RAF Witchford
and RAF Mepal
Museum
Welcome to the RAF Witchford & RAF Mepal Museum, dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of RAF Witchford and RAF Mepal, two important Second World War bomber stations that played a vital role in the defence of Britain and the Allied war effort.
Through artefacts, photographs, personal accounts, and historical displays, the museum brings to life the experiences of the airmen, ground crews, and local communities whose lives were shaped by these airfields during wartime.
Whether you are a local resident, a military historian, researching a family connection, or simply interested in aviation heritage, we invite you to explore the remarkable stories of courage, sacrifice, and service connected to these historic Cambridgeshire airfields.
The museum has been built as a place of remembrance, preserving the stories for future generations. The building itself forms an important part of the visitor experience. Architect Gary John explains:
108a Lancaster Way Business Park
Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB6 3NX
The museum is unmanned. You are welcome to visit during opening hours; please check the traffic lights at the entrance before entering.
Allow around 1–2 hours. Free parking, an accessible parking space and bicycle parking are available on site.
The traffic-light system at the museum shows whether there is room to enter.
Through aircraft artefacts, uniforms, equipment, photographs and documents, the collection connects the history of two bomber stations with the people who lived and served here.
Aircraft artefacts
Discover the Lancaster engine recovered near Coveney, alongside excavated aircraft parts and wartime objects. Look along the museum’s Lancaster-inspired fuselage to get a sense of the aircraft these crews flew.
Photographs & documents
Explore photographs, records and personal accounts that bring wartime life into focus, sharing the stories of airmen, ground crews and others stationed at RAF Witchford and RAF Mepal.
Uniforms, equipment & displays
See original uniforms and equipment, with interactive displays, sounds and wartime radio recordings that bring you closer to the experiences of those who served.
Opened in 1943, RAF Witchford became home to bomber squadrons including No. 115 Squadron. Discover the aircrew, ground crews and Lancaster bombers connected with this historic station.
RAF Mepal is best known as the wartime home of No. 75 (New Zealand) Squadron. Its stories preserve an enduring connection between the Cambridgeshire Fens and New Zealand.
The museum grew from Barry Aldridge’s lifelong commitment to preserving the history of RAF Witchford, supported by his wife Sue, volunteers and Grovemere Property.
His interest began in childhood, exploring the former airfield with friends. Years later, his involvement in the recovery of a crashed Lancaster near Coveney helped bring together the artefacts and stories that would form the heart of the collection.
Today, a purpose-built museum carries that legacy forward. Inspired by the fuselage of the Avro Lancaster, the building is a place to discover, reflect and remember — ensuring the experiences of those who served are preserved for future generations.
The museum’s research hub brings together photographs and stories from RAF Witchford and RAF Mepal, helping you explore the people and places connected with the two airfields.
Explore the photographs and stories available in the research hub during your visit.
Discover wartime life through the museum’s displays, photographs and artefacts — from the aircraft and equipment to the people who served.
The displays offer a way for visitors of all ages to connect with the history of the two airfields.
The museum is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible toilet, seating inside and benches in the memorial garden. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Apex Coffee House next door serves food and drink, with additional toilets and baby-changing facilities. Please keep food and drink outside the museum.
Entry is free. Your donations help care for the museum and preserve its collection for future generations.
Your contribution helps care for the museum and preserve its collection. Entry remains free for everyone.
Help care for the artefacts, photographs and personal accounts that connect future generations with RAF Witchford and RAF Mepal.
Behind every artefact is a story of the people who served and the communities shaped by wartime life. Your donation helps our charity preserve these connections and share them with future visitors.
Opportunities to become a Friend or volunteer with future research and events are coming soon.
Details will be shared when these programmes are ready.
Follow the museum on Instagram for the latest photographs, news and announcements about future events.
A story, an artefact or a personal connection? Share a photograph or memory from your visit on Instagram and tag @rafwitchfordandrafmepal.