RAF Museum Midlands – Airscene News

From the Blitz to Ukraine: stories of displacement explored in new display

A new community-led display at the RAF Museum Midlands explores the human cost of war and conflict. It brings together the personal experiences of civilians who endured the Second World War Blitz in West Bromwich and the wider Black Country, alongside the journeys of people displaced from Ukraine to the Midlands, following the 2014 and 2022 Russian invasions.

Told through photographs, archive material, personal testimonies and objects, the display connects these two periods of history through the experiences of Joyce Langford, who lived through the Blitz in the Black Country, and Daria Pyrozhenko, from Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine, who relocated to the UK in 2023.

Together, Joyce and Daria’s stories show how war can reshape civilian lives, often bringing injury and loss, destroying homes and livelihoods, and disrupting the fabric of communities. Their experience also highlights the endurance, resourcefulness and determination of ordinary people striving to protect their families, identity and community while under attack.

Joyce Langford recalled:

‘The sirens went off and Mum used to run with me in her arms, and the old lady next door and go into the air raid shelter. You had one air raid shelter between two or three houses.’

Co-created with community organisations and volunteers, the display explores themes of destruction, communication and community spirit. Discover how the destruction caused by bombing affected homes and infrastructure in the Black Country, and the impact of attacks on civilian areas in Ukraine. Compare how vital communication during times of crisis has evolved over time, from wartime letters and Air Raid Precautions messengers to today’s messaging apps and digital networks. See the powerful impact of community spirit, discovering how civilians have volunteered in essential roles, organising emergency shelter and food, and helping to restore power, clear damaged buildings, while supporting one another.

Daria Pyrozhenko describes the continuing reality of life in Kharkiv:

‘Nowadays, the city is under constant attack, and destruction has become part of the everyday landscape. Yet the people who remain still deeply cherish the beauty and history of their remarkable town, finding small moments of peace and creating their own moments of happiness in daily life.’

Grace Ries, Head of Exhibitions and Interpretation at RAF Museum said:

‘What makes the Displaced Display particularly special is that it has been developed together with the communities whose experiences it explores. This is a community-led, co-created display, bringing together local histories of the Blitz with the lived experiences of Ukrainians who have made their homes in the Midlands. By sharing personal stories and working alongside community partners, we have been able to create a display that feels both deeply rooted in the history of this region and relevant to the world around us today.’

The Displaced Display was officially opened on 24 August, Ukraine Independence Day, with Daria Pyrozhenko and relatives of Joyce Langford in attendance. It has been made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and co-created with contributions from the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, Shropshire Supports Refugees, Sandwell Archives, the Express & Star and a team of Museum volunteers who contributed more than 100 hours research.

Entry to the Museum and viewing the display is free of charge, open daily from 10.00am. For more information visit rafmuseum.org/midlands.

Robotics, AI and Aviation Take Flight at RAF Museum Summer Camp

This summer, the RAF Museum Midlands is inviting young people aged 11–13 to take part in an exciting five-day RAF Summer Camp, packed with hands-on STEM activities in a unique aviation setting.

Delivered in partnership with Tablet Academy, the immersive programme will inspire the next generation of innovators through science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Participants will explore robotics, flight, coding, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and team-based engineering challenges, all while learning in the inspiring surroundings of the RAF Museum.

With just 20 places available each week, the RAF Summer Camp will run from 27–31 July and 3–7 August, from 9.45am to 4.00pm daily. The camp costs £140 per child and includes all workshop materials, activities and a certificate of achievement.

Throughout the week, participants will take part in a series of engaging challenges and projects, including:

Monday – LEGO Engineering & Aeronautics

Build a vehicle capable of pulling an aircraft using LEGO Spike Prime technology
Discover how real-world aeronautical systems work and recreate them through robotics
Hands-on Museum walk exploring aircraft engineering systems.

Tuesday – Digital Creations & Virtual Spaces

Experiment with AI generative tools and create your own designs with Adobe Express
Create and explore immersive virtual environments using CoSpaces and VR technology.

Wednesday – Tech Adventures in Minecraft & Robotics

Navigate the skies in Minecraft with the Elytra Flight Challenge
Dive into design thinking with Sphero Blueprints and robotics challenges.

Thursday – Cyber Secrets & AI Exploration

Step into the world of wartime codebreaking and learn the fundamentals of cybersecurity
Train your own AI models using Teachable Machines.

Friday – Ultimate Build Challenge

Put the week’s learning into practice in a full day building challenge
Working in teams, innovate and create impressive projects to showcase and take home.

The RAF Summer Camp offers a fun and engaging way for young people to develop valuable STEM skills, build confidence and work collaboratively, while exploring the fascinating worlds of aviation and technology.

To book a place, visit rafmuseum.org/midlands. The camp is suitable for children aged 11–13. All equipment and materials are provided; participants should bring their own food and drinks each day.

NEW RAF Museum aircraft to make first appearance at Cosford Air Show

The RAF Museum Midlands will showcase three NEW aircraft acquisitions at the RAF Cosford Air Show on Sunday 14 June. The British Aerospace Hawk T1A, General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper and Westland Puma HC1 will go on static display in the Museum’s enclosure on the airfield, alongside the iconic Chinook ‘Bravo November’, to complete an incredible line-up of RAF aircraft.

Visitors attending this year’s Air Show will be the first to see the Museum’s new Hawk, Reaper and Puma. Following their appearance at the Air Show all three aircraft will be stored before going on permanent display in the Museum’s forthcoming exhibition ‘The RAF: 1980 to Today’. This new exhibition is part of a sitewide transformation, made possible with the support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The new acquisitions were recently transported by the Joint Aircraft Recovery and Transportation Squadron (JARTS) by road to RAF Cosford, where they are currently being reassembled, ready for their first public appearance. Thanks go to the RAF Museum’s Technicians, Babcock (RAF Shawbury and RAF Cosford), and MOD colleagues for their support with preparing the airframes for Air Show.

The Hawk was an advanced jet trainer that entered RAF service in 1976. In 1979, it was selected as the replacement for the Folland Gnat as the aircraft flown by the RAF Aerobatic Team, otherwise known as the Red Arrows. The Reaper entered service with the RAF in 2007 and was its first combat-capable remotely piloted aircraft system or ‘drone’. The Reaper’s ability to loiter over targets undetected has given it an invaluable role in intelligence gathering and precision strike operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. The Reaper retired from global RAF operations in 2025 following 18 years’ service. The Puma is a French-designed, medium-lift helicopter, that was in service with the RAF from 1971 to 2025. Over an incredible 54 year history, the Puma has served on a staggering range of operations.

Tom Hopkins, RAF Museum Curator (Aircraft and Exhibits) said:

‘We are delighted to announce the acquisition of these remarkable aircraft and look forward to sharing them with aviation enthusiasts at this year’s Cosford Air Show. Each represents a significant chapter in RAF history, whether that’s the Hawk which continues to inspire audiences as part of the world-famous Red Arrows display team, or the Puma which has more than five decades of distinguished RAF service. The recently retired Reaper will become the first aircraft of its type to enter a UK museum collection, and while it will be some time before these aircraft go on permanent display at the Museum, we are excited to offer Cosford Air Show visitors this exclusive early preview.’

In addition to the aircraft line-up, there will be plenty more on offer for families visiting the Museum’s enclosure. Exclusively for the Cosford Air Show, aviation fans can get on board the legendary Chinook ‘Bravo November’, for a small donation. Known as ‘The Survivor’, Bravo November earned its reputation during the 1982 liberation of the Falkland Islands. After the MS Atlantic Conveyor was struck by a missile and later sank, Bravo November was the sole Chinook to survive, going on to play a crucial role in the conflict.

Families can also enjoy access to a replica Spitfire cockpit, try on RAF uniforms and hats, test out their coding abilities with interactive robotics activities, and browse an extensive retail offer with many exclusive items. Elsewhere on the airfield, the Museum’s Harrier GR3 and Wessex will also be making an appearance.

Air Show ticket holders will also benefit from an exclusive Museum offer. Enjoy free parking on a return visit to the Museum and a two for one offer on 4D Theatre rides. Simply present your Air Show ticket when registering your vehicle on arrival at the Museum, and at the point of purchase to receive the two for one 4D Theatre offer.

With just over a week to go, the Cosford Air Show is close to selling out with just a few tickets remaining. To purchase tickets, go tocosfordairshow.co.uk.

RAF Museum Midlands joint top of Which’s best UK museums list

The RAF Museum Midlands is proud to announce it has been awarded Which? Recommended Provider status in the prestigious ‘Best Museums and Galleries in the UK’ category.

In a survey of over 2,000 members conducted by the independent consumer champion Which?, the RAF Museum Midlands achieved an outstanding score of 93%, making it the joint top-rated Museum in the UK.

Which? members praised the Museum across several key areas including exhibitions living up to expectations and excellent value for money. Museum staff were also recognised in the survey, achieving top marks from Which? members, as did the facilities on offer, and the uncrowded environments across vast hangars and outdoor areas. The quality of information available to visitors and the Museum’s café were also highly commended.

This latest accolade reinforces the RAF Museum Midlands’ reputation as one of the UK’s leading visitor attractions, offering an engaging, educational and memorable day out for all.

Barry Smith, Director of Visitor and Commercial Development at the RAF Museum said:

‘We are incredibly proud to be recognised as a Which? Recommended Provider and be rated joint top of Which’s best UK museums list. Which? only endorses the best products and services that genuinely stand out for quality, making this recognition a true reflection of visitor satisfaction and excellence. We scored consistently highly across all areas, and this recognition is a testament of the team’s dedication to delivering an enjoyable and accessible day out for everyone.’

Which? Recommended Providers are companies that are both rated highly by Which? members and have products that meet the high standards of Which? researchers. As a completely independent organisation, the granting of Which? Recommended Provider status truly reflects what they think – not what someone else wants them to say.

Which? The best museums and galleries in the UK article 2026 stated:

‘Ask an RAF veteran (we did) and they’ll tell you Cosford is the best aircraft museum in the nation, nay the world. You can marvel at the Vulcan, Victor and Valiant V-bombers that dangle from the ceiling of this Midlands hangar, and stand in awe of the supersonic BAC TSR-2 prototype. Kids get a kick out of the Virtual Reality Zone, where they can do loop-the-loops in the pilot seat of an iconic Spitfire, while unwittingly honing their World War history.’

The Museum’s sister site, the RAF Museum London, also performed exceptionally well – with the joint highest visitor score for any museum or gallery in London.

Explore the full Which? findings here – ‘The best museums and galleries in the UK’. To plan a visit and enjoy a free family day out at one of the UK’s top-rated museums, visit rafmuseum.org/midlands. The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and entry is free.

RAF Museum Midlands Awarded £1 Million Biffa Award Grant for Major New Exhibition

The Royal Air Force Museum Midlands has been awarded a £1 million grant from the Biffa Award to support the development of a major new exhibition exploring the story of the RAF from 1980 to today.

The funding, awarded through the Landfill Communities Fund, will contribute to the delivery of ‘The RAF: 1980 to Today’ exhibition, a central element of the Museum’s wider Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme.

The innovative new permanent exhibition will share the critical role of the RAF over the past 40 years, inviting visitors to discover the RAF’s role today and how it is adapting to the future including its responsibilities for space and cyber defence. Through compelling storytelling, immersive aircraft and object displays, and digital interactives, visitors will gain insight into the people, technology and operations that define today’s RAF.

Biffa Award, is a multi-million pound fund that helps to build communities and transform lives through awarding grants to communities and environmental projects across England and Northern Ireland as part of the Government’s Landfill Communities Fund. The RAF Museum’s Biffa Award grant will support essential elements of the exhibition’s design and build, including display cases, lighting, setworks, mannequins, interactives, mount making, and specialist infrastructure.

Maggie Appleton, CEO of the Royal Air Force Museum, said:

‘We are enormously grateful to the Biffa Award for this transformative £1 million grant. This funding will enable us to create a bold and immersive exhibition that explores the RAF’s story from 1980 to today, a period of rapid technological change, global operations and evolving challenges. As part of our Inspiring Everyone development programme, this exhibition will help us connect with new audiences, reflect contemporary service life, and inspire visitors to think about the RAF’s future. The support of the Biffa Award is instrumental in helping us realise this vision at our Midlands site.’

Rachel Maidment, Grants Manager at Biffa Award, said:

‘We are delighted to support the RAF Museum Midlands with this significant grant through the Landfill Communities Fund. This new exhibition will shine a light on the vital work of the RAF over the last four decades, helping visitors of all ages connect with the people, technology and stories that continue to shape our national defence. At Biffa Award, we are committed to funding projects that inspire, educate and strengthen communities, and we are proud to help bring this important exhibition to life.’

The new exhibition forms part of sitewide transformation of the RAF Museum Midlands, made possible with the support of funders including The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Royal Air Force, as well as the RAF Museum’s own investment. The redevelopment will also deliver a state-of-the-art Learning Centre, Collections Hub, expanded green spaces, along with a community engagement programme, ensuring the Museum remains nationally relevant and accessible for decades to come. The new spaces will be available for visitors to enjoy from summer 2027.

www.rafmuseum.org/midlands

Dustbusters take to the rafters for daring aircraft clean

A specialist team of Dustbusters with a head for heights are carrying out the annual suspended aircraft spring clean at the RAF Museum Midlands.

Suspended from the ceiling, up to 100ft in the air, eight aircraft including a Vulcan bomber, will all be given a light dusting this week as part of the annual clean and inspection. Other aircraft being spruced up include a Canberra, Meteor, Sabre, Hunter, Lightning, Dakota and Javelin, all displayed within the Museum’s National Cold War Exhibition.

Strapped into harnesses and with nerves of steel, the specialist cleaning team climb the rafters of the building and abseil down to access the aircraft. No cleaning solutions are used on the aircraft, just a good dusting using large soft fibre mops. In addition to cleaning the aircraft, the team are also conducting safety inspections of the suspension cables supporting the aircraft in their flying display positions.

As part of this year’s spring clean, some of the Museum’s older aircraft in other display hangars have also been given a light dusting, including a Second World War Wellington bomber. Additionally, other harder to reach aircraft including the Lincoln, TSR2, JU88, Bristol M.1c, and Hart, have all been dusted down to keep them looking their best.

Tom Hopkins, Curator at RAF Museum Midlands said:

‘Each aircraft in our collection has its own story and maintaining them properly is essential to ensuring those stories can continue to be shared with future generations. The suspended displays are some of the most striking in the Museum, but they also require a very specialised approach to care. It’s fantastic to work with a team that can safely access these aircraft and carry out such work with precision, helping us keep them in excellent condition for everyone who visits.’

During the clean the Museum will remain open to visitors who can see the high-flying team from Totally Wild Access, industrial rope access specialists, in action.

The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and admission is free. Visit rafmuseum.org/midlands to plan your visit.

Join ‘The Crate Escape’ and support the RAF Museum on its fundraising mission!

The Royal Air Force Museum is on a mission to relocate over 50,000 historic objects to a new Collections Hub in the Midlands.

To achieve this monumental move, the Museum is inviting the public and companies to join The Crate Escape, an ambitious fundraising campaign set to unlock over a century of incredible stories from RAF history.

The RAF Museum is the guardian of a national collection, capturing every aspect of RAF life. Currently, less than 1% of the Museum’s rich collection is on public display, with many of the remaining treasures hidden away in a vast storage facility at MOD Stafford. This Aladdin’s cave of aviation heritage holds everything from aircraft and ejector seats to uniforms, medals and memorabilia, each item with its own remarkable story.

Now, in a bold new mission, the Museum will relocate these hidden treasures to a new purpose-built Collections Hub at the RAF Museum Midlands, where they will become accessible to the public for the very first time.

Ewen Cameron, Curator (Stored Collection) at the RAF Museum, said:

‘The move from Stafford to our Midlands site is no small feat. Behind the scenes, our specialist staff and dedicated volunteers are busy preparing to move more than 50,000 objects. This equates to over 31,000 hours of work identifying and cataloguing each individual object, assessing its condition, carrying out essential conservation work, and carefully cleaning and packing the objects, ready for their final journey to the Museum.’

This enormous logistical operation marks a key phase in the wider transformation of the Museum’s Midlands site. Due for completion in summer 2027, the transformation will also include a new permanent exhibition that explores the role of the RAF from 1980 through to space and cyber defence, along with a state-of-the-art Learning Centre and expanded green spaces for visitors to enjoy. The project has been made possible with the support of funders including The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Royal Air Force, as well as the RAF Museum’s own investment.

Ella Hewitt, Individual Giving Manager at the RAF Museum, said:

‘The Crate Escape isn’t just about moving objects, it’s about bringing hidden RAF stories of bravery, innovation and sacrifice to light. By sponsoring a box, supporters are helping to preserve these powerful stories and make them accessible for future generations. With your support, we can deliver history to its new home and bring our vision for a transformed RAF Museum Midlands to life, one box at a time.’

Support the RAF Museum’s mission today by visiting rafmuseum.org. Every box tells a story. Every donation makes a difference. Choose your support tier, Bronze, Silver, or Gold, and sponsor a box used in the move.

Bronze £30 – Be one of four names on a box, receive a digital certificate, and see your name added to The Crate Escape virtual wall

Silver £100 – Your name will exclusively be added to a box, receive a special thank you and pin badge through the post, and see your name added to The Crate Escape virtual wall

Gold from £1000 – Large object sponsorships are available. Choose the object you wish to sponsor, receive personalised recognition on protective coverings, and enjoy the opportunity to visit the team in action at MOD Stafford, even get hands-on and help pack!

Whatever your sponsorship tier, supporters will receive a unique box number, exclusive behind-the-scenes project updates, and the thrilling reveal of what’s inside your sponsored box, be it boots, buttons, logbooks, or even a piece of an aircraft, when it moves to its new home.To find out more about the RAF Museum’s redevelopment project and how you can get involved in The Crate Escape, visit rafmuseum.org. The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and admission is free.

BAE Systems supports RAF Museum transformation with major investment

The Royal Air Force Museum is delighted to announce a new partnership and major investment from BAE Systems, in support of the Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme.

This significant contribution towards the redevelopment of the Museum’s Midlands site will help transform the visitor experience. Funding will support the refurbishment of a historic hangar to house a new exhibition, alongside enhanced learning and community engagement opportunities aimed at broadening access and deepening public understanding of the RAF’s role, past, present, and future.

The investment was formally announced by RAF Museum CEO Maggie Appleton and Sir Stuart Atha, Director of Defence Capability at BAE Systems, at the Museum’s spring reception on 13 May, attended by key supporters, stakeholders, dignitaries and members of the community involved in developing the programme.

As a founding partner, BAE Systems’ generous funding will be directed towards the redevelopment of a 1930s hangar which will house a new exhibition and state-of-the-art learning centre alongside visitor facilities. The new immersive exhibition will explore the RAF’s critical role from 1980 to the present day. As a trusted partner to the RAF and expertise in aerospace, defence, and advanced technology, BAE Systems is uniquely positioned to support the Museum as it explores the RAF’s evolving role in Air, Space and Cyber operations.

Highlights of the hangar will include a BAE Systems Red Arrows Hawk T1, greeting visitors as they enter, and a 1:1 model of the future Tempest combat air system, both cutting-edge technologies developed by BAE Systems.

Alongside the transformed hangar, the Museum will also deliver:

A major engagement programme that will harness the power of RAF heritage todeliver a range of creative, wellbeing and skills development activities

A purpose-built Collections Hub, enabling the Museum’s stored collection to be brought on site and opened to the public for the first time

A new public realm providing spaces for outdoor learning, activities, and picnicking, while increasing biodiversity

Maggie Appleton, RAF Museum CEO, said:

‘The RAF Museum is hugely grateful to BAE Systems for their significant investment and continued commitment to helping us transform how we share the RAF story. Our ambitious redevelopment programme will explore the Royal Air Force’s enduring impact on global aviation, innovation, and defence, while bringing to life the personal stories of those who have served, in powerful and engaging ways. This support will play a vital role in ensuring the Museum remains a place of inspiration, learning and remembrance for generations to come.’

Sir Stuart Atha, Director of Defence Capability, BAE Systems, said:

‘As a proud and long-standing supporter of the Armed Forces, we are delighted to help fund the RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme. This is an initiative that will help tell the story of the RAF and through outreach programmes inspire current and future generations. Having worked alongside the RAF throughout their history, we are honoured to help preserve our common heritage and are proud to support those who serve and protect us.’

Work on the hangar redevelopment and wider transformation programme will begin later this year, with completion expected by summer 2027. The project has been made possible with the support of funders including The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Royal Air Force, as well as the RAF Museum’s own investment. To find out more about the redevelopment project and how you can get involved, visit rafmuseum.org/midlands. The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and admission is free.

Celebrate the RAF Museum’s Big Lift Off with free family fun!

Location: RAF Museum Midlands

Date: Saturday 31 May

Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm

Cost: Free

Celebrate the start of a new chapter for the RAF Museum Midlands!

Strap in for an unforgettable day out! The RAF Museum Midlands is inviting families from across the region to take part in The Big Lift Off, a spectacular free event celebrating the start of an exciting site-wide transformation.

Taking place on Saturday 31 May, The Big Lift Off event will see thrilling aerial displays and lively ground activities for all ages. Look to the skies for a jaw-dropping skydiving display and awe-inspiring flypast, while on the ground, enjoy toe-tapping live music, sizzling BBQs, and interactive family games – and the best part, entry is completely FREE!

The Big Lift Off event highlights:

A spectacular Lancaster flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (weather permitting)
A dramatic skydiving display, with parachutists landing in the Museum grounds (weather permitting)
Live music from the RAF Cosford Pipes and Drums, a vintage 1940s crooner, and the RAF Cosford Voluntary Band
Step aboard the legendary Chinook ‘Bravo November’, a rare opportunity not to be missed!
Family activities galore including rocket car races, mystery prize games, photo booths with RAF uniforms and more
Be the first to see exciting new artefacts being delivered on the day via skydivers, bicycles, vintage vehicles, and on foot!
Soak up the atmosphere with BBQ and ice cream stands.

The Big Lift Off event isn’t just a great family day out, it also marks the launch of the Museum’s new fundraising appeal – The Crate Escape. This appeal will help raise the final funds needed for the exciting new redevelopment plans that include a brand-new Collections Hub at the Museum. Once completed, the new hub will house over 50,000 historic objects, making them accessible to the public for the first time.

As part of The Big Lift Off celebrations, visitors can witness the first wave of these objects begin their journey from off-site storage at MOD Stafford to the Museum, travelling across the Midlands by every means imaginable – including by parachute! These treasured items will be delivered in style by skydivers, vintage vehicles, cyclists, and even on foot. A special selection will be unveiled at the event, going on temporary display, offering visitors an exclusive first look at the Museum’s stored collection.

In addition to all the excitement of The Big Lift Off activities, both in the air and on the ground, the Museum will be open for visitors to explore a collection of more than 80 historic aircraft and enjoy flying entertainment for the whole family with flight simulators, an airfield inspired playground, interactive exhibits and more.

Pre-book your free tickets to the Big Lift Off event now at rafmuseum.org/midlands. The Museum is open daily from 10.00am, with free admission.

Work on the Museum’s major transformation will begin later this year, with completion expected in 2027 – made possible thanks to a number of funders including The National Lottery Heritage Fund, as well as the RAF Museum’s own investment.

Wartime fun this half term at the RAF Museum!

Date: 24 May – 1 June 2025

Time: 10.00am – 5.00pm

Cost: Activities range from £0-£5

This May half term, the RAF Museum Midlands invites families to step back in time during World War Two Week, running from 24 May to 1 June. Packed with immersive experiences, hands-on workshops, and creative wartime crafts, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a fun-filled family day out, while learning about one of the most extraordinary chapters in British history.

Step into the shoes of wartime families during Raid the Shelter experience, where visitors will explore a real Anderson Shelter, build a paper model version to take home, then dress up in period clothing and take part in a simulated air raid — complete with a dramatic and authentic soundscape for a truly immersive experience.

Join in the Lego Racers activity, where children can build their own World War Two-inspired vehicles and race them down a track using the power of balloons. The Campaign Poster art activity is perfect for budding artists, where they can design their own posters inspired by vintage propaganda art. Gather the family together and strike a pose at the Dress-Up Drill Sergeant Selfie Station wearing authentic wartime attire.

As you explore the Museum hangars, listen in to Audio Stories told by the charming Antis the Dog and Percy the Penguin, accessible via QR codes throughout the Museum. Join the Spy-Hunter Trail, where young code-breakers are called into action to track down stolen aircraft plans hidden somewhere in the Museum. Solve the clues correctly and earn your mission badge!

Plus, don’t miss the incredible collection of miniature aircraft and vehicle models from the Aero Space and Vehicle Club Wombourne IPMS, showcasing engineering marvels of the Second World War.

But that’s not all! The RAF Museum Midlands is also home to iconic aircraft from the period, including the world’s oldest Spitfire. Families can also enjoy a Pilot experience by climbing into an exact replica Spitfire cockpit section, or by popping on VR goggles and taking a flight in 360° as you pilot a real Spitfire in a thrilling virtual reality experience.

With free entry to the Museum and small charges between £0-£5 for selected activities, this is a brilliant and budget-friendly day out that promises fun for all ages. For full details and to book activities in advance, visit rafmuseum.org.uk/midlands. The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and admission is free.