The Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum in Bungay offers a fantastic insight into the British aviation heritage. The best part is that admission is entirely free, and the museum’s volunteers are always eager to assist with your inquiries regarding the exhibits. Additionally, the museum features designated areas for children, making it an excellent destination for families.
A Journey Through Time: The Story of the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum.
The purpose of the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum, a registered charity, is to preserve and celebrate East Anglia’s aviation heritage. An enthusiastic team of volunteers manages the museum entirely, with only one paid staff member.
The museum’s first core dates back to the late 1970s, when a group of aviation enthusiasts united to conserve aircraft and artefacts and document the region’s aviation history. In 1973, it began activities as a society in a Nissen hut behind the post office in Flixton. The museum officially opened in 1976.
Over time, the museum’s collection increased, leading to the need for a larger space to house it. Luckily, the Bungay/Flixton airfield area provided a suitable site, and the Buck Inn owners offered a barn and meadow for aircraft display. In 1984, the museum purchased almost 8 acres of land to accommodate future expansion needs, then erected buildings and a hangar.
Today, the museum’s current collection consists of a wide range of aircraft and artefacts. It also includes information and objects about the 446th Bomb Group USAAF and aviation in the East of England, showcased on the TV series Master of the Air.
Discover the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum
The Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum is a fantastic place for aviation enthusiasts. It is a spacious area home to over 66 aircraft, several cockpits, and more than 30,000 various objects. A group of friendly volunteers manage the museum, sharing their knowledge and love for British aviation history.
Despite not having any interactive or catchy exhibitions, the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum is still a fascinating place to visit, with numerous aviation exhibits to explore. The museum has themed buildings dedicated to the Royal Observer Corps No. 6 Group, the 446th (H) Bomb Group USAAF, RAF Bomber Command, RAF Air-Sea Rescue & Coastal Command, and local aviation from the pioneer years to the present day.
It also has many exhibitions on special topics such as WWII Decoy Crews, Boulton & Paul Norwich, RAF Link Trainers, aerial photography, radio/radar/electronic countermeasures, the Home Front, and Luftwaffe wreckology, catering to the interests of almost everyone.
The museum has a few facilities, including a gift shop, a snack area (NAAFI), and picnic tables. While the museum’s display style may not be the most attractive, the volunteers’ enthusiasm and friendliness make up for it by creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes visitors forget the museum’s shortcomings and fall in love with British aviation history.
Furthermore, the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum is near the site of the 446th Bomb Group base at Bungay, so if you enjoyed watching the Master of the Air series, you’d be delighted to visit this place.
The Aircraft Outside and in the Hangars
The museum has an impressive collection of large aircraft that are displayed outdoors. Among them are several early jets from the RAF and Royal Navy, V-Bomber cockpits, and foreign aircraft such as the MiG-15 and Pucara. In addition, the museum has a variety of relics recovered from the sea and digs, as well as an Anderson Shelter, which provides visitors with a unique glimpse into the past.
Once you step inside the hangars, you will see an impressive collection of aircraft and aviation-related memorabilia, including training aircraft, early gliders, two gyrocopters, and several microlights. There are also displays of ejector seats and aircraft engines, as well as several collections of model aircraft.
Along with aviation-related items, the hangars have extensive cabinet displays showcasing Civil Air Patrol, Berlin Airlift, Airborne Forces, and other uniforms and equipment. Additionally, a gallery of oil paintings of aircraft by local member John Constable Reeve adds a touch of art.
The first hangar houses some of the most iconic aircraft of all time, including the EE Lightning, Sea Harrier, and Spitfire, as well as the Piston Provost and Vampire. The Boulton & Paul Hangar is equally impressive, featuring Whirlwind, Widgeon, and Sycamore helicopters, a U.S. Civil Air Patrol Fairchild F.24 of WWII, the nose of a WWI Felixstowe F5 flying boat, and a 5/8ths scale replica Fokker D.VIII German WWI fighter.
The hangars also have a café where you can refresh with light snacks while browsing through fundraising bric-a-brac and collectors’ sales stalls for a unique souvenir.
Other Exhibits
The Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum’s collection spreads among many buildings. The 446 BG building has an expansive collection of memorabilia from the Flixton airfield, including aircraft components, equipment, uniforms, personal effects, and digitised images.
The RAF Bomber Command building has large components from a 9 Squadron Wellington bomber recovered from its crash site. Additionally, it features a mock-up Lancaster forward fuselage used in the film Dambusters, and impressive displays of aircraft instruments and equipment, uniforms, personal effects, and model aircraft.
The RAF Coastal Command & Air-Sea Rescue building showcases photos and models of aircraft that served in Coastal Command, as well as a vast collection of high-speed launch models, uniforms, and equipment used by the RAF Air-Sea Rescue service. The building also has a large display of photographic images. The Royal Observer Corps building has a mock-up underground control room/bunker, examples of ROC equipment and uniforms, and other memorabilia.
Memorials
Near the 446 BG building, two touching memorials honour the brave personnel who fought in World War II. One of these memorials is dedicated solely to the 446 BG personnel, while another pays tribute to the 2nd Air Division USAAF personnel. Additionally, there is a metal statue that stands tall in memory of the courageous British and Allied pilots who lost their lives during the war.
The Activities of the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum in Bungay
Inside the aviation exhibit, the Link Trainer Room features two operational simulators. One has been modified to include a computer-based MS Flight Simulator system. Additionally, a wheelchair-accessible flight deck offers another MS Flight Simulator system.
Throughout the year, the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum hosts many events and activities. These include classic car meetings, East Anglian Air Ambulance fundraisers, aviation art and model meetings, RAF and Veteran Day, and more. With such a diverse range of activities, there is always something for everyone.
The museum actively collaborates with local schools and associations, such as Scout groups and the Suffolk & Essex Children’s University, to involve the local community. These collaborations provide unique learning experiences for children. The museum encourages them to learn about aircraft, Morse Code, and explore its exhibits.
Useful Details to Organise Your Visit at the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum in Bungay
The museum has an extensive and remarkable collection bound to fascinate visitors for hours on end. In just one trip, you may not be able to see everything in detail, as new items are added to the collection every day. Children can enjoy interactive activities in the hangars, as well as a fun sit-in aircraft and a small outdoor playground.
If you’re fortunate enough to catch one of the staff members in the Link Trainer Room, you may have the chance to experience a simulated flight in a WWII aircraft for a small donation.
While admission is free of charge to all visitors, you can find donation boxes throughout the museum. I suggest leaving some pounds to support the volunteers to maintain and grow the museum.
Museum with the Family
The Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum is an excellent destination for families with children. Outside is a small playground area where visitors can have a picnic. Inside are aeroplanes and helicopter trolleys designed for children to ride on.
Moreover, there is a simulator that allows children to pretend that they are flying a plane. Additionally, there is a Morse communications area where they can experiment and learn. Even before he became interested in aviation, my son has enjoyed visiting this museum since our first visit.
Directions
The Suffolk countryside is home to the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum, located within a short distance from Bungay. After visiting the museum, we explored the nearby Bungay castle ruins.
The museum is accessible only by car as no public transportation is available. To find the best route enter the postcode NR35 1NZ in your SatNav or Google Maps.
Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum
The St, Flixton
Bungay NR35 1NZ
The Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum, with its impressive selection of aircraft exhibits, will enlighten you about aviation in East Anglia during WWII. For a fun day out or if you’re passionate about flying, I totally recommend visiting this museum. Feel free to share your thoughts by leaving a comment, especially if you are passionate about aviation.