RAF Scampton Heritage Centre

The legendary home of the Dambusters, preserving a century of RAF aviation history.

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RAF Scampton heritage centre

Housed within the Grade II listed Annexe offices of the former 617 Squadron Hangar, the RAF Scampton Heritage Centre preserves the extraordinary history of the Dambusters and RAF Scampton itself. This volunteer-run museum showcases artifacts, aircraft, and personal memorabilia spanning from the Great War to the present day, including displays related to the legendary Operation Chastise. Visits are by appointment only and require advance booking with security clearance.

A brief summary to RAF Scampton heritage centre

Ermine Cres, Lincoln, Scampton, LN1 2ST, GB
+441522738361
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Free
Mixed
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

Book your visit at least 14 days in advance and bring valid photographic ID (driving licence or passport) for security clearance, as this is an active RAF base.
Allow 2–3 hours for your visit to fully appreciate the aircraft hangar displays, themed rooms, and the restored Wing Commander Gibson's office.
Visit the hangar to see the Red Arrows' Hawk aircraft being maintained by the engineering team, a unique opportunity to witness modern RAF operations.
Donations support the volunteer team; consider contributing to help preserve this important heritage site for future generations.
School groups and large parties are welcome; contact the Centre in advance to arrange tailored educational visits with the curator.

Getting There

By Car from Lincoln City Centre

From Lincoln city centre, drive north on Ermine Crescent towards Scampton village, approximately 6 kilometres. The journey takes 12–15 minutes depending on traffic. RAF Scampton is clearly signposted. Upon arrival, you will be directed to parking by RAF personnel at the main gate. Note that this is an active military base; you must have pre-arranged your visit and have valid photographic ID ready for security checks.
By Bus from Lincoln

Stagecoach buses serve the Scampton area from Lincoln city centre. Journey time is approximately 25–35 minutes depending on the service and route. Check the Stagecoach bus timetable for current schedules and stops near RAF Scampton. You will need to walk from the nearest bus stop to the main gate; confirm the exact walking distance and accessibility when you book your visit.
By Taxi from Lincoln Station

Taxis are available from Lincoln railway station and city centre. The journey to RAF Scampton takes approximately 15–20 minutes and typically costs between £15–25 depending on traffic and the taxi firm. This is the most convenient option if you are arriving by train, as it provides direct access to the base without the need for transfers.
Walking from Scampton Village

If staying in Scampton village, the Heritage Centre is accessible on foot, approximately 1–2 kilometres depending on your starting point. The walk follows local roads; allow 20–30 minutes. However, confirm pedestrian access routes and any accessibility considerations when booking your visit, as you will still need to pass through RAF security at the main gate.

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Discover more about RAF Scampton heritage centre

The Dambusters' Legacy and 617 Squadron

RAF Scampton holds a place of profound significance in British military aviation history, most notably as the home of 617 Squadron, the legendary Dambusters. On 17 May 1943, this elite squadron returned triumphantly from Operation Chastise, having successfully breached the Möhne and Eder dams in the Ruhr Valley using Barnes Wallis's revolutionary bouncing bomb. The Heritage Centre preserves this extraordinary chapter through carefully curated exhibits, including a half-sized replica of the bouncing bomb itself, operational plans marked TOP SECRET, and poignant artifacts recovered from crashed aircraft. Wing Commander Guy Gibson's office has been meticulously restored to reflect its 1943 appearance, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into the command centre from which this audacious raid was coordinated.

A Living RAF Institution Spanning a Century

Founded in 1916, RAF Scampton has witnessed the entire evolution of military aviation across more than a century. The station has hosted 19 different squadrons and operated 45 distinct aircraft types, from early biplanes through Spitfires and Lancasters to Cold War jets and the modern Hawk trainers of the Red Arrows aerobatic team. This continuity makes Scampton a unique repository of aviation history, where past and present coexist on an active military airfield. The Heritage Centre's collections reflect this remarkable span, with exhibits ranging from World War I memorabilia to contemporary displays documenting the station's ongoing role in modern defence and training.

Architectural Heritage and Museum Collections

The Heritage Centre occupies the Annexe offices of the former 617 Squadron Hangar, a building recognized as English Heritage Grade II listed due to its historical importance. Following extensive volunteer-led restoration work, the Centre reopened to the public in June 2012. The museum is distributed across an aircraft hangar and several themed rooms, each thoughtfully designed to tell specific aspects of Scampton's story. Visitors encounter a remarkable array of artifacts: aircrew helmets, sections of a crashed Lancaster recovered from Holland with accompanying photographs of the crew, the cockpit of a Lightning jet fighter, disarmed ejector seats, and wreckage from Guy Gibson's personal Mosquito. A Blue Steel missile and a restored Green Goddess fire engine occupy prominent positions within the hangar, while a stained glass window depicts four iconic aircraft—Spitfire, Lancaster, Vulcan, and Hawk—representing the station's diverse heritage.

Stories of Sacrifice and Service

Among the Centre's most moving displays are exhibits dedicated to those who served and sacrificed at Scampton. The museum houses WAAF uniforms and detailed accounts of operations including the Tirpitz campaign. Particularly poignant is a photograph of Warrant Officer Christopher Saunders, a Lancaster pilot, pictured with his two very young children—a haunting reminder of the human cost of wartime aviation. The Centre also displays three Victoria Crosses awarded to personnel connected with the station, underscoring the exceptional bravery demonstrated by those who flew from Scampton. These personal stories transform the museum from a collection of objects into a profound memorial to the men and women who served.

The Red Arrows and Modern Aviation

Today, RAF Scampton remains home to the Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force's world-renowned aerobatic display team. The Heritage Centre offers visitors the unique opportunity to view the Hawk aircraft in the hangar where they are maintained by the engineering team known as the Circus. Each aircraft bears the names of its pilot and engineer, personalizing these sleek machines and connecting them to the individuals who fly and maintain them. This blend of historical preservation and contemporary military operations creates a dynamic environment where visitors can appreciate both the legacy of the past and the ongoing mission of modern RAF aviation.

Visiting as a Living Military Institution

As an active RAF base, the Heritage Centre operates under specific security protocols that shape the visitor experience. All visits must be arranged in advance, with a minimum of 14 days' notice required to complete security screening. Adult visitors must provide valid photographic identification such as a driving licence or passport. The Centre accommodates groups of all sizes, including school trips, and the volunteer guides—many with deep personal connections to Scampton's history—provide knowledgeable and engaging tours. While entry is free, donations are welcomed to support the ongoing work of the volunteer team who maintain and interpret this remarkable collection.

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RAF Scampton Heritage Centre

A brief summary to RAF Scampton heritage centre

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

By Car from Lincoln City Centre

By Bus from Lincoln

By Taxi from Lincoln Station

Walking from Scampton Village

RAF Scampton heritage centre location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of RAF Scampton heritage centre

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about RAF Scampton heritage centre

The Dambusters' Legacy and 617 Squadron

A Living RAF Institution Spanning a Century

Architectural Heritage and Museum Collections

Stories of Sacrifice and Service

The Red Arrows and Modern Aviation

Visiting as a Living Military Institution

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

North Tower of the East Gate of the Wall of Roman Lindum Colonia (Lincoln)

Priory Arch

Exchequer Gate

Lincoln War Memorial

Tupholme Abbey

Sleaford Castle

Creswell Crags

Humber

Lincolnshire coast

Humber Bridge

English Heritage - Sibsey Trader Windmill

Humber Bridge Country Park

Alford Manor House

Conisbrough Castle

Newstead Abbey

Unmissable attractions to see

Ellis' Mill

Museum of Lincolnshire Life

West Common

Carlton Centre

Westgate Water Tower

Lincoln Cathedral Shop

Lincoln Castle

Lucy Tower

Peacock Inn

Observatory Tower

Lincoln Cathedral

Medieval Norman House

Lincoln Medieval Bishops' Palace

Pottergate Arch

Lincoln Museum

Essential places to dine

Harbour Lights

Duke William Hotel

The Bronze Pig

White Hart Hotel

Hobbsons Restaurant and Pie Shop

The Rest Hotel

Holiday Inn Lincoln, an IHG Hotel

Harvester Brayford Wharf Lincoln

Premier Inn Lincoln City Centre

The Square Sail - JD Wetherspoon

Turtle Bay Lincoln

Cosy Club

The Botanist Lincoln

Mill Lodge Beefeater

Premier Inn Lincoln (Canwick) hotel

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Lincoln Antiques & Collectables