RAF Air Defence Radar Museum
RAF Air Defence Radar Museum things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Description
cultural
family friendly
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The Royal Air Force Air Defence Radar Museum is a museum on the site of the former Royal Air Force radar and control base RAF Neatishead, close to the village of Horning in Norfolk, England.
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Ratings
Description
The Royal Air Force Air Defence Radar Museum is a museum on the site of the former Royal Air Force radar and control base RAF Neatishead, close to the village of Horning in Norfolk, England.
Posts
We found this place by chance on a recent visit to Norfolk when looking for somewhere to visit out of the rain after our plans changed due to the weather, and we are so glad!! One of the most interesting little military museums we have ever visited. We arrived just in time to hear the Coldwar talk in the radar room and it was super interesting. The two guys conducting the talk were brilliant, engaging and happy to answer questions from inquisitive minds! Our teenage son is a huge fan of military history and absolutely loved visiting and chatting with the veterans doing the talk and exploring all the rooms full of interesting displays. The place is like a tardis and far bigger than it appears from the outside. Each room is filled with interesting displays of information, models, artefacts ect as well as some rooms still set up with equipment from when it was a working radar base. Admission was really reasonable and if you're local enough to take advantage of it your ticket is valid for a whole year. Plenty of parking at the front of the building, there is an outdoor play area too plus a few outdoor exhibits of larger decommissioned equipment. There is a cafe too which we didn't get chance to tey due to us as arriving later in the day but it seemed decent. Possibly our favourite place visited in Norfolk! Highly recommended and we will definitely visit again next time we are in Norfolk. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area!
Jenni-EmilyJenni-Emily
20
One of the best museums in Norfolk. I used to be stationed at RAF Neatishead and had forgotten how the old R30 looked inside. Let me tell you, the memories came flooding back when I walked into the Cold War Room. I could hear the noise and the smell was still the same. There is so much to see here from the Blood Hound room, RAF Neatishead room which charts the history of the station. The Cold War and History rooms which are really interesting and the RAF Coltishall room as well which charts the history of the Battle of Britain airfield. There are other small exhibits around that are worth looking around to. The Crumbs cafe has a nice menu of sarnies and pastries etc. Plus, teas and coffee and they also have an alcohol license. There is a gift shop at the entrance selling all manner of things to keep people happy. Run as well by knowledgeable volunteers many who worked at Neatishead themselves. Happy to answer any questions you may have as well.
Neil BowersNeil Bowers
00
We came across the Radar station on a drive back to our holiday accommodation. .we didn't expect much but wow were we wrong. Don't let the small entrance put you off, you'll easily spend several hours here. All the staff were very friendly and welcoming and the gentlemen who gave their talks were very knowledgeable and engaging. The Victor and Jaguar fighter jet cockpits were a real bonus and you can get in the Jaguar cockpit. What we also really enjoyed was that everything wasn't roped off. You could really get up close with everything. Also look out for interactive exhibits such as the radio room telephone. If you have an interest in cold war, military history, radar history or things along those lines give it a look....and your entry gives you repeat entry for the year! Lastly, a special mentions to the ladies in the tea room who make a great cuppa and hot chocolate :)
Mark TyeMark Tye
00
Walked in about 10am on bank holiday Monday, way bigger than I thought it would be. Walked down a labyrinth of corridors to where the world war 2 room was for an hour talk on radar defense systems. (It's more interesting than I'm making it sound.) The best part was the cold war room. This was again both visitable but brought to life by a talk of how it was used by someone who lived it. We even got to see behind the boards to see how they would write backwards. Knocked off 1 star the only reason is the cafe, the ladies that worked it were fantastic, was absolutely spotless, but the lack of atmosphere and clear signage let it down but this could have been to it being the first weekend of opening. This being said amazing price and the ticket gets you in for the year!
Martyn DurrantMartyn Durrant
00
Definitely a 'better than expected' museum experience. All aspects of UK radar air defence are recreated here, right down to the full size operations room complete with sweeping radar screens and 'big board' displays. If you hear an announcement for 'a world war 2 presentation', then honestly don't miss it - the staff take you through a live run-through of how the Dowding system worked; complete with maps and tables beautifully recreated as it was during the Battle of Britain. There are models and photos galore to really bring home all the history and details of the system. The whole place is absolutely mind blowing, and a real credit to the staff who care and look after it all.
Jason GassJason Gass
00
Absolutely fab place to visit if you are into UK History. Rooms are full of historic objects with excellent explanations. We attended an educational talk in the Cold War Room which was brilliant. Not only did we learn the history of the building and how the instruments work, but we’re lucky enough to have a ex member in the audience who gave supporting information. We loved visiting this museum. Staff were really friendly and welcoming, gift shop it’s sweet and you can buy memorabilia. Most definitely would go again next time we are in Norfolk. 100% definitely recommend a visit.
Lucy ClarkLucy Clark
20
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