Dates: Monday 3 and Friday 7 November 2025
Timing: 5:30pm – 8.30pm
Location: Hangar 2, First World War in the Air Exhibition
Ticket Price: £100.00
Step back in time to the dawn of military aviation and discover how the skies above Hendon shaped the future of air warfare. This special after-hours guided tour takes you from the pioneering days of the Hendon Aerodrome to the fierce dogfights and daring pilots of the First World War.
Join our expert guides as they bring our Hangar 2 to life, sharing the stories of the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS), Royal Flying Corps (RFC), and the birth of the RAF. You’ll hear about legendary aces, the battle against German Zeppelins, and the game-changing technologies – including the synchronisation gear that made forward-firing machine guns possible.
The Albatros DVa
What makes this experience unique:
- Climb inside First World War aircraft – including the iconic Albatros and the agile SE5
- Get close to aviation legends such as the Sopwith Triplane, Bristol Fighter, BE2 night fighter, and the Sopwith Dolphin.
- See rare artefacts and uniforms from our handling collection, brought out especially for the night.
- All in small group tours (maximum 5 guests per guide) for a more personal, in-depth experience.
The SE5A
This is a rare opportunity to not only explore the Museum’s First World War collection after hours but to sit where pioneering pilots once sat and hear their remarkable stories – from Britain’s first night fighters that brought down Zeppelins, to the aircraft flown by early aviation heroes and trailblazers.
Spaces are strictly limited to keep groups small and the experience immersive.
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.
- 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.
