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 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: Sea King Helicopter, viewing of Lancaster cockpit
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)
This evening is now SOLD OUT.
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?