Lincolnshire, renowned as the 'Home of the Royal Air Force', has a vast aviation heritage. The County's flat, open countryside and its location made it ideal for the development of airfields during the Great War and in the Second World War Lincolnshire became the most important home of Bomber Command. Several significant airfields are still operational and serving the modern day RAF while former airfields, museums and memorials are witness to the bravery of the men and women who served here in more turbulent times.
The Royal Air Force College at Cranwell is a famous landmark in RAF history and there is a fascinating exhibition which recalls in words and photographs the early years of the airfield from its origins as a Royal Navy Air Service Station and the establishment of the College as the first Military Air Academy in the world to the present day.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is different. Not museum pieces, the Flight is a unique collection of aircraft, maintained by a group of dedicated engineers who keep the Lancaster, two Hurricanes, 5 spitfires, a Dakota and two Chipmunks fully operational. Display commitments mean that the presence of particular aircraft cannot be guaranteed.
The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby maintains its own Avro Lancaster Bomber 'Just Jane' amidst a wealth of memorabilia and nostalgia. Based on the former airfield of Five Group Bomber Command, the control tower has been restored to its original condition.
Newark Air Museum has a display of over 69 aircraft and cockpits and 4 covered display areas which incorporate an ever changing range of aviation artefacts and memorabilia. There are numerous other museums, visitor centres and viewing areas in Lincolnshire and all are an easy drive from Low Farm on mainly quiet rural roads.
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