The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight operates a Lancaster, five Spitfires, two Hurricanes, two Chipmunks, and a Dakota. In 1986, under a unique arrangement between Lincolnshire County Council and the Royal Air Force, it became possible to view these historic aircraft at their base at RAF Coningsby.
These aircraft are no museum pieces they are all still flying and can be seen at a variety of air shows in the summer months.
Since 1986, the Visitor Centre has welcomed over 300,000 people, all of whom have received a guided tour.
Many others visit to view the permanent gallery and temporary exhibitions, or to make purchases in our excellent shop.
Visitors, who take a guided tour, have the rare opportunity to visit the flight on its home territory, where you can watch technicians who have learnt skills all but lost, working on these magnificent aircraft.
Visitors to the centre can park in our large car park, which is situated directly across from the Visitor Centre entrance. There are limited spaces available for coaches and disabled parking.
Visitors are able to purchase hot and cold drinks and a small range of snacks from the Visitor Centre. There is also a small picnic area, which is available during normal opening hours.
Toilet facilities, including disabled toilets are available in the Visitor Centre.
On entering the site you will be directed to the new Visitor Centre which was opened in April 1999 by Raymond Baxter of Tomorrows World fame, a former spitfire pilot himself.
You can purchase gifts from the extensive range of giftware available in our shop. This includes framed pictures, prints, books, videos, computer software, porcelain mugs, pewter ware, model aircraft, sweatshirts, and much more.
The Visitor Centre is also home to the BBMF permanent gallery and temporary exhibition area. Entrance to this area is free.
Visitors may purchase tickets for a guided tour of the BBMF hangar from the shop. Entrance to the hangar is by guided tour only.
Visitors wishing to take a tour will be treated to a unique experience. You will be shown around the hangar by knowledgeable volunteer guides, many of whom have first hand experience of the aircraft. They give freely of their time, being keen to ensure that the public appreciate this living tribute to all RAF aircrew and ground crew who gave their lives in the Second World War.
Tours of the hangar last approximately one hour. Manual wheelchair access only, due to Health and Safety Regulations. Electric wheelchairs are prohibited. A wheelchair is also available from the Visitor Centre.
Within the hangar, you will see Lancaster PA474. Out of 7,377 Lancasters built, PA474 is one of only two Lancasters remaining in airworthy condition – the other being in Canada.
At the other end of the hangar, is the Douglas Dakota ZA947. Sandwiched between these two magnificent aircraft are BBMFs five Spitfires, two Hurricanes, and two Chipmunks.
P7350 is the oldest airworthy Spitfire in the world. An Mk V, an Mk IX, and two Mk XIX spitfires, all with their own unique histories, join her. The two hurricanes are Mk IIc.
The Visitor Centre is open Monday to Friday, 10.00am until 5.00pm. Guided tours of the hangar take place from 10.30am until 3.30pm (3.00pm November to February). The Visitor Centre is normally closed weekends, all public holidays and two weeks over the Christmas/New Year period. We will open some weekends during August please call 01526 344041 to confirm dates. Opening weekends in 2005 are Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July and Sunday 28 and Bank Holiday Monday 29 August.
Unfortunately, due to RAF commitments, we cannot guarantee the presence of any particular aircraft. Please call 01526 344041 to confirm which aircraft will be available during your visit.