Sywell Aviation Museum Museum of the month
As a museum primarily dedicated to flying, the Sywell Aviation Museum in Northamptonshire doesn’t major on military ground transport. However, this compact venue is so packed with exhibits that there’s still much to interest vehicle enthusiasts. And, plan your visit wisely and there could also be a historic vehicle event going on… in which case you’ll be spoilt for choice with military stuff on land and in the air.
The museum is based at Sywell Aerodrome, close to Northampton and Wellingborough. The airfield opened in 1928 and was a training and repair facility during World War Two. Post-war, it was used to shoot scenes for the 1969 movie Battle of Britain and has since become known for its wonderful Art Deco buildings.
The museum structures are a little less glamorous; founded in 1998, the venue opened in three bomb storage units rescued from RAF Bentwaters in Suffolk, with two ex-PoW Nissen huts added during 2011/12. However, this does establish its military credentials and authenticity right from the get-go.
Outside, you’ll find items such as a complete Hawker Hunter Mk2, a Sangar concrete pillbox and a unique test mule from the UK’s Blue Danube nuclear bom…
