RAF Bicester: The Most Complete Interwar RAF Bomber Station
Explore RAF Bicester, the UK’s most complete interwar RAF bomber station, where history and heritage soar across a preserved grass airfield and iconic wartime structures.
RAF Bicester, located near Launton in Bicester, Oxfordshire, is the best-preserved example of an interwar Royal Air Force bomber base in the UK. Established during World War I and expanded through the 1920s and 1930s, it played a crucial role in training bomber crews and testing iconic aircraft such as the Handley Page Halifax. Today, the site retains its original grass flying field, hangars, bomb stores, and defensive structures, offering a unique glimpse into RAF history and heritage.
A brief summary to RAF Bicester
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Budget
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking across the expansive grass airfield and uneven terrain around historic structures.
- Visit during spring or summer for the best weather and clearer skies to appreciate the open airfield and architecture.
- Take time to explore the bomb stores and pillboxes to fully appreciate the defensive features of the WWII airfield.
- Check for any special events or heritage open days at Bicester Heritage to experience aviation and motoring demonstrations.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Bus
Take the Stagecoach bus service from Bicester town center to Launton, with a journey time of approximately 15-20 minutes. Services run hourly on weekdays and less frequently on weekends. Tickets cost around £3-£5. Note that the stop is a short walk from RAF Bicester’s main entrance.
-
Train and Taxi
Travel by train to Bicester North station from London Marylebone or Oxford, with journey times ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. From the station, a taxi ride to RAF Bicester takes about 10 minutes and costs approximately £10-£15. Train tickets vary but typically range from £10-£25 one way.
-
Car
Driving to RAF Bicester from Oxford or Aylesbury takes roughly 20-30 minutes via the A41 and local roads. Parking is available on-site but limited, so early arrival is advised. Note that some roads near the airfield are narrow and may be busy during peak times.
RAF Bicester location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about RAF Bicester
Origins and Early Development of RAF Bicester
RAF Bicester was originally established in 1916 as a training aerodrome for the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War. The site was constructed with the help of diverse labour groups, including Canadian sappers, Portuguese and Chinese workers, and German prisoners of war. Initially featuring canvas-covered hangars, the airfield opened towards the end of 1917 and hosted units such as 118 Squadron flying Bristol F2b Fighters. After a brief closure in 1920, the airfield was redeveloped starting in 1925 as part of the RAF’s expansion under Sir Hugh Trenchard’s policy of offensive deterrence, which emphasized bomber force development. This redevelopment included the construction of permanent hangars and facilities to accommodate larger bomber aircraft.Strategic Role Through the Interwar Period and World War II
Throughout the 1930s, RAF Bicester grew in importance as a bomber base, hosting aircraft such as the Sidestrand, Overstrand, and later the Bristol Blenheim bombers. It became a key training centre for bomber crews, including pilots, observers, and gunners, preparing personnel from Britain and Commonwealth countries for operational service. The site also played a significant role in aircraft development and testing; notably, the first prototype of the Handley Page Halifax heavy bomber was secretly assembled and took its maiden flight here in October 1939. During World War II, RAF Bicester functioned as an Operational Training Unit until 1944, training crews for Bomber Command and supporting the buildup for major operations such as D-Day.Preserved Landscape and Military Architecture
RAF Bicester retains much of its original 1939 boundary layout, including the grass flying field, which remains largely intact. The site is bounded by a group of bomb stores built in the late 1920s and early 1930s, alongside defensive features such as pillboxes, trenches, and air-raid shelters constructed in the early war years. The hangars, control tower, and workshop buildings exemplify the architectural style of the interwar RAF expansion period, carefully matching the original design ethos. This military landscape represents one of the most complete surviving examples of an RAF bomber station from this era, recognized as a Scheduled Monument and protected for its historical significance.Postwar Use and Modern Transformation
After the war, RAF Bicester transitioned through various roles including aircraft crash investigation, repair work, parachute servicing, and gliding operations. The domestic site was sold in 2010, and the airfield ceased military flying operations in 2004. In recent years, the former RAF Bicester has been transformed into Bicester Heritage, the UK’s first business campus dedicated to historic motoring and aviation specialists. This adaptive reuse has preserved over 70% of the site’s buildings and structures, fostering a vibrant community focused on the restoration and preservation of vintage aircraft and automobiles.Ongoing Conservation and Heritage Significance
Historic England and Bicester Heritage continue to work together to conserve and restore the site’s unique features, including recently discovered shelter-like structures whose original purpose remains a mystery. Funding and public engagement efforts aim to safeguard this rare example of RAF history for future generations. The site’s combination of original grass runways, bomb stores, defensive works, and hangars offers an unparalleled window into the RAF’s interwar and World War II bomber operations, making RAF Bicester a vital cultural and historical landmark in the UK’s military heritage.Experience and Atmosphere Today
Visitors to RAF Bicester encounter a remarkable time capsule of RAF history, where the echoes of bomber crews training for critical wartime missions still resonate across the grass airfield. The preserved architecture and landscape invite reflection on the evolution of air power and the dedication of those who served here. The site’s current role as a hub for heritage motoring and aviation specialists adds a dynamic layer to its story, blending historical reverence with active preservation and craftsmanship.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Blue Plaque: J.R.R. Tolkien
18.2 km
The Oxford home where Tolkien wrote The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, marked by a historic blue plaque.
Weston Library
19.7 km
Explore the Weston Library in Oxford - a cultural gem featuring rare manuscripts, stunning architecture, and a vibrant atmosphere for book lovers.
New College Ln
19.7 km
Explore the enchanting New College Lane in Oxford, where history, architecture, and student life come together in a picturesque setting.
Bridge of Sighs
19.7 km
An iconic covered bridge connecting Hertford College’s quadrangles, blending Gothic charm with Oxford’s academic spirit.
Clarendon Building
19.7 km
An iconic neoclassical landmark in Oxford’s academic heart, blending historic grandeur with university tradition on Broad Street.
Bodleian Library
19.7 km
Discover the Bodleian Library, an iconic historical landmark in Oxford, home to millions of texts and a hub for cultural events and tours.
The Sheldonian Theatre
19.7 km
Explore the architectural beauty and cultural significance of The Sheldonian Theatre, a historic performing arts gem in the heart of Oxford.
Bodleian Old Library
19.7 km
Discover the Bodleian Old Library, a historic treasure in Oxford, steeped in knowledge and architectural beauty, inviting all to explore its literary wonders.
History of Science Museum
19.7 km
Explore the History of Science Museum in Oxford: A treasure trove of scientific instruments and manuscripts showcasing centuries of innovation and discovery.
City Sightseeing Oxford
19.7 km
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
19.7 km
Discover the haunted history of Oxford with The Oxford Ghost Tour, where chilling stories and eerie legends await every curious traveler.
Martyrs' Memorial
19.8 km
A towering Gothic Revival monument in Oxford honoring three Reformation martyrs who stood firm in faith during religious upheaval.
The Queen's College
19.8 km
Baroque splendour on Oxford's High Street—a historic college of architectural excellence and academic prestige.
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
Discover authentic Oxford heritage and unique keepsakes at this charming High Street souvenir shop, open daily for all visitors.
Cool Britannia
19.8 km
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
19.8 km
Oxford’s trusted art and craft supply store since 1981, offering expert advice and quality materials for artists and creatives.
Oxford Campus Stores
19.8 km
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
19.8 km
Discover unique gifts and local crafts in a charming Oxford shop offering authentic souvenirs and stylish finds in the city center.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
19.8 km
Discover quirky Danish design and colorful everyday essentials at Flying Tiger Copenhagen, Oxford’s lively variety store on Magdalen Street.
The Shop of Secrets
19.8 km
Discover magical collectibles and Harry Potter treasures in a warm, inviting Oxford shop with a personal touch.
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
14.1 km
A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired pub in Buckingham with wood-fired pizzas, cozy bar, private function room, and charming courtyard dining.
The Duke Of Cambridge
19.5 km
A stylish Oxford cocktail bar blending traditional pub charm with expert mixology and a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Jude The Obscure
19.5 km
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
19.5 km
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
19.7 km
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
Experience the magic of live music at Sandy's Piano Bar in Oxford, where every night is a celebration of talent and good times.
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.
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
- Sunset Spots
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
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
