About this museum
Stow Maries is the ghost that got a second chance: a 1916 Royal Flying Corps home-defence aerodrome — scrambled against Gotha raids on London — abandoned so completely it was never modernised, leaving Europe's largest surviving group of WWI aerodrome buildings. Restoration is ongoing, the grass field is live again, and WWI replicas fly from it. Standing on the empty airfield at dusk is the closest Britain gets to 1917.
Listed inventory: 11 airframes.
- Flying WWI replicas on event days
- The aerodrome itself — 24 listed 1916 RFC buildings
The aerodrome itself: 24 listed RFC buildings, plus flying examples of Great War types on event days (a Fairey Swordfish cameo got special mention in reviews).
£12ish entry, free volunteer tours, exceptional mess-hall catering by museum standards. Exposed and windswept — dress like aircrew.
- “Fantastic site with enthusiastic volunteers that give free tours of the site. The museum itself is really interesting as are the 2 aircraft hangers that house replica aeroplanes. You will not go hungry here as there is a very nice mess which provides extensive menu.”— A340 fan
- “Great airfield and an absolute historical treasure. Lots to see and some really interesting WWI displays all housed within various sympathetically restored WWI buildings. Lovely little cafe with tasty homemade cakes. Very friendly atmosphere. Will fly in to visit again soon!”— Sj Huxtable
- “Completely baffled as to why this is such a quiet destination. It's heritage, the friendly and knowledgeable volunteers and excellent food make this the perfect destination for a family day out. Don't miss the guided tour, the Airman's Mess cafe or the children's pedal planes!”— Caro Daniels
Public map reports · excerpted for reference · not reviews collected by this gazetteer
From the editor’s visits
The collection in profile
6 types held here that we have drawn and built in 3D. Choose one to turn it over, or see all 127 in The Hangar.
Frequently asked
What are the opening times for Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome?
Fri–Sun 10am–4pm. Verify current opening times with the museum before travelling.
How much does Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome cost?
Adult admission is listed as £12. Check the museum's current prices before travelling.
Which aircraft can you see at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome?
The listed collection includes Avro 504K (H2311), Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2e replica (G-CJZO), Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a scale replica (G-BMDB), Albatros D.Va replica (G-WAHT), Sopwith Tabloid replica (168). Aircraft move between displays, so confirm current holdings before travelling.
Does Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome have parking or a cafe?
Parking is recorded on site; a cafe or restaurant is recorded. Check current facilities with the museum before travelling.
Airframe checklist
Tick them off as you go. Identities are as held in the gazetteer survey — verify against the museum’s own labels if something has moved.
| Type | Identity | |
|---|---|---|
| Albatros D.Va replica | G-WAHT | |
| Avro 504K | H2311 | |
| Fokker Dr.I triplane replica (under construction) | — | |
| Grob Viking T.1 cockpit section | ZE686 | |
| Grumman AA-5B Tiger cockpit section | — | |
| Handley Page O/400 forward fuselage replica | BAPC.412 | |
| Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2e replica | G-CJZO | |
| Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a scale replica | G-BMDB | |
| Sopwith Camel replica fuselage 'High Jinks' | — | |
| Sopwith Pup replica (dismantled) | BAPC.179 | |
| Sopwith Tabloid replica | 168 |
Inventory last verified 2026-10-08: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4 · source 5 · source 6 · source 7. Aircraft move between sites; report corrections to the compiler.
Location & contact
- Address
- Hackmans Ln, Chelmsford CM3 6RJ
- Website
- www.stowmaries.org.uk/
- Hours
- Fri–Sun 10am–4pm
(from your local clock — verify before travel) - Gazetteer
- EA-03 · East of England · the situation map