The museum is based in the former USAF hardened command post on the former Bentwaters airfield, we believe that currently this is the only such building open regularly to the public in the UK and Europe. The main "war operations room" and "Battle cabin" have been restored to original condition, the BT telephone exchange room, and decontamination showers and airlock are also as original. Other rooms within the building have been turned into exhibition rooms, covering the history of RAF Bentwaters from W.W.II until the base closed in 1993. Included in this are histories of the units that operated form the airfield, particularly the 81st FW.
What a fantastic place to visit a former RAF Airbase which amongst other Businesses houses the Bentwaters Cold War Museum. Many standing exhibits of former military planes and a War Room packed full of historical memorabilia. Would highly recommend a visit to the restoration hanger (small additional charge) where you will be met by totally dedicated staff highly passionate in what they are doing, and keen to describe to you what they are undertaking Truly memorable visit will be back
A hidden gem! Wonderful place to visit, friendly team, with an interesting variety of aircraft and fascinating history of the base and nice to see a nod to Cobra Mist and the UFO siting. Highly recommended
Looks are definitely deceiving when I first arrived I thought not a lot here but soon changed my mind once entering Fantastic volunteers they work very hard on keeping it running polite and knowledgeable The restoration part of the museum is worth a trip Very cheap entry and food and drinks very reasonable priced Would recommend to everyone one I know
Loads of information and if you're a fan of the A-10 Warthog it's a great experience! Worth a trip
My friend suggested that we go and visit Bentwaters cold war museum as I'm interested in history. Well very impressed indeed All the staff are volunteers every last one including the head of the museum, Staff were brilliant very eager to tell you the history of the airbase and the command Bunker. As well as a Hanger which they have on the other side of the base , you are taken over the other side in a mini bus, and houses some aircraft that are currantly being restored. The volunteers restoring the aircraft are all retired and in their seventies so are actively looking for youngster people to help them one of them said. But we're happy to tell you what they are doing, one of the aircraft a English electric lighting so far has taken so far 9 years and still isn't finished. Another aircraft which is a fully working Jaguar fighter aircraft which once in a while does fast Taxis down the runway. And the only money they get is the admission charges and profit from the little shop in the cafe and the cafe itself. And the little cafe was so responsibly priced as well. How can you not have a drink and something to eat to help support them. And is decorated like an American dinner I Highly recommend you to visit them, I will certainly go back sometime.
Throughly enjoyed our visit today. Great range of displays and so much information, well worth a visit. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Really interesting to learn about the Twin Bases. Will be coming back for sure!
Live performances
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Restaurant
Toilets
Family friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Getting tickets in advance recommended
Good for kids
Free parking lot
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What a fantastic place to visit a former RAF Airbase which amongst other Businesses houses the Bentwaters Cold War Museum. Many standing exhibits of former military planes and a War Room packed full of historical memorabilia. Would highly recommend a visit to the restoration hanger (small additional charge) where you will be met by totally dedicated staff highly passionate in what they are doing, and keen to describe to you what they are undertaking Truly memorable visit will be back
A hidden gem! Wonderful place to visit, friendly team, with an interesting variety of aircraft and fascinating history of the base and nice to see a nod to Cobra Mist and the UFO siting. Highly recommended
Looks are definitely deceiving when I first arrived I thought not a lot here but soon changed my mind once entering Fantastic volunteers they work very hard on keeping it running polite and knowledgeable The restoration part of the museum is worth a trip Very cheap entry and food and drinks very reasonable priced Would recommend to everyone one I know
Loads of information and if you're a fan of the A-10 Warthog it's a great experience! Worth a trip
My friend suggested that we go and visit Bentwaters cold war museum as I'm interested in history. Well very impressed indeed All the staff are volunteers every last one including the head of the museum, Staff were brilliant very eager to tell you the history of the airbase and the command Bunker. As well as a Hanger which they have on the other side of the base , you are taken over the other side in a mini bus, and houses some aircraft that are currantly being restored. The volunteers restoring the aircraft are all retired and in their seventies so are actively looking for youngster people to help them one of them said. But we're happy to tell you what they are doing, one of the aircraft a English electric lighting so far has taken so far 9 years and still isn't finished. Another aircraft which is a fully working Jaguar fighter aircraft which once in a while does fast Taxis down the runway. And the only money they get is the admission charges and profit from the little shop in the cafe and the cafe itself. And the little cafe was so responsibly priced as well. How can you not have a drink and something to eat to help support them. And is decorated like an American dinner I Highly recommend you to visit them, I will certainly go back sometime.
Throughly enjoyed our visit today. Great range of displays and so much information, well worth a visit. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Really interesting to learn about the Twin Bases. Will be coming back for sure!
