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 ยฃ14.00
Concession ยฃ12.00
Children (7-18) ยฃ6.00
Under 6 Free
Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) ยฃ32

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.

Saturday will be the last day of our 80s Theme.  It has been lovely to share all the memories from the 1980s both milita...
29/05/2026

Saturday will be the last day of our 80s Theme. It has been lovely to share all the memories from the 1980s both military & at home with so many people. We have had many families in this week who have enjoyed sharing their own experiences of the 1980s with their children and grandchildren. We still have so much on show to bring those memories to life.
Not forgetting as it is half term our lego room is full of interactive building for all ages from our vast lego collection to our new very popular mineblocks, large marble runs & duplo. We love to see at the end of the day what your imagination has created.

The coolest places to be in a heatwave? According to today's visitors it's definitely the Cold War Ops room (it's genuin...
25/05/2026

The coolest places to be in a heatwave? According to today's visitors it's definitely the Cold War Ops room (it's genuinely really cool in there today!).

We're open until Saturday this week, with more activities, quizzes and talks to get involved in, and tickets last 12 months.

Join us again today and Bank Holiday Monday for more   activities exploring the RAF in 1980s.
23/05/2026

Join us again today and Bank Holiday Monday for more activities exploring the RAF in 1980s.

Busy start to our Cold War Heritage Week, 1980s Themed Experience.  Our volunteers have been embracing the era & dressin...
20/05/2026

Busy start to our Cold War Heritage Week, 1980s Themed Experience.
Our volunteers have been embracing the era & dressing up and also bringing household items for the displays to take you back in time. The 1980s was a key period for the Cold War and Neatishead was heavily involved. In our Gallery Room we have a through the 80s history in photos of Neatishead, and in the Cold War Ops Room you really can get a feel for what it would have been like serving at Neatishead as an Operator during the Cold War. Our volunteers really do bring the whole museum to life sharing their own experiences of RAF Neatishead and beyond.

We will be running these displays until the 30th May.

This week sees the beginning of   and we've been honoured to be joined by not only Elton John but also Bernie Taupin (if...
16/05/2026

This week sees the beginning of and we've been honoured to be joined by not only Elton John but also Bernie Taupin (if you squint a bit)!

From Tuesday to Saturday you can join in with our 1980s scavenger hunts and find our celebrity bears. There's a temporary exhibition about RAF Neatishead through the decade featuring the music and TV shows, and you can find some very special artefacts and toys from 1980s homes.

Our Cold War and Second World War talks take place every day, and you can leap into the cockpits of our Tornado and Jaguar fighter aircraft.

You can find out more about the exhibition here https://bit.ly/493hpkN



(photo shows the wonderful Cold War presenters John and Ian very much in the spirit of the week, standing in front of our Bloodhound missile)

A very happy Top Gun Day to all who celebrate!
13/05/2026

A very happy Top Gun Day to all who celebrate!

11/05/2026

๐—ก๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—–๐—ผ๐—น๐—ฑ ๐—ช๐—ฎ๐—ฟ ๐—›๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ถ๐˜๐—ฎ๐—ด๐—ฒ ๐—ช๐—ฒ๐—ฒ๐—ธ ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿฒ โ€“ ๐—ฅ๐—”๐—™ ๐—ฅ๐—ฎ๐—ฑ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ ๐— ๐˜‚๐˜€๐—ฒ๐˜‚๐—บ

Discover a vital piece of Britainโ€™s Cold War air defence network at the RAF Radar Museum, set within a former RAF station in the Norfolk Broads. From 1941 through the height of the Cold War, RAF Neatishead played a crucial role in tracking Soviet aircraft and coordinating RAF interceptors, helping to protect UK airspace during a time of global tension.

During National Cold War Heritage Week (18โ€“24 May), visitors can experience a special 1980s-themed programme as part of a wider event running from 16โ€“30 May. At the heart of the museum is the authentic RAF Operations Room, presented as it was during Exercise Able Archer in 1983. Sit at the original consoles and hear first-hand stories from veteran volunteers, offering a powerful and personal insight into life on the frontline of Cold War defence.

Alongside this, visitors can explore Tornado and Jaguar cockpits, enjoy refreshments in the cafรฉ to the sound of 1980s music, and discover interactive spaces including a Lego room featuring early gaming consoles.

Date: 16โ€“30 May 2026
During NCWHW: 18โ€“24 May 2026
Location: RAF Radar Museum, Norfolk
Time: Tuesdayโ€“Saturday, 10:00 โ€“ 17:00

Additional info:
1980s-themed experience alongside core museum access, including Operations Room interpretation, hands-on exhibits, and interactive spaces.

Find out more: https://www.radarmuseum.co.uk/
Book now: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/rafairdefenceradarmuseum/1965718

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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