The Shuttleworth Collection includes the 1909 Blériot XI, currently the oldest British-registered aircraft still capable of flight.
Many aircraft in the collection were originally acquired by Richard Shuttleworth, an avid collector who died in a flying accident during WWII.
The collection remains one of the few places worldwide where visitors can see WWI-era aircraft maintain airworthiness.
The on-site Swiss Garden was designed by the 3rd Baron Ongley and features unique Regency-era structures like the Grotto and the Swiss Cottage.
The airfield's grass runway is historically significant, having been used for pilot training during the First and Second World Wars.
Shuttleworth is a heritage site in Bedfordshire housing one of the world's most significant collections of airworthy vintage aircraft and historic road vehicles. The collection spans early aviation history, featuring a 1909 Blériot XI and other Edwardian-era flyers. The site includes a dedicated vehicle museum showcasing cars from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. It is located on the historic Old Warden Aerodrome, which remains an active grass airfield. The facility is managed by The Shuttleworth Trust, a charity dedicated to preserving mechanical history. Visitors can explore multiple hangars and workshops where restoration projects often occur. The surrounding grounds include the Swiss Garden, a 19th-century Regency-style landscape park. Regular air shows take place throughout the flying season, featuring the operational vintage fleet.
The hangar floor, where you can photograph the vintage aircraft and classic cars in a consolidated space.
Check the official flying calendar in advance if you want to see the vintage aircraft actually take to the skies.
Allow extra time to walk through the adjacent Swiss Garden, which is included in the wider site experience.
Wear comfortable, flat footwear as the site involves walking across grass surfaces and hangar floors.
Do not assume all planes are flying on any given day; check the flight schedule if your primary goal is to see aviation in motion.
The collection and air shows are highly seasonal, with flying events focused between spring and early autumn; site accessibility may be restricted during winter months.
Respect barriers around the aircraft; do not touch the vintage vehicles or planes unless signage explicitly permits interaction.
