The museum is home to a Handley Page Halifax bomber rebuilt from components of over 30 different aircraft.
RAF Elvington was one of the few airfields in the UK to host two French heavy bomber squadrons during WWII.
The museum site still maintains a fully operational grass runway used by private light aircraft.
The collection includes a rare Blackburn Buccaneer S.2B, a British carrier-borne attack aircraft.
During the Cold War, the base was utilized by the United States Air Force as a strategic bomber site.
The Air Gunners Room provides a detailed look at the hazardous conditions faced by the crew in the rear of bomber aircraft.
The museum holds a specialized collection related to the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF).
The Yorkshire Air Museum is located on the site of the former RAF Elvington, a major World War II bomber airfield. It serves as the Allied Air Forces Memorial and houses one of the largest collections of vintage aircraft in the United Kingdom. The museum preserves the original wartime control tower and operations block. Key exhibits include a restored Handley Page Halifax bomber, named 'Friday the 13th', which is one of only two remaining examples in the world. Visitors can explore various hangars containing Cold War jets, helicopters, and aviation memorabilia. The site functions as a living museum, often hosting engine run days where historic aircraft are demonstrated. It occupies a 20-acre site that retains much of its original wartime atmosphere. Dedicated sections memorialize the French aircrews who flew from the base during the conflict.
In front of the Handley Page Halifax bomber in the main hangar for scale and lighting.
Bring a warm jacket, as the large hangars can be significantly colder than the outdoor temperature.
Check the museum's event calendar before your visit to see if a scheduled 'Thunder Day' allows for viewing engine runs.
Allow extra time to walk the perimeter of the airfield to see the historic structures beyond the main hangar complex.
Don't underestimate the size of the site; many visitors miss the outdoor Cold War jets by spending too much time only in the main hangar.
Open daily, but occasionally restricted during private airside events or private airfield bookings.
Dress in sturdy, comfortable footwear as the site involves significant walking between various hangars and outdoor displays.
