum, Sywell, Northampton, NN6 0BN. Chairman, Richard Watts Tel: 01604 811582. Group Secretary, Ben Brown Tel: 0796 8061708. e-mail: Ben Brown Web: Sywell Aviation Museum

‘Carpetbagger’ Aviation Museum

Key Facts

The museum is located at the former USAAF Station 179, home of the 492nd and 801st Bomb Groups, USAAF, which were tasked with dropping Secret Agents and supplies into enemy territory in World War Two. The main part of the museum is housed in the former group operations block, and includes a wide range of exhibits devoted to the history of the air base and of Northamptonshire in tbe war. The adjacent former paymaster’s building houses the Museum of the Northamptonshire Aviation Society.

On the minor road south out of Harrington village, towards Lamport, turn right after the A14 underpass and follow the brown signs. See this location on Microsoft Live Search Maps

Weekends and Bank Holidays 10.00 am to 5.00 pm, Easter to the end of October.

See official site for details.

Amenities:

Toilets, Parking, Cafe, Souvenir shop, Access for the disabled.

‘Carpetbagger’ Aviation Museum, Sunnyvale Farm Nursery, off Lamport Road, Harrington, Northampton, NN6 9PF. Tel: 01604 686608. Website: Carpetbagger Aviation Museum