Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome

Stow Maries is a WW1 military aviation museum based at an aerodrome in Maldon, Essex – it celebrates the importance of the early air forces in the Great War of 1914-1918.

Historic Periods

World Wars (1914-1945)

Opening Times

From February 16th to December 2024, we will open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm.

These are usually what we call  “non-event days”. You do not need to book in advance to visit us on a non-event day. Last entry to the site is at 3pm.

The Airmen’s Mess Café closes at 3.30pm.

If you have a group, we would recommend you contact us in advance to see if we can arrange a special  Group Visit.

Cost

  • Propeller Club Members – FREE
  • Use of Cafe and Shop (WITHOUT access to any Hangars, exhibtion galleries or other parts of the site) – FREE
  • Adult ( 16yrs) – £11
  • Concession/ NUS/ Young Person (65 / 6-15yrs ) – £8
  • Infant (0-5yrs) – FREE
  • Group Ticket (2 x Adult 2 x Young Person) – £34
  • Carers (one adult accompanying a reliant fee-paying disabled visitor) – FREE
  • English Heritage Members: 2-for-1 on regular adult tickets on non-event days only (Both adults must be members)
  • Currently serving members of His Majesty’s Armed Forces, and one guest, will receive free entry, on non-event days, upon production of an ID card.
  • Check the website for details of Event Days

Facilities

More Information

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is a unique place, with a unique history. Its story covers 100 years of life comprising feverish excitement interspersed with periods of calm and tranquillity. The aerodrome lies to the east of Chelmsford and west of Maldon, Essex, within an area of gently-rolling farmland.

It is the largest known surviving group of RFC buildings on a WWI aerodrome which was not adapted for further military use later in its history. When considered with its growing collection of objects directly related to the site and its activities, a truly unique resource is evident.

The site has significant natural heritage value and is in Natural England’s Higher Level Environmental Stewardship scheme. Ponds and a meadow have been created and the land supports declining farmland species such as Brown hare, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer and a variety of Owls, including Barn Owls, Little Owls and overwintering Short-eared Owls.

Originally opened in 1916 as home to B Flight of No 37(HD) Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, the aerodrome saw the birth of the Air Defence of Great Britain in response to the first raids by Zeppelins and Gotha bombers on London and the South East. It played a key role in the Battle for Britain (the first London Blitz) the following year. It was at Stow Maries that No 37 Squadron transitioned from the Royal Flying Corps to the Royal Air Force on 1 April 1918. It continued in its dedicated role until May 1919, when the RAF closed its doors forever.

Address

Hackmans Lane,
Purleigh,
Chelmsford,
Essex,
CM3 6RN