West Raynham Control Tower and Historic Collection
The Control Tower, Blenheim Way, West Raynham, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 7PL
The owners welcome you to visit this, one of only two remaining 'Very Heavy Bomber' control towers. The West Raynham tower is not owned by the MOD and is the only one which may be visited. The former RAF West Raynham is an exemplar of a prewar Expansion Period Bomber Command airfield, recognised as of National significance by Historic England.
At the tower, the owners are conducting a restoration of the building which is their home.
Visitors will be able to see the Tower's heritage collection, telling the story of the station. Of particular note, is a Hawker Hunter F1, which flew from the station between 1955 and 1957. The cockpit will be open for viewing.
Hot and cold food and drink, most importantly cake, will be available in the Tower's vintage tea shop situated in the 'Visiting Crews' room.
Whilst the ground floor and outside areas are accessible at all times during the day, guided tours of the tower will be conducted hourly from 1030 onwards. The tours, for groups of up to 30 people, will last 30-45 minutes and take place on the roof, giving great views of this historic site and the Norfolk countryside. Please be prepared for a lot of steps, dress well for inclement weather, and please ensure all children are accompanied by an adult.
Younger children can enjoy searching the displays for some Dinky jet fighters whilst the adults learn all about the fascinating history of RAF West Raynham. A successful search reaps rewards!
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 13 September:
- 1000-1600
- Sunday 14 September:
- 1000-1600
- Saturday 20 September:
- 1000-1600
- Sunday 21 September:
- 1000-1600
Location & directions
The Control Tower, Blenheim Way, West Raynham, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 7PL
- Directions:
- Please note, DO NOT look for us at the village of West Raynham! We are located about two miles away within what is now West Raynham Business Park, NR217PL. Upon arrival at the main gates, follow the signage towards the Control Tower. Heritage Open Day pink signs will be positioned to aid your arrival. Car Parking will be marked and close to the tower, however anyone with mobility issues, should call 01328 621663 shortly prior to arrival and we can arrange closer parking.
- Contact on day:
- Jon or Shelly Booty
- Telephone number:
- +441328621663
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Book on day
- Booking conditions:
- Tours will start hourly, starting from 1030 on each day. Please obtain free tickets on your arrival, from the tea shop. The tickets are colour coded and are surrendered for the next available tour at the allocated time. Please assemble in the foyer shortly before each tour for an introduction and safety briefing. Tours will last for approximately 45 minutes. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Dogs on leads are allowed within the building and on the roof at the owner's risk.
Accessibility details
This listed building was designed in the 1940s for RAF personnel without disabilities, and therefore may not be accessible to all. Wheelchair access to the ground floor is possible with assistance. The main entrance is two steps. We are happy to assist solo wheelchair users with either manual assistance and/or by placing visitors' own portable ramps. Once inside, all doors are a standard 30 inches wide. Unfortunately, the toilets in our home are not wheelchair-friendly. We apologise in advance.
Additional information
We politely ask that visitors stay on the marked route to access the tower. Our access is across neighbouring privately owned land and we require our neighbour's goodwill and cooperation in continuing to run these events.
- Max no of people per tour:
- 30
- Est. tour duration:
- 0 hour(s) 45 minute(s)
