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About

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is a unique place, ideally suited to building memories for you and your family.

Its story covers 100 years of life so far, combining feverish excitement interspersed with periods of calm and tranquillity. The aerodrome lies to the east of Chelmsford and west of Maldon in Essex, set within an area of gently rolling farmland. It comprises the largest known surviving group of RFC buildings on an WW1 aerodrome which was not adapted for further military use in its history – but that is only part of the tale.

It is an active aerodrome and Heritage site, an award-winning centre for community volunteering, a dedicated response to the challenges of isolation and mental health and houses a growing wealth of skills, research and knowledge. When considered together with its growing collections, ecological triumphs and its ongoing activities, a truly unique picture is formed. One of vibrancy and importance —nationally and internationally.

Opened in 1916 as home to B Flight of No 37(HD) Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, the aerodrome saw the birth of the Air Defence of Great Britain in response to the first raids by Zeppelins and Gotha bombers on London and the South East.  It played a key role in the Battle for Britain (the first London Blitz) the following year. It was at Stow Maries that No 37 Squadron transitioned from the Royal Flying Corps to the Royal Air Force on 1 April 1918. It continued in its dedicated role until Spring 1919 – when the RAF closed its doors forever. The existing buildings were repurposed or converted to residential & agricultural use and the airfield turned over to pasture.

Being left to its own devices, undisturbed, for so many years allowed the original occupant of the site to reclaim it— Nature. Our Ponds and meadows supports declining farmland species such as brown hare, corn bunting, yellowhammer and a variety of owls, including Barn owls and overwintering Short-eared owls. Endangered and rare species such as Water Voles and Badgers prosper here.

After existing silently for most of the last century, the Aerodrome was designated a conservation area in 2009. In 2012 all 24 surviving buildings were listed Grade II*. In 2013,  following a generous grant from the Heritage Memorial Fund, it was purchased and placed in the care of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome Ltd, (SMGWA) a charitable trust.

Supported by an army of volunteers, the site has seen leaps forward. Hangars are now in place; aircraft are based here and the Mess once again turns out food for hungry pilots, crew and visitors. A shop, run solely by volunteers, sells novel gifts and goods that spark interest and nostalgia. Our award-winning museum exhibitions include the stories of the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force (“RFC”) , original occupants of the site (“37 Sqn”), explore the female contributions (“Rule Britannia—the Women’s War”) and our connections to The Great War overseas (“St. Omer: The Great War”). We are developing new exhibitions every year. We have already have two fascinating hangars of aircraft, and aspire to build more.

Our Curatorial and award-winning Exhibition teams already have a significant reputation with national partners such as IWM, RAFM and NLHF and our Patrons include the Lord Lieutenant of Essex Jenny Tolhurst, Lord Petre, popular Historian Dan Snow and academic and historian Dr Saul David.  

We are a COVID-Secure (Visit England Good To Go) site that welcome families, individual enthusiasts or those with a passing interest. Dogs are welcome on a lead and our café can’t wait to grab you a slice of cake! Remember – admission to the shop and the Café – both housed in original buildings – is free!

If you would like to become part of this amazing story - pop in!

Guide Prices

Propeller Club Members - FREE

Use of Cafe and Shop (WITHOUT access to any Hangars, exhibition galleries or other parts of the site) - FREE

Adult ( 16yrs) - £11

Concession/ NUS/ Young Person (65 / 6-15yrs ) - £8

Infant (0-5yrs) - FREE

Group Ticket (2 x Adult 2 x Young Person) - £34

Carers (one adult accompanying a reliant fee-paying disabled visitor) - FREE

English Heritage Members: 2-for-1 on regular adult tickets on non-event days only (Both adults must be members)

Currently serving members of His Majesty's Armed Forces, and one guest, will receive free entry, on non-event days, upon production of an ID card.

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Disabled access
  • Disabled toilets

Booking & Payment Details

  • Credit cards accepted (no fee)

Catering

  • On-site light refreshments

Children

  • Baby changing facilities
  • Children welcome

Group Travel

  • Out of Hours Visits

Groups

  • Facilities for educational visits
  • Guided tours for groups

Meeting, Conference & Wedding Facilities

  • Facilities for conferencing
  • Facilities for corporate hospitality

Parking

  • Free Parking

Property Facilities

  • Dogs Accepted
  • Gift shop
  • Guided tours for individuals
  • Public toilets
  • Smoking not allowed

Site Features

  • English Heritage Property

Target Markets

  • Accepts groups
  • Coach parties accepted

Map & Directions

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome

Type:Museum - Transport

Hackman's Lane, Purleigh, Essex, CM3 6RN

Tel: 01245 329358

Opening Times

General Admission (17 Feb 2025 - 1 Dec 2025)
DayTimes
Monday - ThursdayClosed
Friday - Sunday10:00 - 15:00

* Free parking.

Admission to the Airmen's Mess Cafe and Shop only - free of charge.

Dogs on leads permitted in outdoor areas.

What's Nearby

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  3. The war memorial at Purleigh stands in the graveyard extension opposite the Grade I…

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  4. New Hall Vineyard is an English Wine Producer with around 50 hectares of vines and is one…

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  5. A small church situated on the edge of the village of Cold Norton.

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  6. Small wooded area with a pond in St Stephens Road. Picnic table and access for walking.…

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  9. Fambridge Yacht Haven at North Fambridge is a peaceful retreat for families, rallies and…

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  10. This 200 year old church is the only place of worship in North Fambridge.

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  11. Facilities include a car park, football pitch, children's play site, and basketball net.…

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  12. A small, attractive site surrounded by mature hedgerows. Car park, small hall, football…

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Previous Next

Number of results:

Number of results: 459

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Address

    Chigborough Road, Heybridge, Essex, CM9 4RE

    Telephone

    07702244440

    Heybridge

    The Chigborough Maze is located next to the campsite and is available for guests to use. It can be hired exclusively for events between October and May.

  2. Address

    End of Main Road, St Lawrence, CM0 7NA

    St Lawrence

    St Lawrence Bay, also known as Stone, is undoubtedly the most beautiful beach in the Maldon District, and the broad sweep of shingle and sand is worth the effort to get to. If you travel by car you will need to park at Jubilee Field car park as you…

  3. Address

    Garden Fields, Steeple, Essex, CM0 7JY

    Telephone

    01621 868352

    Steeple

    This site consists of a large area of grass surrounded by hedges. Football pitch, unfenced children's play site and basketball net

  4. Address

    Burnham-on-Crouch station, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8BQ

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 7.2 miles. This attractive linear pub walk takes you from the charming riverside town of Burnham-on-Crouch in a steady climb across the final outlier of the rolling farmland of central Essex, before reaching…

  5. Address

    31 High Street, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HJ

    Telephone

    01621 929314

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    The Rio Cinema is independently owned and was built in 1931, offering 2 screens showing current films at historically low prices! The Rio is a must for residents, visitors and cinema enthusiasts alike.

  6. Address

    West Chase, Maldon, CM9 6HN

    Maldon

    This Grade II Listed private home (not open to the public) was built in 1880 as a mansion for John Granger Sadd of the famous Maldon Sadd family. His daughter, suffragette and women's rights activist Myra Sadd Brown lived there and is commemorated…

  7. Address

    99 Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HR

    Telephone

    01621 778537

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  8. Address

    Common Lane, Woodham Walter, Essex, CM9 6NF

    Woodham Walter

    This site is part of a large network of nature reserves that make up the Danbury Ridge Complex. Woodham Walter Common is mainly secondary woodland with a few open areas where heather grows.

  9. Address

    The Street, Woodham Walter, Essex, CM9 6SA

    Woodham Walter

    This walk starts and finishes in the ancient and attractive village of Woodham Walter. The views across rural Essex are lovely. The terrain is varied, with arable fields, horse paddocks, a nature reserve and woodland.

  10. Address

    Fish Street, Goldhanger, Maldon, CM9 8AU

    Telephone

    01621 860265

    Goldhanger

    Surrounded by mature trees, this attractive site has access to the adjacent sea wall footpath and good views over the Blackwater estuary. Childrens play site, football pitch and benches.

  11. Address

    North Fambridge Station, Station Road, North Fambridge, CM3 6NP

    North Fambridge

    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 10.2 miles. This is a long and challenging, linear walk along the scenic River Crouch, using the train service to return to the start. The views of the river and landscape are breathtaking and Butts Cliff is an…

  12. Address

    Stow Road, Cold Norton, Essex, CM3 6RR

    Telephone

    01621 828631

    Cold Norton

    The Kings & Jubilee courses offer a great variety and challenge. Constructed to USGA specifications to provide an unrivalled quality of playing surface year round.

  13. Address

    Burnham-on-Crouch Library, Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HQ

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 4.6 miles. This largely mud-free stroll follows an easy circuit of the riverside yachting centre giving visitors the opportunity to explore some lesser-visited parts of the town.

  14. Address

    Maldon Road, Langford, CM9 4SS

    Langford

    St Giles' is a unique Grade II* Listed parish church dating from the late 11th century, with an unusual apse at the western end.

  15. Address

    Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

    Telephone

    01621 854477

    Maldon

    This 100 year old Edwardian park encompasses an ornamental lake, a large water Splash Park, beach huts for hire, sandpits, a galleon play ship & aerial zip-wire & several picnic areas.

  16. Address

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  17. Address

    Althorne, Essex, CM9 6DG

    Althorne

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  18. Address

    Cherry Blossom Lane, Cold Norton, Essex, CM3 6JQ

    Telephone

    01621 829566

    Cold Norton

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  19. Address

    Downs Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HG

    Telephone

    01621 854477

    Maldon

    An area of grassland and trees which slopes gently down to saltmarsh at the edge of the River Blackwater. At the top of the site near the road is a tarmac path and a number of benches.

  20. Address

    Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

    Maldon

    One of the highlights of a walk around Promenade Park is to walk along the extension, which stretches out into the water (or the mud) and leads to a seating area at the end. There you can also see at close hand the statue of famous Saxon…

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