Name: Harrington Aviation Museum
Rating: 5.0

Harrington Aviation Museum

Harrington Aviation Museum, Lamport Road, Harrington, Northampton, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Harrington Aviation Museum is a fascinating historical site based on the grounds of a former World War II airfield. It is widely considered one of the best things to do with kids in Harrington because it is a museum category attraction that reveals the secret history of the "Carpetbaggers" and undercover missions. Families can explore the original hospital bunker to see rare aircraft parts, spy equipment, and military vehicles that played a vital role in European history.

A visit to this hidden gem is very affordable, as the museum is run entirely by dedicated volunteers. Prices start from £4.00 for children and £8.00 for adults, making it a low-cost option for a weekend trip. These fees help maintain the historic North Bunker and keep the various wartime collections preserved for future generations.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that offers a real sense of mystery and adventure, this is a top pick. It provides a unique educational day out where children can learn about secret agents and the brave pilots who flew missions in the dead of night. The compact nature of the bunker galleries means kids can see everything without getting tired, while the outdoor displays provide a great space for a quick breath of fresh air.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Interactive Exhibits: The museum includes interactive exhibits like morse code stations and rotary phones that allow children to "communicate" like wartime spies.
Educational Day Out: Focused on the 801st/492nd Bombardment Group, it offers a highly specialised educational day out regarding the "Carpetbagger" missions.
Sensory Play: The cool, enclosed environment of the underground bunker and the sound of vintage radio broadcasts provide a unique sensory play experience.
Spy Gadgets: A dedicated section shows how agents hid maps and tools in everyday items like pens and buttons.

Top 5 Highlights

The Secret Agent Gallery: This area is full of the actual equipment used by Special Operations Executive (SOE) agents. Kids find the hidden compasses and miniature cameras incredibly cool.
The "Carpetbagger" Aircraft Engine: A massive radial engine from a B-24 Liberator is on display. It helps children understand the power needed to fly these heavy planes during the war.
The Underground Bunker: The museum is housed in the original wartime hospital bunker. Walking through the narrow, concrete corridors gives kids a real sense of what it was like to work in secret.
Wartime Vehicles: Look for the vintage Jeeps and military motorcycles parked on-site. They are great for photos and showing how soldiers moved around the airfield.
The Lifeboat Display: A rare airborne lifeboat that was dropped from planes to save downed airmen. It’s a great way to explain the rescue side of the war to younger visitors.

Facilities

Toilets: Located within the museum complex, including accessible toilets.
Buggy Parking: The bunker can be narrow, so it is best to leave buggies at the entrance area.
Food & Drink: A small tea room on-site serves tea, coffee, and home-baked cakes.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Bring a Jumper: Even on a hot day, the underground bunker stays quite cool, so bring a light jacket for the kids.
Volunteer Knowledge: Most volunteers are veterans or history experts—ask them about the "Carpetbaggers" to hear incredible real-life stories.
Check the Weather: While the museum is indoors, the surrounding airfield walks are very open, so bring wellies if it’s been raining.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it for toddlers? While toddlers might enjoy the big vehicles and the outdoor space, the museum is best suited for school-aged children who can understand the "spy" theme.
How long does a visit take? Most families spend about 2 hours exploring the bunker and looking at the vehicles. You can easily extend this by walking the airfield paths.
Where is the best place to park? The museum has its own dedicated car park right next to the entrance. It is free and rarely fills up completely.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Harrington? Harrington Aviation Museum is the best value indoor activity in the area. It offers a unique historical experience for the price of a cup of coffee.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The passion of the volunteers makes the history feel alive and personal.
It is much more hands-on than larger, more formal museums, which keeps kids interested.
The small tea room is very welcoming and offers great value for money.

What Visitors Don't Like

The museum is only open on weekends and Bank Holidays, which can limit your visiting options.
It can be a little hard to find—look for the small brown signs once you reach Harrington village.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

B-24 Liberator Radial Engine: A large, multi-cylinder engine recovered from a crash site.
SOE "S-Phone": A rare piece of ground-to-air communication equipment used by agents.
Parachute Dropping Containers: The metal canisters used to drop supplies to the French Resistance.
The Mk II Welbike: A tiny, foldable motorcycle designed to be dropped by parachute.
Escape and Evasion Maps: Silk maps that were hidden in clothing to avoid detection.
The Enigma Machine Display: Information and replicas showing how secret codes were broken.
B-17 Flying Fortress Propeller: A massive blade recovered and restored by the museum team.
The "One-Man" Submarine Plans: Details of the experimental naval craft tested during the war.
Original Airfield Switchboard: The communication hub that connected the secret base to the outside world.
1940s Field Hospital Equipment: Authentic medical tools found in the bunker after the war.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Harrington Airfield Walk: Much of the original runway remains as public footpaths, perfect for a dog walk or a cycle.
The Kelmarsh Hall & Gardens: Only 3 miles away, offering beautiful floral displays and a woodland fairy trail for younger children.
Lamport Hall: A historic house and estate nearby that frequently hosts antique fairs and outdoor theatre.
Tollemache Arms: A popular family-friendly pub in Harrington village for a traditional Sunday roast.

New for 2026

2026 'Secret Agent' AR App: A brand-new augmented reality experience launching in April 2026 that lets kids scan objects to see "hologram" spies explaining their missions.
The 2026 Bunker Restoration Project: A newly opened room in the bunker dedicated to the women who worked as codebreakers and plotters at Harrington.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adults: £8.00
Juniors: £4.00 (12 – 17 yrs age)
Children under 12 accompanied by an adult: free

Pricing URL: https://harringtonmuseum.org.uk/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The museum does not list formal birthday packages, but they can accommodate private tours and school groups with advance notice. Contact Email: [email protected]

April: 4th, 5th, 6th — 18th, 19th
May: 2nd, 3rd, 4th — 16th, 17th — 23rd, 24th, 25th (Cold War Week)
June: 6th, 7th — 20th, 21st
July: 4th, 5th — 18th, 19th
August: 1st, 2nd — 15th, 16th — 29th, 30th, 31st
September: 12th, 13th — 26th, 27th
October: 10th, 11th — 24th, 25th

Address: Harrington Aviation Museum, Lamport Road, Harrington, Northampton, UK

Post Code: NN6 9PF

Council: North Northamptonshi

County: Northamptonshire

By Bus: There is no direct bus to the airfield; a car is highly recommended.
By Car: Use postcode NN6 9PF. Follow the A14 to the Harrington exit (Junction 3) and follow the brown museum signs.
Parking: There is free car parking on-site directly outside the museum entrance.