RAF Oulton Museum at Blickling Estate

Visitors look at a map displayed at the RAF Oulton Museum, Blickling — Blickling Hall in Norfolk | © ©National Trust Images/Gerald Peachey

Royal Air Force Oulton was an airfield that was created on Blickling Estate in 1939 and undertook vital work for the war effort. Explore the museum, now situated in what was once accommodation for the air crew, and see the collection of objects and documents donated by families whose relatives served here.

Opening times

The RAF Oulton Museum is now closed for winter, but will be open 11am – 3pm on 10 and 11 November for Remembrance Sunday, and Friday to Sunday 11am – 3pm from 29 November to 15 December.

RAF Oulton during the Second World War

RAF Oulton played an important role during the war, with aircraft flown from the station including Blenheim medium bombers and the famous Fortress heavy bomber. The Hall and wider estate were also requisitioned during this period.

RAF Oulton was closed for operations in 1946 and finally decommissioned in 1949. Remains of the airfield can still be seen in Oulton Street, just over a mile from Blickling Hall.

Explore the collection

Since 1995, the museum has occupied the area that during the war provided accommodation for the leading Air Crew and Wing Sergeants. This is known because of the records we have and the graffiti they left.

The museum houses an ever-growing collection of objects, documents and personal stories from servicemen and women who served on the RAF Oulton base.

A typewriter and telephones in the mock 'crew room' at the RAF Oulton Museum, Blickling — Discover the 'crew room' in the RAF Oulton Museum | © ©National Trust Images/Gerald Peachey

The crew room

Explore the mock ‘crew room’. Whilst on operations, crews would spend time before and after each flight in a room designed to lower stress and improve morale. It also became an informal office for men writing letters and doing minor chores.

As you visit the crew room, imagine how you would have felt and behaved, in those hours just before an operation.

Join our team!

We're currently looking for volunteers to join our team dedicated to engaging with our visitors and preserving the memory of RAF Oulton, the wartime Bomber Command airfield on the Blickling Estate. Find out more and apply on the myvolunteering website.