About
Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington is Britain's largest independent air museum, set on the site of the former RAF Elvington airfield just seven miles south-east of York. Founded in 1985 by dedicated aviation enthusiasts, the museum has grown into one of the country's most important collections of historic aircraft and aviation heritage, set in a uniquely authentic context — the original wartime buildings, control tower, dispersal areas and runways of a real Second World War airfield.
RAF Elvington was built in 1942 as a heavy bomber station and served as the base for two French Halifax bomber squadrons — Nos. 346 and 347 — who flew operational missions over occupied Europe alongside their RAF and RCAF counterparts. The presence of French crews at this Yorkshire airfield is an important and sometimes overlooked dimension of Allied airpower during the Second World War, and the museum places great emphasis on commemorating the sacrifice of all nationalities who served from Elvington and from similar airfields across Yorkshire and beyond.
The Allied Air Forces Memorial at the museum is one of the most significant features of the site, dedicated to all nationalities who served with Allied air forces during the Second World War. The memorial provides a powerful focus for commemoration and reflection, and the museum's broader collections are arranged to honour both the operational achievement and the human cost of Allied airpower.
The aircraft collection spans the full range of aviation history from early biplanes through the propeller-driven warbirds of the Second World War to the jet aircraft of the Cold War era. Over 60 historic aircraft are displayed in hangars and on outdoor hard-standings, including many rare and significant types. The centrepiece of the collection is a full-scale reconstruction of the Handley Page Halifax bomber — the type that flew from Elvington — which visitors can board and explore.
The museum's other highlights include the WAAF section, which commemorates the vital role of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force during the Second World War; the Air Gunner's collection, honouring perhaps the most dangerous crew role in Bomber Command; the Airfield Defence Collection; the wartime control tower, restored to its 1944 appearance; a comprehensive collection of uniforms, medals and personal memorabilia; and a programme of air shows and 1940s events that bring the airfield to life throughout the year.
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Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
📅 Best Times to Visit
💡 Visitor Tips
- Allow a full half-day minimum — with over 60 aircraft, multiple buildings and the outdoor airfield areas, rushing through the museum is impossible and would do it a disservice.
- Don't miss the inside of the Halifax bomber reconstruction — boarding the aircraft and experiencing the crew positions is one of the most memorable things to do at any UK aviation museum.
- Visit the control tower early in your visit — the guide there often has exceptional personal knowledge and can bring the wartime airfield story to life with remarkable vividness.
- Check the museum website for special event dates — the air shows and 1940s wartime weekends are spectacular occasions that transform the site into a uniquely atmospheric experience.
- The outdoor aircraft on the hardstandings can be closely approached in most cases — an excellent opportunity for photography, especially in good morning or late afternoon light.
- The Allied Air Forces Memorial garden deserves quiet reflection — read the commemorative information to appreciate the extraordinary multinational scope of the Allied air effort.
- Free parking on site makes this excellent value — the admission price is modest for the scale and quality of what is on offer.
- The museum shop is genuinely excellent for aviation books, models and gifts — worth spending time in before you leave.
Highlights
Discover the unique exhibits and collections at this museum.
Collections
Over 60 historic aircraft, the Halifax bomber reconstruction, WAAF collection, Air Gunner's collection, wartime control tower furnished to 1944 specification, uniforms, medals, personal effects, operational records and the Allied Air Forces Memorial.
Halifax Bomber Reconstruction
Full-scale, board-able reconstruction of the Handley Page Halifax bomber, the type that flew from Elvington with the Free French squadrons during World War Two.
📍 Halifax hangar
WAAF Gallery
Comprehensive commemoration of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force and their essential roles at RAF stations during the Second World War.
📍 WAAF building
Air Gunner's Collection
Dedicated collection honouring the air gunners of Bomber Command, with equipment, personal effects and testimonies.
📍 Air gunner's gallery
The Wartime Control Tower
Original RAF Elvington control tower restored to its 1944 appearance with period furnishings and equipment.
📍 Control tower
Aircraft Collection
Over 60 historic aircraft spanning from biplanes to Cold War jets, displayed in hangars and on outdoor hard-standings.
📍 Throughout the site
Allied Air Forces Memorial
Memorial dedicated to all nationalities who served with Allied air forces in World War Two, with particular reference to the Free French at Elvington.
📍 Memorial garden
Themes
Time Periods
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.