Bentley Priory Museum

Ad Astra
2025-06-25 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-06-27 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-06-28 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-02 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-04 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-05 10:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | Bentley Priory Museum, Mansion House Drive, Stanmore, HA7 3FB, United Kingdom
‘Ad Astra’ features photographs by Anastasia Taylor-Lind, as part of an IWM 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund commission, a national partnership programme of over 20 artist commissions inspired by the heritage of conflict.
Taylor-Lind’s photographs capture women in the RAF today, with the project taking inspiration from women who served within the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force during the Second World War.

Friday Morning Talks: RAF Exeter and the Battle of Britain - With Chris Wiseman and Dom Pound
2025-06-27 11:00 - 12:00
Join us at the Museum for our Friday morning talk, where Chris Wiseman and Dom Pound will be talking to us about the role of RAF Exeter and it’s role within 10 Group covering the South West during the Battle of Britain.

The talk will take place in the Museum’s Learning Centre and entry is included with Museum admission or Annual Membership.
Advance booking required – please reserve your place via the link below.
Reserve Your Place

Bushey Festival Tours 2025
2025-07-05 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-09 11:00 - 12:00
We are delighted to be taking part in this year’s Bushey Festival!
Join us for a special Museum tour, Bentley Priory: From Where The Battle of Britain Was Won
This tour is available at 11.00am on Saturday 05th July 2025 and Wednesday 09th July 2025. The tours will start promptly at these times, so please arrive 15 minutes in advance to check in at reception. The tour is bookable for children but is aimed at an adult audience.
Tour Duration: approx. 1 hour.
The Museum galleries, gardens, temporary exhibition, shop and café will be available to visit following your tour. The Museum closes at 5pm.
Ticket information
Adult: £8.50
Child (aged 6 to 16): £5.00
Accompanying Carers / 5 and under: Free
We are currently switching our online payment provider. To reserve a place, please email enquiries@bentleypriorymuseum.org.uk or call 020 8950 5526, providing your:
-Name
-Preferred phone number and email address to be contacted on
-The number of tickets/type you wish to book.
A member of our team will then make contact within the next couple of weeks to take your payment over the phone. Our apologies for any inconvenience that this may cause.

Museum open Dowding System Day ticket holders only
2025-07-12 10:00 - 17:00
Please click this link for more information and to book

Dowding System Day 2025
2025-07-12 10:00 - 17:00
Bentley Priory Museum is pleased to be once again hosting its annual Dowding System Day of talks.
Our guest speakers and talks this year are:
–John Shere from the ROCA National Heritage Team – The Royal Observer Corps Above and Below Ground
-Air Commodore (Ret’d) Rick Peacock-Edwards – Teddy Peacock-Edwards: Battle of Britain Pilot and World War 2 Ace
-Air Marshal (Ret’d) Cliff Spink – The Air Battle and Siege of Malta
The doors will open at 10am with the galleries available to view before and after the talks until 4pm. Please note that the Museum will be open to Dowding System Day ticket holders only on this day.
The talks will take place in the Operations Room and will run from 11am -1pm and 2pm – 3pm, with a break for lunch from 1pm-2pm.
Please note that our café will be open before the talks, during the lunch break and after for snacks and drinks.
Ticket information
Non-Members: £12.00
Members: £10.00
We are currently switching our online payment provider. To reserve a place, please email enquiries@bentleypriorymuseum.org.uk or call 020 8950 5526, providing your:
-Name
-Preferred phone number and email address to be contacted on
-The number of places you wish to book.

Battle of Britain Commemorative Day 2025
2025-09-13 10:00 - 17:00
Join us at the home of RAF Fighter Command for our Battle of Britain Commemorative Day, where we will be marking the 85th Anniversary of the battle.
The Museum will be open from 10am to 5pm with activities taking place throughout the day, all which are included with admission. It is a family friendly day, with something suit everyone.
Pre-booking is not required. Standard admission prices apply. Please note that Annual Membership cannot be used on this day, but a £2.00 discount will be given for each Annual Member.
Our café will be open all day, serving a range of light lunches and snacks. Last orders taken at 4.15 pm.
A full programme of timings and locations will be available to all visitors on arrival. Highlights include:
-A talk and book signing by Dr Victoria Taylor on her recently released and critically acclaimed book ‘Eagle Days – Life and Death for the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain‘. Researching and blending a diverse range of primary sources together (Luftwaffe air crews’ personal letters and diaries), with official combat reports, and contemporary German newspapers, Victoria Taylor weaves a rich, multifaceted tapestry of the military, political, social and cultural influences that shaped the German air force’s mentality and morale during the Battle of Britain. Read more about Victoria, her research and book on her website here: Spitfire Filly Aviation

–Dom Pound will be joining us to deliver two short talks. One talk on the combats involving Flt Lt Wight and Sgt Butterfield, both of 213 Sqn. The other talk will focus on The 1940 model trail of remembrance project and includes two new models going on display of Tom Neil’s Hurricane and Eric Lock’s Spitfire. Further information on the project can be found on our webpage here: The 1940 model trail of remembrance project

-A special performance by the Harrow Apollo Male Choir. More information on the choir can be found on their webpage here: https://harrow-apollo-male-choir.org/

-The Royal Observer Corps Association National Heritage Team, will be in attendance with a display including an original post instrument. Make sure to catch our temporary exhibition ‘Forewarned is Forearmed: Commemorating the Royal Observer Corps’ . Marking 100 years since the formation of the ROC, explore the stories of volunteers who were crucial in the defence of Britain through the Second World War and Cold War.

–Squadron X – RAF Living history group – Featuring a display by the group and a talk by Dan Richards on the role of Bomber Command in the Battle of Britain.

-The Radio Society of Harrow, who will displaying 2nd World War radio equipment. Find out more about the society on their website here: Radio Society of Harrow

-Family activities and games.

Friday Morning Talks: Battle of Britain: 85 Years On – With Chris Leworthy
2025-09-19 11:00 - 12:00
Join us at the Museum for our Friday Morning Talk. It is over 85 years since the summer of 1940 when outnumbered young pilots from 15 countries defeated the Luftwaffe. Chris will remind us of just what happened in that period, from the occupation of Northern Europe / the Low Countries and Norway / to Operation Dynamo, and the crucial and vicious 3 & 1/2 months of the Battle of Britain.
He will cover:
– The game changing Dowding defence and interception system.
– The four phases of the battle.
– The key attacks which took place on 15 September 1940, forever remembered as Battle of Britain Day.
– Draw conclusions.
– Provide a tribute.
The talk will be illustrated with maps, photographs and paintings from that time.
The talk will take place in the Museum’s Learning Centre and entry is included with Museum admission or Annual Membership.
Advance booking required – please reserve your place via the link below.
Reserve Your Place

Friday Morning Talks: The Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) – With Aldon Ferguson
2025-10-03 11:00 - 12:00
Join us at the Museum for our Friday Morning Talk, where Aldon Ferguson will returning to talk to us about the vitally important role played by the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) in the Second World War.
Irreverently also known as ‘Ancient and Tatty Airmen’ or ‘Anything to Anywhere’, the ATA was a vital element in ferrying aircraft around Britain and near Europe during World War Two. Formed to relieve pressure on operational aircrew, the ATA was open to pilots and engineers unable to join the RAF for various reasons such as sex, nationality, medical fitness, eyesight etc.
With an amazing group of aircrew, the ATA ferried over 309,000 aircraft. By February 1945 the ATA operated out of 20 airfields across the UK with 637 pilots of which 110 were women.
This is the story of their many achievements, many unsung, the dangers they faced, accidents and death but a dramatically successful operation.
The talk will take place in the Museum’s Learning Centre and entry is included with Museum admission or Annual Membership.
Advance booking required – please reserve your place via the link below.
Reserve Your Place

October half-term
2025-10-18 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-22 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-25 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-29 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-31 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-01 11:00 - 15:00
October Half-Term 2025

Saturday 18 October – Saturday 1 November
Available all day on our open days, (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday).
This October half-term, families can enjoy TWO different activities at the museum.
LEGO Lookout
Build a Royal Observer Corps look out post out of LEGO to add to our map of posts across the country!

Pump-kings

Find hidden “pump-kings” (and queens!) with royal connections to Bentley Priory.

Friday Morning Talks: The ROC in Northern Ireland with Alan Lawley
2025-10-24 11:00 - 12:00
Join us at the Museum for our Friday Morning Talk, when Alan Lawley will be joining us to talk about the untold story of the Royal Observer Corps (ROC) in Northern Ireland.
The presentation will focus on how 31 Group faced many challenges and had to operate very differently from other ROC Groups during the ‘Troubles’.

The talk will take place in the Museum’s Learning Centre and entry is included with Museum admission or Annual Membership.
Advance booking required – please reserve your place via the link below.
Reserve Your Place
Please note the Museum will be closing earlier than usual at 2.00pm for a private function.

October half-term
2025-10-24 11:00 - 13:30
October Half-Term 2025

Saturday 18 October – Saturday 1 November
Available all day on our open days, (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday).
Please note, the Museum will be closing at 2pm on Friday 24 October
This October half-term, families can enjoy TWO different activities at the museum.
LEGO Lookout
Build a Royal Observer Corps look out post out of LEGO to add to our map of posts across the country!

Pump-kings

Find hidden “pump-kings” (and queens!) with royal connections to Bentley Priory.

Friday Morning Talks: The wider history of RAF Exeter - With Chris Wiseman
2025-11-07 11:00 - 12:00
Join us at the Museum for our Friday Morning Talk, where the history of RAF Exeter will be brought to life through its historian Chris Wiseman.
Following on from his in depth talk on RAF Exeter in the Battle of Britain, Chris brings together a lifetime of research exploring it’s origins from 1937, right through to Exeter airport as it’s known in present day. He’ll shed light on its origins, it’s key role in the Battle of Britain, the Exeter Blitz and it’s role in D-Day. He’ll cover the types of aircraft flown from there and the impact the base had on the surrounding area, also exploring the legacy that’s left today.
The talk will take place in the Museum’s Learning Centre and entry is included with Museum admission or Annual Membership.
Advance booking required – please reserve your place via the link below.
Reserve Your Place

Friday Morning Talks: Forgotten Sgt Pilots of the Battle of Britain - With Dom Pound
2025-11-21 11:00 - 12:00
Join us at the Museum for our Friday Morning Talk, where Dom Pound will be returning to talk about 3 Sgt Pilots who achieved ace status during the Battle of Britain, but are often overlooked.
Dom who is an area manager for the Battle of Britain Historical Society and creator of the 1940 Model Trail of Remembrance. He will focus in on the following pilots and tell their stories.

Sgt William Rolls – 72 Sqn
Sgt Ronnie Hamlyn (Pictured) – 610 Sqn
Sgt William Dymond – 111 Sqn

The talk will take place in the Museum’s Learning Centre and entry is included with Museum admission or Annual Membership.
Advance booking required – please reserve your place via the link below.
Reserve Your Place

Friday Morning Talks: The Shy Assassin - With Air Marshal 'Black' Robertson
2025-12-05 11:00 - 12:00
Join us at the Museum for our Friday Morning Talk, where Air Marshal ‘Black‘ Robertson CBE BA FRAeS FRSA RAF (Retd) will be talking to us about the story of Cyril Babbage, Battle of Britain Spitfire ace and D-Day Mosquito pilot.
This is the inspiring story of the young butcher’s son who survived being shot down three times to become a decorated Battle of Britain Spitfire ace. Rescued once from the sea by fishermen, Cyril Babbage briefly became the face of ‘the Few’ when he was pictured emerging from a boat on the beach at Bognor. He further distinguished himself by becoming the first man to shoot down one of the Luftwaffe’s new Fw 190 fighters. After two years as a flying instructor, he returned to the front line flying Mosquitos with an elite Australian night intruder squadron. The early hours of D-Day found him targeting communication hubs deep behind the lines in occupied France. A man who simply loved to fly, like so many who survived in wartime, Babbage enjoyed more than his fair share of luck; he ended his flying career instructing on Meteors and Vampires.
Black Robertson joined the RAF in 1963, instantly acquiring the nickname that’s remained with him ever since. After three years at the RAF College Cranwell he spent the next 33 in flying, staff and command appointments, including tours of duty in the USA, Germany and the Falkands. He flew all the RAF’s front line fast jet aircraft and also qualified as a helicopter pilot. The air marshal regarded ten years, five tours, as a Whitehall warrior as necessary penance for the privilege of commanding 92 Squadron, flying Phantoms, and his subsequent appointment as an ADC to HM The Queen. After a second career in business, latterly running his own defence consultancy, he now spends his time writing and lecturing The Shy Assassin is his fifth book.
About the speaker
Black Robertson joined the RAF in 1963, instantly acquiring the nickname that’s remained with him ever since. After three years at the RAF College Cranwell he spent the next 33 in flying, staff and command appointments, including tours of duty in the USA, Germany and the Falkands. He flew all the RAF’s front line fast jet aircraft and also qualified as a helicopter pilot. The air marshal regarded ten years, five tours, as a Whitehall warrior as necessary penance for the privilege of commanding 92 Squadron, flying Phantoms, and his subsequent appointment as an ADC to HM The Queen. After a second career in business, latterly running his own defence consultancy, he now spends his time writing and lecturing The Shy Assassin is his fifth book.
The talk will take place in the Museum’s Learning Centre and entry is included with Museum admission or Annual Membership.
Advance booking required – please reserve your place via the link below.
Reserve Your Place

Harrow Apollo Male Choir Annual Concert 2025
2025-12-06 14:30 - 16:30
We will be welcoming back Harrow Apollo Male Choir on Saturday 06th December for their Annual Concert at the Museum.
Harrow Apollo Male Choir will perform many favourites in the Museum’s spectacular Operations Room, including a festive selection of songs.
The Annual Concert will take place from 2.30pm until 4.30pm, with an interval.
The Museum including the Café that will be serving a range of light lunches and refreshments, will be open from 10:00am to concert ticket holders. Please note that Operations Room will be closed from 1.00pm, with the doors re-opening for guests to be seated shortly before the performance.
Tickets include a mince pie and non -alcoholic festive punch/juice at the interval.
Please note that the Museum will be only be open for general admission (non-concert ticket holders) until 1.00pm.
Adults – £15.00, Concessions – £12.00, Children aged 6-16 – £6.00, Children aged 5 and under – £3.00, Carers Free.
Please email enquiries@bentleypriorymuseum.org.uk or call 020 8950 5526 to book.

Meet Father Christmas 2025
2025-12-13 10:00 - 16:00
Get into the festive spirit with a fun family visit to Meet Father Christmas (Advance booking required)
Father Christmas will be joining us and will have a special gift for each child! Come and have a go at our festive craft activity too!
Tickets (Include Museum Admission & Craft Activity):
Adult: £4
Member (adult/concession): Free
Child: £10 (includes gift)
The museum is open 10:00am – 4:00pm with the café serving festive treats and a craft activity available all day. Families will meet Father Christmas 1 group at a time within the booked hour timeslot. Timeslots subject to booking availability:
-10am to 11am
-11am to 12pm
-1pm to 2pm
-2pm to 3pm
Admission is by advance booking only and can be made by contacting us at enquiries@bentleypriorymuseum.org.uk or by calling 020 8950 5526.
Please note that the museum is open to Meet Father Christmas ticket holders only that day.

Friday Morning Talks: Lesser known Aces of the Battle of Britain - With Dom Pound
2026-01-23 11:00 - 12:00
Join us at the Museum for our Friday Morning Talk, where Dom Pound will be returning following his talk on Ace Sgts, to talk about 3 Pilots who achieved ace status during the Battle of Britain, but are often overlooked.
Dom who is an area manager for the Battle of Britain Historical Society and creator of the 1940 Model Trail of Remembrance. He will focus in on the following pilots and tell their stories.

Flt Lt Connors 111 Sqn
Sgt Barker 264 Sqn
Hauptmann H-K Mayer JG53

The talk will take place in the Museum’s Learning Centre and entry is included with Museum admission or Annual Membership.
Advance booking required – please reserve your place via the link below.
Reserve Your Place

Forewarned is Forearmed: Commemorating 100 years of the Royal Observer Corps
2026-02-04 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-02-06 10:00 - 16:00
Marking 100 years since the formation of the ROC, explore the stories of volunteers who were crucial in the defence of Britain through the Second World War and Cold War.
