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The Association for Suffolk Museums HomepageThe Association for Suffolk Museums

independent charity for museums in Suffolk.

Preserving and promoting Suffolk's Heritage
  • About us
    • Suffolk Museums Partnership
    • The Association for Suffolk Museums
      • Suffolk Museums Leaflet
  • Museums
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  • Projects
    • Special Delivery
    • Kickstart
    • Transforming People to Transform Museums
    • Making Waves Together
    • Suffolk Steps
    • The Last Woodwose
    • The Grit
    • Creative Heritage in Mind
    • Holiday Activity and Food Programme
    • Summer in Suffolk Museums
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Transport and Aviation
Military

Bentwaters Cold War Museum

Experience Cold War history in rural Suffolk

Home » Museums » Bentwaters Cold War Museum

Bentwaters Cold War Museum is based in the United States Air Force (USAF) hardened command post on the former Bentwaters airbase.

The airbase closed after the withdrawal of the USAF in 1993 and is believed to be the only such building open to the public in the UK and Europe. Today, the site is run by volunteers from Bentwaters Aviation Society.  Visitors can experience the Cold War history with guides and talks about the operations of the base with detailed displays of the units stationed at both RAF Bentwaters and nearby RAF Woodbridge since WWII.

Aircraft on display include an Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt, Hawker Hunter, McDonnell Douglas Phantom, Republic F-84F Thunderstreak, Bristol Bloodhound missile and Hawker Harrier. New for 2023 is a tour of the restoration hangar with the BAC Jaguar, Gloster Meteor, Lockheed T-33 and English Electric Lightning.

Visitors can also see the fully restored War Operations Room and Battle Cabin. A new American Diner themed café and shop is open for food and drinks.

For additional information about admission, opening hours, access, facilities and learning opportunities, please visit the museum’s website

Contact details...

Bentwaters Cold War Museum
Building 134, Bentwaters Parks
Rendlesham
Woodbridge
Suffolk
IP12 2TW

E: info@bcwm.org.uk

W: https://www.bcwm.org.uk/

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Contact: Jayne Austin,
Museum Development Manager
T: 01473 265008
E: museums@suffolk.gov.uk

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The Association for Suffolk Museums is an independent charity (No.293950) and membership body.

Supported by Suffolk County Council, the membership of the Association for Suffolk Museums and SHARE Museums East.

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