Aircraft at RAF Museum Midlands (Cosford)

A large RAF collection in Shropshire, home to the National Cold War Exhibition — where you can stand beneath all three of Britain's V-bombers — plus rare prototypes and research aircraft.

Cold War giants under one roof

Cosford's showpiece is the striking National Cold War Exhibition, where you can stand beneath all three of Britain's V-bombers at once. Add halls of research aircraft, engines and rare prototypes and it's one of the best places in the country to log historic military types.

Aircraft highlights to look for

the complete trio of V-bombers — Vulcan, Victor and the only preserved Vickers Valiant
the second BAC TSR-2 prototype — a legendary "what might have been"
the only surviving Boulton Paul Defiant
one of only two remaining Vickers Wellington bombers in the world
English Electric Lightning development aircraft and Hawker Hunters

📄 Log your visit: take our printable Museum Aircraft Log Sheet — columns for type, manufacturer, registration/serial, variant, country, era, hall/location, seen, photographed and notes. Not every aircraft has every detail, so leave blanks rather than guessing.

Making the most of your visit

The Cold War hall's dramatic lighting makes for moody photos — steady your camera and get low to frame the V-bombers. It's a large, mostly indoor site, so good in any weather, and a treasure trove of rare prototypes you'll struggle to find anywhere else.

Plan your visit

Opening times, admission prices, events and accessibility change through the year — and which aircraft are on display can change too. Always check the museum's official website before you travel.

Visit the official RAF Museum Midlands site →

Highlights compiled from the museum and published references (Wikipedia: RAF Museum Midlands). Displays change — confirm on the official RAF Museum Midlands site. Last verified: 14 August 2026.

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