Croydon Airport

Croydon Airport ✈️Historic Croydon Airport became London’s main international airport in 1920 and was the UK’s gateway to the world between the wars.

Discover its story at our public open days, held the first Sunday of each month!

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ This Pride Month, we're celebrating the life and legacy of Roberta Cowell – a pioneering Croydonian whose cour...
18/06/2026

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ This Pride Month, we're celebrating the life and legacy of Roberta Cowell – a pioneering Croydonian whose courage and determination helped make history.

Born in Croydon, Roberta Cowell (1918–2011) was an engineer, racing driver, pilot, and the first known British trans woman to undergo gender-affirming surgery.

Before joining the Croydon aviation community, Cowell served as an RAF pilot during the Second World War. In one of her most extraordinary wartime accounts, she recalled regaining consciousness after her damaged Spitfire had recovered from a high-speed dive. Later in 1944, she was shot down over Europe and spent several months as a prisoner of war before returning to Britain and continuing her aviation career.

Roberta flew at Croydon Airport as a member of the Airways Flying Club and Surrey Flying Club. A Croydon Times report, highlights her involvement in experimental jet flying, reflecting her continued engagement with emerging aviation technology and post-war flight development. The article captures her determination to be taken seriously as an aviator at a time when both women pilots and transgender people faced significant barriers.

Roberta's story is a powerful reminder that LGBTQ+ history is part of Croydon's history. Her resilience, ambition and determination continue to inspire generations today.

📷 Photo: Hulton Archive

15/06/2026

Croydon Airport used aeronautical maps for navigation and planning. Together with Wireless Position Finding, the Air Traffic Controller would work out the aircraft’s position. The map was used to plot the position, then the information was transmitted to the pilot in flight.

Visit the birthplace of global Air Traffic Control, at our next Open Day on 5th July! Tickets selling fast: www.ticketsource.com/historic-croydon-airport-trust

Thanks to everyone who attended our recent Open Day this past weekend! ✈️ We were delighted to welcome a local Beaver an...
12/06/2026

Thanks to everyone who attended our recent Open Day this past weekend! ✈️

We were delighted to welcome a local Beaver and Cub group to Historic Croydon Airport, where they enjoyed a guided tour of our Visitor Centre and discovered the fascinating story of the world's first purpose-built airport.

They also took part in a Plane Making Workshop hosted by Fly Festival, putting their creativity and engineering skills to the test and successfully earning their Air Activities Badge! 🛩️👏

It was wonderful to see so many young people engaging with aviation history and having fun along the way. Stay tuned for news on future workshops!

08/06/2026

✈️Croydon Airport has a variety of model aeroplanes on display. From passenger aircraft to high speed record-breakers. Watch until the end to see a photo of the famed Dakota!

After D-Day on 6th June 1944, Croydon's airfield was used by transport and communications squadrons to provide critical operational support for the Allied invasion. Transport planes operating out of Croydon served as air ambulances, flying injured troops back to the UK for urgent medical treatment.

Dakota aeroplanes were used by No 147 Squadron in 1944 as part of RAF Transport Command’s No 110 Wing, which had been set up earlier.

This , why not help shape the future of a local, volunteer-led museum?We're looking for new Trustees to join the Board ...
07/06/2026

This , why not help shape the future of a local, volunteer-led museum?

We're looking for new Trustees to join the Board of the Historic Croydon Airport Trust. Whether you're an experienced trustee or taking on your first board role, we'd love to hear from you.

With exciting plans ahead, this is a chance to help preserve and share the story of Britain's first international airport for future generations.

We encourage applications from people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. We specifically require people with a financial skillset but we're also keen to hear from those with skills in partnerships, fundraising, marketing and education.

To apply send us your CV and a short cover letter to [email protected]

Our volunteers recently enjoyed a fascinating visit to the Flight Gallery at the Science Museum, where we came face-to-f...
05/06/2026

Our volunteers recently enjoyed a fascinating visit to the Flight Gallery at the Science Museum, where we came face-to-face with one of aviation history's most famous aircraft 'Jason' the Gipsy Moth flown by Amy Johnson on her record-breaking solo flight from England to Australia in 1930.

Seeing this remarkable aircraft up close was a special moment, particularly as Amy's incredible journey began right here at Croydon Airport. Her courage, determination and pioneering spirit continue to inspire us today.

Our volunteers had a wonderful day exploring the gallery and learning more about the people and aircraft that shaped the history of flight.

Have you visited Jason in the Flight Gallery? Don't forget you can still join our Jason making workshop, this Sunday at our next open day! www.historiccroydonairport.org.uk/whats-on/

02/06/2026

Tickets for our June open day are now sold out, but you can still join us for our Children's Plane Making Workshops, run by FLY: The Amy Johnson Festival of Inspiration.

Facilitator Jenny Lockyer Performer will be hosting four workshops throughout the day. For more information & to book tickets click here: www.flyfestival.co.uk/events ✈️

On 29th May 1927, Charles Lindbergh, the American Aviator, made a historic landing at Croydon Airport in his "Spirit of ...
01/06/2026

On 29th May 1927, Charles Lindbergh, the American Aviator, made a historic landing at Croydon Airport in his "Spirit of St. Louis" aircraft after completing the first solo transatlantic flight. The event drew an enormous crowd of approximately 120,000 people, eager to witness this aviation milestone.

Despite the excitement, Lindbergh had to make three attempts to land because the crowd broke through the barriers and onto the landing area. His arrival was celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Dignitaries awaiting his arrival included Ambassador Alanson Houghton and Sir Samuel H***e, Secretary of State for Air, his wife Lady H***e, Lord Thomson (former air minister), Sir Sefton Branker (chief of civil aviation), Marshall Sir John Higgins (representing the air council) and Brig. Gen. P. R. C. Groves (representing the Air League). Later, he was driven to London in an open car, waving to the cheering crowd.

✈️ Calling all young aviators! Join FLY Festival at Historic Croydon Airport on Sunday 7 June for a special children’s w...
20/05/2026

✈️ Calling all young aviators! Join FLY Festival at Historic Croydon Airport on Sunday 7 June for a special children’s workshop: Make Your Own “Jason” Gipsy Moth Plane.

🌍 Inspired by pioneering pilot Amy Johnson, children will discover the incredible story of her solo flight from Croydon to Australia and then will build their very own model of the famous plane she flew across the world.

🧒 Ages 5+
⏰ 1-hour sessions available:
• 10:30–11:30
• 11:45–12:45
• 13:45–14:45
• 15:00–16:00

Led by Jenny Lockyer, Creative Director of FLY: The Amy Johnson Festival of Inspiration.

🎟️ Workshop tickets must be booked separately from Croydon Airport Open Day tickets.
Book workshops: https://www.flyfestival.co.uk
Open Day tickets: https://www.historiccroydonairport.org.uk

(Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

✈️ Calling all young aviators! Join FLY: The Amy Johnson Festival of Inspiration at Croydon Airport on Sunday 7 June for...
20/05/2026

✈️ Calling all young aviators! Join FLY: The Amy Johnson Festival of Inspiration at Croydon Airport on Sunday 7 June for a special children’s workshop: Make Your Own “Jason” Gipsy Moth Plane.

🌍 Inspired by pioneering pilot Amy Johnson, children will discover the incredible story of her solo flight from Croydon to Australia and then will build their very own model of the famous plane she flew across the world.

🧒 Ages 5+
⏰ 1-hour sessions available:
• 10:30–11:30
• 11:45–12:45
• 13:45–14:45
• 15:00–16:00

Led by Jenny Lockyer Performer, Creative Director of FLY: The Amy Johnson Festival of Inspiration.

🎟️ Workshop tickets must be booked separately from Croydon Airport Open Day tickets.
Book workshops: https://www.flyfestival.co.uk
Open Day tickets: https://www.historiccroydonairport.org.uk

(Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.)

Address

Purley Way
Croydon
CR00XZ

Opening Hours

10am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+447526996454

Website

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