the shuttleworth collection

I had visited the Shuttleworth Collection over 30 years ago and now returned with our air-mad grandson. The collection has expanded and the facilities have improved over the years, but it still seems amazing that such a unique collection, including survivors from the dawn of flight, can be found tucked away in rural Bedfordshire.Although it is obvious that large sums of lottery money have been thrown at the site, there are some details that niggle- on entering the shop/visitor centre, there is a marked lack of information or direction- where to pay, what are the charges, for instance- and the staff are none too helpful.Similarly the restaurant, though large and very smart, has its tables too close together, making the carrying of meals from counter to table difficult. Here again, the staff leave something to be desired. My other complaint is the lack of direction signage in the hangars. You move from one to another of the five hangars, but the doors between them are, in some cases, tucked away in a corner and can easily be missed- we and at least two other visitors almost did!The garden is very attractive and relaxing and is particularly appreciated by the non-air enthusiast (mostly female) visitor. The collection, though, is magnificent. Were it not for that, I would only give it 3 stars.

Just come back from this museum. The museum contains exhibits of propellor powered aeroplanes and models of same, together with ephemera, and some vintage cars and motorbikes. The hangers containing the exhibits are cold this time of year which is to be expected for museums of this type. However, the gift shop and restaurant are kept warm.However, entrance prices for the museum have recently increased to £15 per person which is rather expensive when compared Duxford where the cost is £17.90 for considerably more exhibits although there are some aircraft at the Shuttleworth Collection which Duxford did not have when I visited some time ago.Your best bet is to check the Shuttleworth Collection website for the special event days when the prices seem to be significantly cheaper.

Apart from being a superb collection of veteran and historic aircraft you will also find cars and other machinery lovingly restored and cared for. Do not miss the opportunity to visit especially on a flying day.

Great vehicles, 4 and 2 wheeled as well as planes! Wheelchair users take a 'pusher' if you haven't got very strong arms. There are steep but short slopes between hangars. The restaurant is good for a meal, snack or cuppa too.

Brilliant day out for both Adults & children of all ages. Have taken grandchildren on more than one occasion.

Excellant collection of old planes, cars and bikes. Shame we went on such a cold day, defintly wil go back in warmer weather and experience the gardens too. Lovely warm cafe with good selection o home made food.

The Shuttleworth Collection preserves historic aircraft which are maintained in flying condition. There is a vast quantity of important information and historical photographs from the era of World War I. A wonderful display of aircraft all superbly maintained and displayed.Richard Shuttleworth was successful in motor racing as well as flying and his personal transport, an M.G. TA is on show in beautiful original condition.

Visited on Sunday. Welcoming staff and very well presented gift shop. A lot more planes than I had initially thought, good display cabinets and interesting pictures and information. To be able to see the workshop was very good. Value for money, under 16s free with full paying adult and we received a free hot drink with the entrance fee which was needed. If you visit in the winter, wrap up warm, the hangers are incredibly cold. Would highly recommend.

Spend there day for DAD`s BirthdayGood place for airplane and war funs.Plenty of airplanes to see. We even get free cup of tea in restaurant,

I have been here today and thoroughly enjoyed my visit. The exhibits and display area were very well presented. The gift shop was fairly priced and the restaurant provided an ample selection of food and drinks. I would recommend a visit here as the entrance fee I paid today was £10.00, excellent value for money !!

Really interesting if you like historical planes, a very good cafe, fish and chips great. Very young children's play area. Some days there is flying days .

Took my dad here for his birthday, we had a great day, the collection is superb, getting up close to history is amazing, booked to see an air show next month as well, the cafe was also very nice for our lunch afterwards

We went here over Christmas as a part of my Dad's present and we had a great day out. Great collection of planes. My dad seemed to really enjoy it and I enjoyed taking photograph of these wonderful machines. Would recommend. Not much to say as I am not an aviation enthusiast. I really went for my Dad and to take some photos of the planes. So overall I had a great day out. They had engineers working in one of the hangars doing talks and restoration and demonstrations etc. It was great and I am glad we went.

Dropped in last week as we were in the area, and have always wanted to see them.One of the hangers was closed when we visited, so I guess there is usually more room between the planes. Amazing to think that all of them are airworthy, even the oldest ones that look like paper and balsa wood.Probably best to go on a fine day, when there might be some flying activity. Although there were guys working on some of the craft, it would have been nice if each hanger had a guide, who could say what was going on. Each plane has a plaque, with history, and a bit about the current owner, though they do begin to look a bit the same after the 4th hanger...Coffee and snacks were available, and welcome - these are aircraft hangers, with big big doors - no heating. Definitely outdoor clothes required.Next time, we'll try and co-ordinate our visit with one of the fly in days.

We live not to far away, so we pop along to the park in the site of the collection alot. The park has lots of great sections and good for young kids. The shuttelworth collection however although fantastically kept, and probably amazingly interesting is definitely not for young children . But visit on a sunny day and your pretty much guaranteed to see light aircraft land and take off. Quite often some very old ones as well. You can go to the park and watch the planes for free as well.