Croydon Airport

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✈️Historic Croydon Airport became London’s main international airport in 1920 and was the UK’s gateway to the world between the wars.

Discover its story at our public open days, held the first Sunday of each month!

30/08/2026

FLY festival is back this September at Historic Croydon Airport, and this time we're making Spitfire planes!

Join our special Battle of Britain commemorations, and learn about the important developments that shaped global aviation ✈️

🎟 Reserve your space today: Flyfestival.co.uk/events

Photo credit: HCAT June Open Day - Amy Johnson biplane workshop.

26/08/2026

🐾✈️ Happy National Dog Day! ✈️🐾

At Historic Croydon Airport, it's not just the pioneering pilots and famous passengers who have fascinating stories to tell – their four-legged companions do too.

Among them was Monique Agazarian, who often travelled with her beloved Bull Terrier, Spike, while aviation enthusiast Captain Frank Barnard was another dog-loving figure connected to the airport's rich history.

Perhaps the most remarkable canine tale is that of Bill the Alsatian. Trained to remove wheel chocks from aircraft before departure, Bill became something of an airport celebrity, demonstrating intelligence, discipline, and the special bond between humans and dogs in the early days of aviation.

This National Dog Day, we're celebrating the loyal companions who shared in the adventure, excitement, and innovation of flight.

Do you have a favourite historic airport dog story? Share it in the comments! 🐶

24/08/2026

Croydon played a pivotal role during the Battle of Britain.

On Sunday 6th September we'll bring this story to life at Croydon Airport, with guided tours, children's workshops and a special RAF display. Tickets selling fast! https://www.ticketsource.com/historic-croydon-airport-trust

19/08/2026

🧩 This week's conundrum puzzle, can you guess the name/word?
🗝️ Clue, a specific aircraft that flew to/from Croydon Airport.

Leave your answers in the comment section!

17/08/2026

🎖️Special WWII RAF Display | 6 Sept

We're delighted to welcome Daniel Richards to our next public open day, bringing a fascinating World War II Royal Air Force display to Historic Croydon Airport.

Complementing our Battle of Britain commemoration, the display explores the operational history of the RAF during the air campaign of 1940 and features an impressive collection of wartime equipment, uniforms and artefacts. It promises to be a fantastic opportunity for visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the people, technology and sacrifices behind the Battle of Britain.

Tickets selling fast: https://www.ticketsource.com/historic-croydon-airport-trust/e-ljpqby

15/08/2026

🗓️ On This Day - 15 August 1940

In August 1939, Croydon Airport had been overwhelmed as holidaymakers and refugees rushed to Britain against the spectre of war. Passenger numbers tripled, and on 30 August the airport became known RAF Station Croydon.

Less than a year later, Croydon faced its most devastating attack.
During the Luftwaffe’s “Eagle Day” offensive on 15 August 1940, elite unit Erprobungsgruppe 210 missed RAF Kenley and turned toward Croydon just before 7pm. 22 Bf110 fighter bombers, escorted by 7 Bf109s, struck the airfield, terminal and armoury.

The surrounding factories and homes suffered catastrophic losses.

In total, 62 civilians and 6 RAF personnel were killed. 17 civilians were never identified and were laid to rest in a mass grave at Croydon Crematorium.

A stark reminder that Croydon’s role in the Battle of Britain was felt not only in the skies — but across the community.

14/08/2026

🛩️ Make Your Own Spitfire - Sunday 6 September

As part of our Battle of Britain commemoration event, children aged 5+ can build and take home their very own Spitfire model while discovering the aircraft that became an icon of World War Two.

Children will:
✈️ Build and take home their own Spitfire model
🔧 Learn about engineer Beatrice Shilling and her ingenious invention that helped keep Spitfire and Hurricane engines running during combat
👩‍✈️ Discover the vital role of the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA), including the contribution of Amy Johnson, who ferried aircraft around Britain during the Second World War
🎨 Enjoy a fun, hands-on creative activity inspired by one of the most famous aircraft in history

This family workshop offers a fantastic introduction to the aircraft, innovation and people that helped defend Britain during the Battle of Britain. Workshop places should be booked in advance as spaces are limited.

For workshop bookings, visit: www.flyfestival.co.uk/events

12/08/2026

🧩 This week's conundrum puzzle, can you guess the name/word?
🗝️ Clue, surname of an important historical figure famously associated with Croydon Airport.

Add your answers to the comments below!

10/08/2026

✈️ Join us as we commemorate the Battle of Britain at Historic Croydon Airport ✈️

On Sunday 6th September, we'll once again be opening our doors to the public for a special Open Day, marking the anniversary of one of Britain's defining moments.

As one of the RAF's most important fighter stations during the Battle of Britain, RAF Croydon played a vital role in the defense of London. Throughout the day, you'll have the opportunity to discover the airport's wartime story, alongside the rich history of Britain's first international airport.

Step inside the restored 1920s terminal building, visit the world's oldest surviving air traffic control tower, and hear the remarkable stories of the pilots, ground crews and civilians who served here.

Whether you're passionate about aviation, military history or simply looking for a fascinating day out, we'd love to welcome you.

📅 Sunday 6th September 2026
📍 Historic Croydon Airport Visitor Centre
🎟️ Book your Annual Pass today:
www.ticketsource.com/historic-croydon-airport-trust

07/08/2026

What really happened during Amelia Earhart's final flight? Join aviation historian Chris Denchfield as he explores one of history's greatest aviation mysteries, examining the evidence, the search, and the final 20 minutes and 40 miles that have fascinated researchers for decades.

✈️ An Illustrated Talk – Amelia Earhart: 20 Minutes and 40 Miles ✈️

📅 Wednesday 30 September 2026
🕖 7-8pm (doors open from 6.30pm)
📍 Croydon Airport House
💷 £5 Friends Members | £7.50 Non-members

Set in Britain's first international airport and the birthplace of modern air traffic control, this promises to be a fascinating evening for aviation enthusiasts, history lovers and anyone intrigued by one of the world's most enduring unsolved mysteries. Historic Croydon Airport was associated with many pioneering aviators of the 1920s and 30s, making it the perfect setting for this special talk.

🎟️ Limited spaces available. Book your tickets here:
https://www.ticketsource.com/historic-croydon-airport-trust

Address

Purley Way
Croydon
CR00XZ

Opening Hours

10am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+447526996454

Website

http://www.historiccroydonairport.org.uk/

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