RAF Air Defence Radar Museum

RAF Air Defence Radar Museum Sharing the fascinating story of the Air Defence of Great Britain! Reg Charity 1200585

The museum is an award-winning, volunteer run, visitor attraction that offers a fascinating and informative day out for the family. Housed entirely in RAF buildings including the original hardened Grade 2* listed 1942 radar operations building, the Museum provides a unique window into the history of radar covering the period of WW2 to the Cold War.

Air defence radar control operations began at

RAF Neatishead in 1942 and continued until 2004 when RAF Neatishead ceased tactical operations and became Remote Radar Head (RRH) Neatishead.

When operations at RAF Neatishead moved into the underground bunker in 1995, the Cold War Operations Room was left intact and it eventually became the centre piece of the ADRM. The museum has expanded considerably since its inception and the most common observation of the visitors is that they wished they had scheduled more time for their visit. There is so much to see, including presentations on the part radar played in the Battle of Britain, Night Fighter operations, the History of Radar, Space Defence and the Coltishall rooms.

Now visitors can see the once secret Cold War Operations Room and have its operation explained in detail. Visitors are encouraged to participate in the guided tours during which the Volunteer Guides tell the story and add a personal touch to the experience. Opening times:

Tuesdays-Saturdays weekly and Bank Holiday Mondays, April to November inclusive. Open from 1000-1700

2025 Prices:

Adult £14.00
Concession £12.00
Children (7-18) £6.00
Under 6 Free
Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) £32

Free talks included. The Museum is a registered charity (RCN: 1058887) and relies entirely on donations to keep running. It is a predominantly volunteer run museum with just one member of paid staff. Every donation to the RAF Air Defence Radar Museum helps us to safeguard, protect and restore our unique radar collection. With your continued support, the guidance of the Charity's Trustees, the passion and dedication of the Museum's Volunteers and with the continuing support of the Friends of the Museum the RAF Air Defence Radar Museum is set to continue to tell the TOP SECRET story of Radar from its inception to the current day. Whilst the collections and RAF buildings in our care will benefit from continuous care, protection and restoration, visitors too will be encompassed and included in the activities of the Museum.

We sincerely hope you enjoy your day with us and are amazed and astounded by the extraordinary job Radar has done quietly behind the scenes since 1935. Your visit helps us to tell this story and to protect it for future generations. For further information contact us at [email protected] or visit our website, or phone during office hours 01692 631485.

*Visitor Notice*Owing to the wet stuff falling from the sky we have some flooding on local roads. We would strongly advi...
04/09/2026

*Visitor Notice*

Owing to the wet stuff falling from the sky we have some flooding on local roads. We would strongly advise those visiting today coming from Wroxham/Horning direction to make the short detour via Threehammer Common.

01/09/2026

On this day in 1940, No. 303 Squadron were made operational. On a training flight the previous day, the pilots had been told to not engage with a Dornier bomber that they came across. F/O Ludwik Paskiewicz disobeyed the order and shot down the bomber, and despite facing severe reprimand on arrival back to RAF Northolt, No. 303 squadron were made operational the next day.

This was the first Polish squadron to be made operational within No. 11 Group, and they became one of the highest scoring squadrons in the Battle.

©IWM

We've been pleased to see a good take-up of the sensory maps and excellent feedback on accessibility for all. Being an o...
27/08/2026

We've been pleased to see a good take-up of the sensory maps and excellent feedback on accessibility for all. Being an original RAF Operations building means it can be challenging to provide access to all the spaces, and wherever possible we've made adaptations so that everyone can achieve a similar experience, but we are always happy to receive constructive suggestions for improvements.

This weekend we are open on Saturday and the Bank Holiday Monday 10am-5pm, including cockpits, talks and our education room.

At the museum we are constantly trying to improve ways visitors can access the collections and feel comfortable explorin...
19/08/2026

At the museum we are constantly trying to improve ways visitors can access the collections and feel comfortable exploring the exhibitions.

For some visitors a visit to any attraction can cause anxiety about what to expect when they arrive, so to help our volunteers and work experience students have been working on a new sensory map.

The map points to areas that can have conflicting noise or flashing lights, that can have bright lights or are kept dark, and those spaces that can get busy at times, so visitors can navigate the museum comfortably.

If you would like to pick one up when you visit please ask at reception and we'd love to hear your feedback.

A Saturday conundrum for you!A visitor has brought in the photo below of a relative, but would like to know where and wh...
15/08/2026

A Saturday conundrum for you!

A visitor has brought in the photo below of a relative, but would like to know where and when it was taken. We think it might be something to do with Bloodhound, as the relative was involved with the system.

If anyone can identify the location or the event please let us know!

Today we mark the 81st anniversary of the end of the Second World War and remember all those who served and those who ma...
15/08/2026

Today we mark the 81st anniversary of the end of the Second World War and remember all those who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in that terrible conflict.

The date is recorded in the grumbling diary entry for Peter Harrild, a member of RAF AMES 117 unit, that used a mobile Gee-H blind bombing and radio navigation system and had moved with the advancing Allied forces into Germany.

For many the day came with relief and celebrations, but for others, including POWs it would be many months before they would be able to return home to their families.

14/08/2026

Today is the Panavia Tornado's 52nd birthday! On this day in 1974 the first Tornado took to the air, and through several variants continued to serve until 22nd February 2019.

The clip below is taken from the film Fighter Controller from 1985.

You can experience a Tornado for yourself at the museum by climbing into the cockpit of our F3 air defence variant.

Funday Thursday again tomorrow.  Clive will be in the Education Room with the lego.  Our Dragon Trail has been super pop...
12/08/2026

Funday Thursday again tomorrow. Clive will be in the Education Room with the lego. Our Dragon Trail has been super popular with 20 amazing dragons to be found hidden around the Museum. Dragon craft activities. Fresh local snacks & drinks available in Crumbs Café. Talks in the Cold War Room & WW2 Room throughout the day. Not forgetting climb inside our Tornado & Jaguar Cockpits amongst many other exciting exhibits, simulators and hands on experiences. Check out our 5* Trip Advisor & Google Reviews 🐉

If you've visited the museum and would like to explore the local area there's a wonderful Summer of Lightnings art trail...
07/08/2026

If you've visited the museum and would like to explore the local area there's a wonderful Summer of Lightnings art trail around Stalham that celebrates the 50th anniversary of Jan Mark's book 'Thunder and Lightnings'.

✈️ Looking for something fun to do during the summer holidays? ✈️

Take part in the Summer of Lightning Stalham Art Trail, running from 20 July to 31 August!

There are 55 beautifully decorated ‘Lightning’ jets displayed in shops and businesses around the town. Can you find them all? 👀

Pick up an entry sheet from locations around Stalham and enjoy exploring the town while hunting for each unique jet.

A great activity for all ages — happy hunting! 🎨✈️

Come & visit us for a wonderful family day out. The family activities are running Tuesday to Saturday until 5th Septembe...
06/08/2026

Come & visit us for a wonderful family day out. The family activities are running Tuesday to Saturday until 5th September

Funday Thursdays with Clive, running additional craft and construction activities in the education room.

20 Dragons to find in our Dragon Trail

Dog Friendly Fridays, when well behaved dogs on leads are allowed in the museum with their owners.

Plus there's real cockpits to climb in, interactive exhibits, regular talks on the history of air defence and a lovely gift shop and friendly cafe.

Tickets last 12 months from purchase so plenty of return visits if you miss anything the first time!

Address

Birds Lane
Neatishead, Norfolk
NR12 8YB

Opening Hours

Please note the museum is closed until Saturday 29th March 2025.
Tuesday 10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday 10:00 - 17:00
Friday 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday 10:00 - 17:00

Telephone

01692631485

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