RAF Bicester: A Premier Interwar and WWII Bomber Training Airfield
Explore RAF Bicester, the UK’s most complete interwar bomber airfield, where history and heritage soar across preserved grass runways and iconic hangars.
RAF Bicester, located near Launton, Bicester, is the most complete surviving example of a British bomber airfield from the interwar expansion period. Established in 1916 and developed extensively through the 1920s and 1930s, it played a key role in training bomber crews during World War II. Today, its historic grass flying field, hangars, bomb stores, and defensive structures remain largely intact, preserving the legacy of the RAF’s strategic bomber force.
A brief summary to RAF Bicester
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear sturdy footwear to explore the extensive outdoor airfield and historic buildings comfortably.
- Visit during spring or summer for better weather and clearer views of the airfield’s historic layout.
- Check for special events or guided tours at Bicester Heritage to gain deeper insights into the site’s aviation history.
- Bring a camera to capture the rare interwar architecture and the expansive grass flying field.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and Taxi
Take a train to Bicester North station from London Marylebone or Oxford, with journeys typically lasting 45 to 60 minutes. From the station, a taxi ride of approximately 10 minutes will bring you to RAF Bicester. Taxi fares generally range from £10 to £15.
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Car
Driving to RAF Bicester from Oxford or London takes about 25 to 40 minutes via the A41 and A4421. Parking is available on-site but limited, so early arrival is recommended. There is no parking fee for visitors.
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Bus
Local bus services connect Bicester town centre to nearby villages including Launton, with travel times around 15 minutes. From Launton, a 20-minute walk over flat terrain leads to the site. Bus fares are typically under £5 one way.
RAF Bicester location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about RAF Bicester
Origins and Early Development of RAF Bicester
RAF Bicester's origins date back to 1916 when it was established as a Royal Flying Corps training airfield. Initially equipped with canvas hangars and basic facilities, it served as a Training Depot Station during the First World War. Following a brief closure after the war, the site was selected in 1925 for redevelopment as a bomber station under the Air Defence of Great Britain strategy, reflecting the RAF’s growing emphasis on offensive deterrence. This redevelopment included construction of permanent hangars, workshops, and a control tower, marking the transition from temporary wartime structures to a purpose-built bomber base.Interwar Expansion and Architectural Significance
Throughout the late 1920s and 1930s, RAF Bicester underwent significant expansion, becoming a key component of Sir Hugh Trenchard’s vision for an independent RAF bomber force. The airfield’s layout and buildings, including the Type 'A' hangars and bomb stores, exemplify the architectural and operational standards of the period. The site retains much of its 1939 boundary and infrastructure, including airfield defenses such as pillboxes and trenches, making it the best-preserved example of an interwar bomber base in the UK. The 1938 control tower and C-type hangars underscore the growing importance of coordinated air operations on the eve of World War II.World War II Operational Role and Training Excellence
During World War II, RAF Bicester functioned primarily as an Operational Training Unit (OTU), preparing bomber crews from the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It was home to squadrons flying aircraft such as the Bristol Blenheim, Supermarine Spitfire, and later the de Havilland Mosquito. Notably, the first prototype of the Handley Page Halifax four-engine bomber was secretly assembled and flown from RAF Bicester in 1939, marking a milestone in RAF bomber development. The airfield’s grass flying field was enlarged to accommodate dispersed aircraft parking, a tactical adaptation to wartime threats.Postwar Transition and Heritage Conservation
Following the war, RAF Bicester continued limited military use, including gliding activities, until its closure in 2004. Since 2013, the site has been transformed into Bicester Heritage, the UK’s first business campus dedicated to historic motoring and aviation specialists. Conservation efforts have restored over 70% of the buildings, removing the site from the Heritage at Risk Register. The airfield’s historic landscape, including rare bomb stores and air-raid shelters, remains a protected Scheduled Monument, offering a tangible link to Britain’s strategic air power legacy.Architectural and Cultural Importance Today
RAF Bicester stands as a unique testament to the RAF’s interwar expansion and wartime training efforts. Its carefully preserved hangars, workshops, and defensive structures provide insight into early 20th-century military aviation infrastructure. The site’s association with pioneering aircraft and training programs highlights its role in shaping RAF Bomber Command’s effectiveness. As a heritage site, it attracts historians, aviation enthusiasts, and conservationists committed to preserving Britain’s military aviation history.Ongoing Research and Public Engagement
Historic England and Bicester Heritage continue to investigate and conserve lesser-known features of the airfield, such as a recently discovered shelter-like structure whose original purpose remains a mystery. Public appeals for information and ongoing restoration projects ensure that RAF Bicester’s historical narrative remains dynamic and accessible. The site’s integration into a vibrant heritage business park exemplifies adaptive reuse of military infrastructure for cultural and economic benefit.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Blue Plaque: J.R.R. Tolkien
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Weston Library
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New College Ln
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Bridge of Sighs
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Clarendon Building
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Bodleian Library
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The Sheldonian Theatre
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Bodleian Old Library
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History of Science Museum
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City Sightseeing Oxford
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Discover Oxford’s rich history and stunning architecture with City Sightseeing Oxford’s immersive bus tours for an unforgettable travel experience.
The Oxford Ghost Tour
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Martyrs' Memorial
19.8 km
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The Queen's College
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Radcliffe Camera
19.8 km
A majestic 18th-century neoclassical rotunda, the Radcliffe Camera is Oxford’s iconic library landmark and a symbol of academic heritage.
Oxford Magic Walking tours
19.8 km
Explore Oxford's hidden gems and rich history with expert-led Magic Walking Tours, revealing the city's enchanting past and vibrant present.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bicester Village
3.0 km
Luxury designer outlet village with 150+ boutiques, up to 70% off, and festive charm near Oxford.
The Old Flight House
7.7 km
Explore a stylish emporium of antiques, vintage treasures, and a charming café in a spacious, light-filled setting near Bicester.
National Trust - Boarstall Tower
10.7 km
Explore Boarstall Tower, a stunning 14th-century moated gatehouse steeped in medieval legend and civil war history, set in serene Buckinghamshire gardens.
Brill Windmill
11.8 km
Explore Brill Windmill, a majestic 17th-century post mill perched atop Buckinghamshire’s hills, embodying centuries of rural milling heritage and craftsmanship.
National Trust - Claydon
12.5 km
Discover the grandeur of Georgian Claydon House and vibrant Courtyard nestled in Buckinghamshire’s historic countryside.
Claydon Estate
12.5 km
Discover the charm of Claydon Estate’s Georgian courtyard, historic National Trust house, and tranquil Buckinghamshire countryside.
Finemere Wood
12.9 km
Explore Finemere Wood, an ancient Buckinghamshire woodland alive with history, wildflowers, butterflies, and tranquil nature walks.
St Rumbold's Well
13.1 km
Discover the ancient sacred spring of Saint Rumbold, a medieval pilgrimage site steeped in legend and local heritage in Buckingham.
National Trust - Buckingham Chantry Chapel
13.8 km
Discover Buckingham’s oldest building, a medieval chapel with a Norman doorway, rich history, and a charming second-hand bookshop.
Buckinghamshire Military Museum Trust
13.9 km
Explore centuries of Buckinghamshire’s military heritage within the historic Old Gaol, a unique museum blending local history and immersive exhibits.
Buckingham Old Gaol
14.0 km
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
15.0 km
A masterpiece of 18th-century landscape design, where classical temples rise from sweeping parkland and serpentine lakes.
Pebble Alcove
15.0 km
Explore Pebble Alcove in Buckingham, a stunning landmark that combines unique architecture with serene natural beauty for a perfect getaway.
Temple of British Worthies
15.2 km
Discover the Temple of British Worthies in Buckingham, a landmark celebrating revered figures of British history amidst beautiful gardens.
Buckinghamshire Railway Centre
15.4 km
Step back in time at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, where historic steam trains, a stunning glass-roofed Visitor Centre, and family events bring railway heritage to life.
Essential places to dine
Cecconi's Bicester
3.0 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and artisanal dishes in the stylish heart of Bicester Village.
Nut Tree Inn
8.9 km
Michelin-starred fine dining meets historic charm in the heart of Oxfordshire’s countryside at The Nut Tree Inn.
CANALETTO
10.9 km
Authentic Italian dining with Mediterranean charm in a warm, welcoming atmosphere on Bicester Road, Kingswood.
The Orangery at RH England
11.7 km
Elegant live-fire dining in a grand orangery with scenic deer park views and refined, high-quality cuisine in Aynho Park.
Beefeater Buckingham
13.6 km
Classic British steakhouse and family-friendly grill in Buckingham offering hearty meals, welcoming service, and a lively casual atmosphere.
Allium Dining
14.8 km
Intimate farm-to-table dining in Buckinghamshire, where seasonal British produce meets creative culinary artistry.
The Old Thatched Inn
15.2 km
A charming thatched gastropub in Adstock offering quality local cuisine and cozy countryside ambiance.
The Five Arrows
16.5 km
Boutique neo-Tudor charm with refined dining and peaceful gardens beside historic Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire.
Pompette
17.7 km
Experience authentic French flavors and warm hospitality in Oxford’s charming Summertown at Pompette, a refined brasserie with seasonal delights.
The Oxford Kitchen
17.8 km
Michelin-starred British fine dining in Oxford’s Summertown, blending seasonal ingredients with elegant ambiance and impeccable service.
The Pilgrim Pub
18.1 km
A Michelin Guide village pub in North Marston serving seasonal local dishes with a warm community spirit and inviting beer garden.
Cherwell Boathouse Restaurant
18.1 km
Historic riverside dining in Oxford offering modern British cuisine, award-winning wines, and scenic boat hire in a charming Victorian boathouse.
The Angel Restaurant
18.2 km
A charming seafood restaurant in Long Crendon blending historic ambiance with fresh, creative cuisine and warm hospitality.
Restaurant 66A at Cotswold Lodge Hotel
18.8 km
Elegant British dining in a charming Victorian villa at Oxford’s Cotswold Lodge Hotel, blending classic and contemporary flavors.
Gees Restaurant & Bar
18.9 km
A Mediterranean culinary retreat in a stunning Victorian glasshouse, blending seasonal dishes with elegant charm in Oxford’s Park Town.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Meadow Walk Shopping Centre
14.0 km
A charming compact shopping centre in Buckingham featuring independent shops, cafes, and convenient parking in a friendly community setting.
Beautifully Different Winslow
17.7 km
Discover original flair and stylish ladies' fashion at Beautifully Different Winslow, a charming boutique in the heart of Buckinghamshire’s historic market town.
Gatineau Artisan Patisserie & Bakery
17.8 km
Authentic French artisan patisserie in Oxford’s Summertown, crafting exquisite pastries, breads, and bespoke cakes with premium ingredients.
Bodleian Weston Library Shop
19.7 km
Explore exclusive literary gifts and scholarly treasures at the Bodleian Weston Library Shop in Oxford’s iconic Weston Library.
The Retro Room
19.7 km
Discover Oxford’s stylish hub for vintage and designer second-hand fashion, blending sustainability with unique finds in a welcoming boutique setting.
Bodleian Libraries Shop in Old School's Quad
19.7 km
Discover exclusive scholarly gifts and rare books in the historic heart of Oxford’s Bodleian Libraries.
Antiques On High Oxford L.T.D.
19.8 km
Explore a charming antique shop in Oxford, offering a curated selection of unique vintage treasures that tell stories of the past.
Oxford Souvenirs
19.8 km
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Cool Britannia
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Discover authentic British souvenirs and unique gifts in the heart of Oxford at Cool Britannia, your go-to shop for memorable memorabilia and more.
Babylon Trading
19.8 km
Discover eclectic home and gift treasures in a charming Grade 2 listed boutique on Oxford’s historic High Street.
Broad Canvas
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Oxford’s trusted art and craft supply store since 1981, offering expert advice and quality materials for artists and creatives.
Oxford Campus Stores
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Explore the vibrant Oxford Campus Stores for unique gifts, trendy apparel, and memorable souvenirs showcasing the essence of Oxford's rich heritage.
Watsons of Oxford
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Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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The Shop of Secrets
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Kings Head Coffee & Gin Bar
14.0 km
Historic pub meets vibrant coffee and gin bar with a sunny courtyard garden in the heart of Buckingham’s Market Hill.
The Grand Junction
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The Duke Of Cambridge
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A stylish Oxford cocktail bar blending traditional pub charm with expert mixology and a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Jude The Obscure
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A literary-inspired British pub in Oxford’s Jericho with award-winning food, lively sports viewing, and a dog-friendly heated beer garden.
Lamb and Flag
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Historic Oxford pub famed for its Inklings literary heritage, vibrant atmosphere, and excellent local ales since 1613.
The Rickety Press
19.6 km
A lively Jericho pub blending funky vibes, quality pizzas, inventive burgers, and a welcoming community spirit in the heart of Oxford.
LJ - Love Jericho Cocktail Bar
19.6 km
Experience Oxford’s best cocktails and vibrant nightlife at LJ - Love Jericho, where expert mixology meets a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Turf Tavern
19.6 km
Discover Oxford’s hidden gem: a 600-year-old historic pub famed for its cozy charm, legendary patrons, and timeless atmosphere.
King's Arms, Oxford
19.6 km
Oxford’s oldest pub since 1607, famed for its literary heritage, academic ties, and ghostly whispers in a historic setting.
White Horse
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A classic Oxford pub on Broad Street offering cozy charm, well-kept ales, and a taste of local history and culture.
The Cape Of Good Hope
19.9 km
A lively Oxford pub blending traditional charm with modern vibes, great food, craft beers, and a welcoming community spirit.
The Grapes
19.9 km
A classic Oxford pub renowned for award-winning ales, hearty food, and warm, friendly hospitality in a historic city-center setting.
The Three Goats Heads Pub
19.9 km
A historic Oxford pub offering traditional ales, hearty food, and a relaxed, phone-free atmosphere in a charming Victorian setting.
Sandy's Piano Bar
19.9 km
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All Bar One Oxford
20.0 km
Lively and stylish wine bar on Oxford’s High Street, perfect for drinks, sharing plates, and social gatherings in a vibrant city setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Fever Oxford
19.8 km
Experience Oxford’s vibrant nightlife at Fever, a multi-room nightclub blending live DJs, dynamic music, and a lively party atmosphere.
Plush Oxford
20.0 km
Experience Oxford’s vibrant, inclusive nightlife hotspot with great music, cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere at Plush Oxford.
The Bridge Nightclub
20.2 km
Oxford’s lively student-focused nightclub with diverse music, multiple dance floors, and a spacious pub garden for late-night socializing.
Oxford Leisure Ltd
20.2 km
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ATIK Oxford
20.2 km
Oxford’s largest nightclub with diverse music rooms, vibrant atmosphere, and strong security, offering a late-night hub for students and locals alike.
Kiss Bar
20.2 km
An intimate late-night club in Oxford known for its vibrant atmosphere and close-knit party scene until its recent closure.
Mirage Aylesbury
24.7 km
Experience Aylesbury’s vibrant nightlife at Mirage, a lively nightclub offering music, dancing, and late-night fun in the heart of town.
Garudaa
29.2 km
A spacious, welcoming gentlemen’s club in Milton Keynes offering VIP areas, game rooms, and late-night entertainment in a relaxed, darkly lit setting.
Pink Punters
30.4 km
Milton Keynes’ dynamic multi-room nightclub blending diverse music, vibrant crowds, and a lively late-night party atmosphere.
TWC
31.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and energetic party scene at TWC, Aylesbury’s premier nightclub destination.
Elysium
39.1 km
Northampton’s premier late-night nightclub for house, bass, and tech house music, famed as the city’s official after-party hotspot.
Stereo Bar and Club
39.1 km
Experience Northampton’s vibrant nightlife with eclectic music, lively dancing, and a welcoming atmosphere at Stereo Bar and Club.
NB's
39.2 km
Experience Northampton’s vibrant nightlife with NB's lively clubbing atmosphere, multiple rooms, and sociable outdoor bar area.
Club43
39.2 km
Northampton’s vibrant underground nightclub offering top electronic acts and a soulful, energetic nightlife experience.
The Platform
39.3 km
Northampton’s vibrant nightclub and bar blending historic charm with lively music, drinks, and student-friendly events.
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
- Heritage Neighborhoods
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
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
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
