- Workshop barriers are removed, giving a rare chance to inspect historic aircraft and engineering in intimate detail
- Activities including flight simulators and immersive VR
- Temporary exhibition ‘In focus: The Sopwith & Hawker Story’ running 14-22 February
Old Warden, 29 January 2026 – For one weekend only, on 21 and 22 February, barriers will be removed at Shuttleworth’s engineering workshop, giving guests a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to restore, rebuild and operate one of the world’s most extensive collections of working vintage agricultural exhibits, veteran and vintage vehicles, and airworthy aircraft from the earliest days of flight. A packed programme is scheduled, including talks and demonstrations from expert engineers, vintage bus rides, engineering-focused activities, and tours of the hangars and Shuttleworth House, amongst other activities.
A temporary exhibition titled ‘In Focus: The Sopwith & Hawker Story’ celebrating Sopwith and Hawker aircraft, featuring six of Shuttleworth’s own iconic Collection aircraft, including the 1918 Sopwith F.1 Camel (which will have an engine ground run on Engineering Open Workshop weekend) and the 1941 Hawker Sea Hurricane Ib, will also exclusively take place on 14-22 February – with barriers coming down around the exhibition during the Workshop event.
Featured exhibits
Visitors will be able to get up close to wartime fighters Supermarine Spitfire Vc and Bristol M.1C as well as the unique Southern Martlet which will be on display. Additionally on view in the workshop will be aircraft currently undergoing restoration including the Percival Mew Gull, English Electric Wren, and Deperdussin, offering guests a rare look inside the intricate mechanics that keep these historic machines flying. Shuttleworth’s in-house team of engineers will also demonstrate an engine ground run on the Sopwith F.1 Camel as well as the Hucks Starter on the Hawker Hind – which has recently undergone an extensive overhaul and is now repainted in the colours of 605 Squadron, serial K5533.
The workshop will also showcase a fascinating range of historic vehicles and machinery, including the ABC Motorcycle, the 1899 Marot-Gardon Quadricycle, a 1900 Locomobile, a Ford Model A Truck, and a Leyland Bus Engine. Visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences with interactive attractions such as Studebaker car rides and the Bofors anti-aircraft gun. In steam will be the Clayton & Shuttleworth portable steam engine powering the thrashing set as well as the ever-popular traction engine “Phoenix”, and the newly acquired steam wagon “The Fenland Princess”.
Hands-on, engineering activities and challenges
Various invited partner organisations will present an exciting range of engineering-focused activities suitable for all ages. Visitors will have the chance to take the controls in flight simulators, delve into Bedford’s airship heritage with immersive VR experiences, practice traditional English wheeling, craft and paint scale models, and put their skills to the test by diagnosing aircraft engine faults.
Showcasing their engineering prowess, the WorldSkills UK team will undertake a trial run of aeronautical engineering challenges against the clock in preparation for competing in the 48th WorldSkills championships in Shanghai, China this September.
‘In focus: The Sopwith & Hawker Story’ temporary exhibition
From 14-22 February, a temporary exhibition in Hangar Four will take place, bringing into focus the pioneering legacy of the Sopwith Aviation Company and Hawker Aircraft Limited, highlighting their designs and contributions to aviation history. Visitors can explore iconic aircraft, learn about the engineers and designers who brought them to life, and discover how these legendary companies shaped flight. For Engineering Open Workshop weekend, the barriers will be removed around the exhibition, allowing guests to admire the aircraft even more closely.
Jean-Michel Munn, Head of Engineering, commented:
“Engineering Open Workshop is the first big event of 2026 for Shuttleworth’s engineering team, and we’re looking forward to showcasing our current restoration projects in progress at the workshop as well as the rest of our iconic Collection. In contrast to the spectacle of our air shows, it’s fantastic to be able to welcome the public to our workshop to appreciate the skill, patience and passion which keeps these historic aircraft able to fly.”
Under 18s tickets are free for this event, with adult tickets at £25 (and £20 for members), available to book here.
