Step inside iconic RAF aircraft after hours at the RAF Museum London. An exclusive, adults-only evening with rare cockpit access and expert guides.
Why you’ll love Hangar Nights
Hangar Nights is a premium, small-group experience offering rare access once the Museum closes to the public.
- Explore the Museum after hours
- Go behind the barriers with expert RAF guides
- Climb inside real aircraft cockpits
- Hear powerful stories of innovation, courage and conflict
- Enjoy a quiet, immersive atmosphere with limited numbers
What you’ll experience
What is included in the after-hours tour? 
An expert-led experience where knowledgeable guides bring the collection to life with in-depth insight you won’t hear on a daytime visit.
Do visitors get access inside aircraft?
Yes. Enjoy rare access inside selected iconic aircraft, including the chance to sit in the pilot’s seat and experience the cockpit first-hand.
Is photography allowed during the tour?
Yes. Photography inside aircraft is welcome to capture a unique memory. Cameras must be secured with a strap or kept in a zipped pocket.
Tour Dates & Themes
Friday 20 March – Cold War: Legendary NATO Aircraft – £100, SOLD OUT!
This extended after-hours tour unlocks exclusive access to legendary NATO aircraft of the Cold War, including the Vulcan and Phantom. Discover how global tensions and technological ambition shaped 20th Century History.
Wednesday 1 April – Highlights of the Collection – £150, SOLD OUT!
Celebrate the anniversary of the RAF’s foundation with a special out-of-hours tour across all hangars. Includes behind-the-ropes access to two aircraft per hangar and interior access to the Westland Sea King HAR3, Spitfire Mk XIV, Hawker Siddeley Vulcan B.2, and Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer S.2B.
Monday 4 May – Hawker Aircraft: Piston to Jet – £100
Trace the evolution of fighter jet aviation, exploring Hawker Aircraft from piston engines to jet fighters, with cockpit access to the Hawker-Siddeley Hunter FGA.9 and Hawker-Siddeley Buccaneer S.2B. Get closer than ever to the Typhoon and Tempest.
Friday 19 June – Pushing the Envelope: Record-Breaking Aircraft – £100, SOLD OUT!
Explore aircraft that pushed the boundaries of flight through bold ambition and technical brilliance. Includes cockpit access. Aircraft to be confirmed.
Friday 17 July – Britain’s Second World War Allies – £100
Explore the aircraft that fought alongside Britain during the Second World War, including the Flying Fortress and Hurricane. Discover the role of international cooperation in the Allied war effort.
Cockpit access: to be confirmed
Tuesday 15 September – Battle of Britain – £100
Focus on one of the most significant air campaigns in history. See aircraft including the Hurricane, Spitfire Mk I, Messerschmitt Bf 109 and Fiat CR.42 Falco, and understand how this battle shaped the course of the war.
Cockpit access: Spitfire Mk XVI (additional aircraft to be confirmed)
Friday 23 October – International Aid and Humanitarian Work – £100
Discover how the Royal Air Force has supported global humanitarian efforts, from relief missions to crisis response.
Cockpit access: to be confirmed
Friday 13 November – Bombers – £100
Examine the development and impact of bomber aircraft, including the Lancaster, Vulcan and Mosquito. Learn how these aircraft were used and the people who flew them.
Cockpit access: Vulcan (additional aircraft to be confirmed)
Friday 11 December – Royal Flight – £100
A longer, extended tour across multiple hangars. Explore aircraft used in royal and VIP air transport, including the Sea King and Wessex.
Cockpit access: Wessex and Sea King
More dates will be released throughout the year.
Who this experience is for?
Perfect for:
- Aviation enthusiasts
- History lovers
- Adults seeking a unique London experience
- Visitors looking for behind-the-scenes access
Important Information
- You must be physically fit to take part
- You must be 18 or over
- Please arrive on time for your booked slot
- Tickets are valid for one person only
- The Museum reserves the right to refuse access if safety requirements are not met
Terms and Conditions
- You must be physically fit to do this experience. The Museum reserves the right to restrict access to anyone that we believe may injure themselves during this experience due to a pre-existing health condition.
- Some aircraft will require you to climb a number of steps and to climb over the side of the aircraft; you must be able to support your own body weight when climbing in and out.
- You must be over the age of 18 to purchase a ticket and access the cockpits.
- Please wear trousers or shorts. Skirts and dresses may prevent or restrict access
- Please wear flat shoes with a good grip on them. Please note, we cannot allow the public access without appropriate footwear.
- You may take pictures inside aircraft – please come with a camera that can be zipped into a pocket or a camera with a strap.
- Please arrive for your access slot on time, if you are running late and miss your booked time then the Museum reserves the right to refuse access.
- Please note that planned aircraft access may be subject to change due to operational or maintenance requirements; however, we will endeavour to provide an alternative of equivalent quality and relevance wherever possible.
- Due to the aircraft being fully kitted with original instrumentation there is a radiation exposure risk when sitting in the cockpit of some of our older aircraft therefore access will be limited to 2 minutes per aircraft and not allowed for pregnant visitors.
- The Museum does not offer refunds for missed bookings or ‘no shows’.
- Each experience ticket is only valid for one person only and is non-transferable.
Ready to experience the RAF Museum after hours?