The Shuttleworth Collection & Swiss Garden are one of Bedfordshire’s best-loved visitor attractions. The Collection first opened to the public in 1963, with further aircrafts and vehicles added over the years.
The Collection’s aircraft and vehicles, as much as possible, are all kept working as intended – Shuttleworth is where history flies and drives! The collection holds air shows that encompass flying displays and vehicle parades which draw in crowds from all over the world.
The House on the Old Warden parkland, adjacent to the Aerodrome, was built in 1875 and is surrounded by 425 acres of beautiful parkland. Once home to the Shuttleworth family.
© Darren Harbar Photography
The Shuttleworth Collection represents the history of flight from the early 1900s to the 1950s and shows how the aeroplane operated in the pioneering years, was rapidly developed through necessity during World War 1, was used for sport, pleasure and business in the 1920s and 30s and once again became a fighting machine in World War II.
The Collection is situated at Shuttleworth (Old Warden) Aerodrome, one of the few traditional all grass aerodromes still in regular use, and is displayed in eight hangars, which include a workshop hangar giving the visitor a chance to view restoration and maintenance in progress. There is also a vehicle section displaying vintage and veteran cars, motorcycles and bicycles and, from bygone era, the coach room with horse drawn carriages. The rural surroundings help to recreate a charismatic atmosphere and the feeling of stepping back into the 1920s/30s.
© Darren Harbar Photography
With attractions guaranteed to satisfy a variety of interests, Shuttleworth is an ideal group-friendly destination for full-day and half-day visits. There is plenty of free parking, accessible facilities and an on-site restaurant. Discounted entry applies to pre-booked visits of 10+ people for entry to The Collection and/or The Swiss Garden. Air shows and Flying Proms are also ideal for group visits and include entry to The Swiss Garden and The House.
Organised coach tours are very welcome at Shuttleworth. Combined Collection and Swiss Garden visits are our most popular offering, making for a great full day out. Groups can be self-guiding, or tour guides can be booked for both attractions when booking. Coaches are welcome, and a free lunch voucher to use in our restaurant is offered to coach drivers.
If you are a coach tour operator and would like details of our visitor attraction, air shows or discuss a visit please email our group bookings team at enquiries@shuttleworth.org or call 01767 627933 (Mon-Fri, 09.00-17.00).
