Welcome to Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, the largest surviving Great War aerodrome in Europe! This unique First World War museum and historic aerodrome, nestled in the Essex countryside, is home to an extraordinary collection of original 1917 buildings, objects, aircraft and stories from the Royal Flying Corps and the early Royal Air Force.

Unique history and status

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome features one of the most complete surviving groups of World War One Royal Flying Corps buildings anywhere in the world - a true historical gem. Established in 1916, the aerodrome played an important role in the air defence of Britain during WW1 and was home to aircraft, airmen and ground crews of the Royal Flying Corps.

Today, more than a century later, you can explore the original buildings, discover our growing collection of objects, see period aircraft, hear the stories of the people who lived and worked here and experience a remarkable South Essex location where history, aviation, nature and conservation come together.

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome at a Glance

Location: In Essex, near Chelmsford, Maldon and South Woodham Ferrers
Established: 1916
Original role: First World War military aerodrome
Historic organisation: Royal Flying Corps
Historic squadron: No. 37 (Home Defence) Squadron
Original buildings: 24 surviving World War One buildings, all Grade II* listed
Historic significance: The best-preserved Great War aerodrome in Europe
Museum: Arts Council England Accredited WW1 Museum
Today: Museum, historic aerodrome, aviation heritage site, working airfield and conservation landscape

The Largest Surviving Great War Aerodrome in Europe

What makes Stow Maries so special is the survival of its original buildings and landscape. Unlike many military aerodromes, Stow Maries was not subsequently redeveloped for continued military use. As a result, its buildings and landscape retain much of their original character and provide an unusually authentic insight into life on a First World War airfield.

The surviving buildings include accommodation, dining, operational and support buildings used by the Royal Flying Corps. Together with the airfield and surrounding landscape, they help tell the story of how a Home Defence aerodrome operated during WW1.

Our growing collection contains thousands of objects connected with the wartime aerodrome at Stow Maries, the people who lived and worked here and the wider story of First World War aviation in Essex and beyond. Exhibitions within the original 1916 buildings bring these stories to life, alongside specialist tours, events and other experiences.

Stow Maries and the Royal Flying Corps

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome has a rich aviation history. It was established in 1916 and became home to B Flight of No. 37 (Home Defence) Squadron, Royal Flying Corps. The squadron formed part of Britain's air defence system at a time when enemy aircraft were beginning to bring the war directly to the skies above Britain. From Stow Maries, aircraft and airmen were involved in defending London and the Home Counties against attacks by German Zeppelins and Gotha bombers.

The aerodrome provides a fascinating insight into the development of military aviation during World War One. It was a place where pilots, mechanics, ground crew and support staff worked together in demanding and often dangerous circumstances.

On 1 April 1918, the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service were brought together to form the Royal Air Force. Stow Maries was there at this pivotal moment in aviation history, when No. 37 Squadron transitioned from the Royal Flying Corps to the newly created Royal Air Force.

The aerodrome continued its air defence role until May 1919, after which it closed and the site returned to agricultural use.

Preserving Stow Maries for Future Generations

After decades of agricultural use, the historical importance of Stow Maries was rediscovered and recognised and it was designated a conservation area in 2009. In 2012, all 24 surviving historic buildings were listed at Grade II* and the site was placed on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register.

Later that year, with support from the National Lottery Heritage Memorial Fund and loans from Essex County Council and Maldon District Council, the site was acquired for the nation.

Today, Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is managed by Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome Ltd. It's a dedicated charity committed to conserving this extraordinary place and sharing its stories with future generations. Teams of dedicated and passionate volunteers, part of an award-winning volunteer programme, ensure that the site is full of life and activity. Volunteers also help to run a bumper events programme.

Preserving Stow Maries is about more than looking after old buildings. It is about protecting the landscape, collections, aircraft, archives and personal stories that together allow us to understand what life was like on a World War One aerodrome.

Discover the Museum and Its Collections

Today, Stow Maries is an Arts Council England accredited and award-winning World War One museum. It is brought to life by a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, historians, conservation specialists and aviation enthusiasts. Our exhibitions explore the many different stories connected with Stow Maries and the Great War.

Discover the airmen and ground crews who operated from the aerodrome and the aircraft they flew.
Explore Britain's air defence against Zeppelin and Gotha bomber raids during the period known as the First Blitz.
Find out about the important contribution made by women during the Great War
Discover the development of communications and wireless technology. Wireless Telegraphy (WT) was pioneered in Essex, and first used operationally by 37 Squadron at RFC Stow Maries, breaking new ground in military operations.

There is plenty to see beyond the exhibitions, too. Our hangars contain period and historic aircraft, while our interactive cockpits give visitors the chance to get a feel for what it was like to sit at the controls of an aircraft from the pioneering era of military aviation.

You may also encounter our resident pilots and aviation team going about their work around the aerodrome. It's this living, working atmosphere that makes Stow Maries different from a conventional museum.

Stop and relax in The Airmen's Mess café

The original 1917 Airmen's Mess is now home to The Airmen's Mess café. Visitors can enjoy delicious home-made breakfasts, lunches, cakes and snacks in one of the aerodrome's historic buildings. Plus, there's plenty of outside seating if the weather is fine.

On regular, non-event days, the café is open to visitors without museum admission. It's a welcoming place to meet, eat and take a break whether you're exploring the aerodrome or simply visiting the café.

Wildlife, Nature and Conservation

Stow Maries is not only an important aviation heritage site. The surrounding landscape is also home to a rich variety of wildlife.

As part of our conservation work, environmental stewardship measures have included the creation of ponds, woodland areas and wildflower meadows. These areas provide valuable habitats for declining species, from corn buntings and yellowhammers to a variety of owls.

The combination of historic buildings, open grassland, meadows and wildlife makes Stow Maries a distinctive place to explore. Here, the natural and historic landscapes are closely connected, helping visitors experience the aerodrome not simply as a museum but as a historic place within the wider Essex countryside.

Events throughout the year, including nature walks, family wildlife days and bird-watching tours, enable visitors to experience a deeper connection to the natural world.

More Than a Museum

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome offers much more than a traditional museum visit. Throughout the year, our programme includes events, specialist tours, family activities and living history re-enactments. There are plenty of different ways to discover the site and its history!

Families can explore the historic buildings and aircraft. History enthusiasts can delve deeper into the stories of the Royal Flying Corps, the Royal Air Force and the people who served and worked here.

Schools and educational groups can use the aerodrome as an inspiring setting for learning about the First World War, aviation, technology, social history and life on the Home Front. Meanwhile, clubs and interest groups, from walking and cycling clubs to Women's Institutes and art groups, find us an excellent place for a day out that everyone will enjoy.

Our historic buildings and unique setting also provide opportunities for events, filming and venue hire.

Visit Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome

Whether you're interested in First World War history, aviation, historic buildings, wildlife or family days out in Essex, Stow Maries offers a unique opportunity to experience an important part of Britain's heritage.

Explore original First World War buildings, discover the stories of the Royal Flying Corps and early Royal Air Force, see historic aircraft, visit The Airmen's Mess café and enjoy the wildlife and countryside surrounding the aerodrome.

If you're looking for a WWI museum in Essex, an aviation attraction near Chelmsford and Maldon, a fun and educational family day out or a unique historic place to visit, Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome offers something very different.

Come and discover the history, people and stories of one of Europe's most remarkable surviving Great War aerodromes. Plan your visit now!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Stow Maries a museum? Yes. Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is an Arts Council Accredited Museum in Essex. Visitors can explore original First World War buildings, exhibitions, collections and historic aircraft, and discover the story of the Royal Flying Corps.

Is Stow Maries suitable for families? Yes. Stow Maries offers a range of experiences for visitors of all ages, including historic buildings, aircraft, interactive cockpits, pedal planes, exhibitions and activities.

Can schools and youth organisations visit Stow Maries? Yes. Stow Maries offers educational visits, using the historic aerodrome, museum collections and exhibitions to explore the First World War, aviation and life in the early 20th century. School and youth visits must be arranged in advance.

Can adult groups visit Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome? Yes. Group visits can be arranged, with a varied programme of tours, activities and catering to suit each organisation. Contact engagement@stowmaries.org.uk to discuss availability and plan a visit for your group.

Is Stow Maries a working airfield? Yes, we have pilots and private aircraft based here, and visiting pilots can fly in during opening hours. Pilots must obtain prior permission (PPR) before flying in.

Where is Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome? The site is in the Essex Countryside between Maldon and Chelmsford, within an hour by car from towns including Burnham-on-Crouch, Witham, Braintree, Colchester, Southend, Thurrock, Harlow, Bishops Stortford, Epping and Romford. Taxis can be ordered in advance from local companies to pick up London visitors arriving by rail to South Woodham Ferrers station. For directions see https://www.stowmaries.org.uk/plan-your-visit.

About Stow Maries: largest surviving Great War aerodrome in Europe