RAF Bicester: A Premier Interwar Bomber Airfield and Training Hub
Explore RAF Bicester, the UK’s finest preserved interwar bomber airfield, rich in aviation heritage and wartime training legacy.
RAF Bicester, located near Launton in Bicester, Oxfordshire, is the most complete surviving example of an interwar Royal Air Force bomber station. Established during World War I and expanded extensively in the 1920s and 1930s, it played a vital role in training bomber crews and pioneering aircraft development, including the first flight of the Handley Page Halifax in 1939. Today, its preserved grass airfield, hangars, bomb stores, and defensive structures offer a unique window into RAF history and heritage.
A brief summary to RAF Bicester
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during spring or autumn for mild weather and fewer crowds to fully appreciate the outdoor historic airfield.
- Bring binoculars or a camera to capture the iconic grass airfield and vintage hangars.
- Check for any guided tours or heritage events hosted on-site to deepen your understanding of RAF history.
- Wear comfortable shoes as exploring the expansive airfield and surrounding structures involves walking over grass and uneven terrain.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Train and Taxi
From Oxford or London Marylebone, take a train to Bicester Village station (journey time 30–60 minutes). From there, a taxi ride of approximately 15 minutes will bring you to RAF Bicester. Taxi fares typically range from £15 to £25. Note that taxis may have limited availability on weekends.
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Car
Driving from central Bicester or nearby towns, the journey takes about 15–25 minutes via local roads. Parking is available on-site but limited, so early arrival is recommended. No parking fees apply. The route involves rural roads with some narrow sections.
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Bus and Walking
Local bus services connect Bicester town center to Launton village, with a 20-minute walk from the nearest bus stop to RAF Bicester. The walk includes country lanes and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
RAF Bicester location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about RAF Bicester
Origins and Early Development of RAF Bicester
RAF Bicester began as a Royal Flying Corps training airfield during World War I, established in 1916 to prepare aircrew for service on the Western Front. Initially equipped with canvas Bessonneau hangars and basic facilities, the site hosted the 118 Squadron and a Training Depot Station by 1917. After a brief closure in 1920, the airfield was selected for redevelopment as a bomber base under the RAF's expansion program initiated by Sir Hugh Trenchard in the early 1920s. This redevelopment included construction of permanent hangars and expanded airfield boundaries, setting the stage for Bicester’s critical role in bomber operations and training.Interwar Expansion and Aircraft Innovation
Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, RAF Bicester grew significantly to accommodate larger and more advanced bomber aircraft. It was home to squadrons operating Vickers Virginias, Hawker Horsleys, and later the Boulton Paul Sidestrand and Overstrand bombers. The arrival of Bristol Blenheim bombers in the late 1930s marked the station's transition to modern airpower. Notably, RAF Bicester was the secret assembly and launch site of the first prototype Handley Page Halifax heavy bomber in October 1939, which became one of the RAF’s most important four-engine bombers during World War II.World War II Training and Operational Role
During the Second World War, RAF Bicester primarily served as an Operational Training Unit (OTU) for bomber crews, including pilots, navigators, and gunners from Britain and Commonwealth countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The airfield was expanded with bomb stores, defensive pillboxes, and dispersed aircraft parking areas characteristic of wartime bomber stations. It supported the preparation of crews for critical missions, including those involved in the D-Day landings. While no operational sorties were flown directly from Bicester, its training role was vital to Bomber Command’s effectiveness.Postwar Uses and Preservation Efforts
After the war, RAF Bicester transitioned to various support roles including aircraft crash investigation, repair, parachute servicing, and gliding operations. The domestic site was sold in 2010, but the airfield and many original buildings remain remarkably intact. Recognized as a Scheduled Monument, RAF Bicester is the best-preserved example of an interwar bomber base in the UK. Historic England and local heritage groups have worked to protect and restore key structures such as hangars, air-raid shelters, and bomb stores, preserving the site’s military landscape and architectural integrity.Architectural and Landscape Features of Note
The airfield retains its 1939 grass flying field boundaries and a collection of C-type hangars built in the 1930s. The layout includes panhandle aircraft stands for dispersed parking, bomb stores constructed in the late 1920s and 1930s, and defensive trenches and pillboxes from early war years. The control tower built in 1938 exemplifies the period’s functional design. The site’s air ministry railway spur and workshops add to its industrial heritage. Together, these features provide a comprehensive snapshot of RAF bomber station design and operation during the interwar and wartime periods.Legacy and Contemporary Significance
RAF Bicester stands as a testament to the RAF’s strategic development as the world’s first independent air force, emphasizing offensive bomber capabilities and rigorous crew training. Its preservation offers insight into military aviation history, technological innovation, and wartime preparation. Today, the site is a focal point for heritage conservation and education, celebrating the bravery and skill of those who trained and worked here. It also serves as a cultural landmark linking the local community with national and international military history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Bridge of Sighs
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Clarendon Building
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The Sheldonian Theatre
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History of Science Museum
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Radcliffe Camera
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Oxford Magic Walking tours
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Unmissable attractions to see
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The Old Flight House
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National Trust - Boarstall Tower
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Brill Windmill
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National Trust - Claydon
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Claydon Estate
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Finemere Wood
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Explore Finemere Wood, an ancient Buckinghamshire woodland alive with history, wildflowers, butterflies, and tranquil nature walks.
St Rumbold's Well
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National Trust - Buckingham Chantry Chapel
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Buckinghamshire Military Museum Trust
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Explore centuries of Buckinghamshire’s military heritage within the historic Old Gaol, a unique museum blending local history and immersive exhibits.
Buckingham Old Gaol
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Explore Buckingham’s historic former prison, a compact museum revealing the town’s rich social and legal heritage through immersive exhibits.
National Trust - Stowe Gardens
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A masterpiece of 18th-century landscape design, where classical temples rise from sweeping parkland and serpentine lakes.
Pebble Alcove
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Temple of British Worthies
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Buckinghamshire Railway Centre
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Essential places to dine
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Nut Tree Inn
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CANALETTO
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The Orangery at RH England
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Beefeater Buckingham
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Allium Dining
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The Old Thatched Inn
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The Five Arrows
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Pompette
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The Oxford Kitchen
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The Pilgrim Pub
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Cherwell Boathouse Restaurant
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The Angel Restaurant
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Restaurant 66A at Cotswold Lodge Hotel
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Gees Restaurant & Bar
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Beautifully Different Winslow
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Gatineau Artisan Patisserie & Bakery
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Bodleian Weston Library Shop
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The Retro Room
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Bodleian Libraries Shop in Old School's Quad
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Antiques On High Oxford L.T.D.
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Oxford Souvenirs
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Cool Britannia
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Babylon Trading
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Broad Canvas
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Grand Junction
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The Grapes
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Sandy's Piano Bar
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All Bar One Oxford
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
