Museums have curators, we have engineers.
A year-round visitor attraction in the heart of Bedfordshire, Shuttleworth (Old Warden) aerodrome is an active grass airfield with a surrounding site that is home to the Shuttleworth Collection, Swiss Garden, Shuttleworth House, expansive parkland, and so much more.
The Collection
Honouring the legacy of our patron, Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth – a keen aviator, racing driver and horse racer – the Shuttleworth Collection is renowned for being one of the world’s most unique collections of airworthy aircraft from 1909-1950, agricultural and steam exhibits, veteran vehicles, classic motorcycles, bicycles, carriages, and buses. Many of our aircraft are the last remaining examples of their type, and we are the proud custodians of the World’s oldest airworthy aircraft, the 1909 Blériot XI. Visit our engineering workshop to see the live work taking place on these stunning aircraft, before exploring six hangars full of history.
Swiss Garden
Step through ornate iron gates and discover the quiet idyll of Swiss Garden. Beautifully restored, this RHS partner garden is a unique example of a Regency Garden in the ‘Alpine’ or ‘Swiss Picturesque’ style. Along the way you’ll find delightful quirky structures including our Indian Kiosk, Swiss Cottage, and even a Grotto filled with stained glass and climbing Wisteria. Be sure to say “hello” to our resident peacocks too.
Runway Café
Free to access, the Runway Café offers visitors an excellent seasonal menu of freshly made, locally sourced food and drink. Visitors can relax and refuel with delicious breakfasts, light bites, hot meals, and cakes. The Café also offers tailored items for younger visitors.
Events
Throughout the year, Shuttleworth hosts a range of events, including a spectacular summer season of air shows which attract around 30,000 visitors a year.
Private Hire & Weddings
Nestled within a sprawling 4,500-acre estate, the site offers an unparalleled backdrop for weddings, corporate events, business meetings, private parties, and celebrations of life. Shuttleworth House, our Jacobean-style mansion house, is an award-winning wedding venue with a range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Learning
As an educational charity, we are proud to offer a range of learning opportunities from EYFS to U3A.
Groups
For visiting groups of 15+, we can tailor packages to suit your bespoke requirements and offer group discounts.
Admission
Shuttleworth is open to the public seven days a week including Bank Holidays (excluding selected dates over the festive period). Daily admission tickets can be used multiple times for up to 30 days*. Daily admission tickets give you access to the Collection hangars and Swiss Garden – they do not include Shuttleworth House.
SUMMER: 10:00 – 17:00
WEEKENDS: 09:00 – 17:00
WINTER: 10:00 – 16:00
WEEKENDS: 09:00 – 16:00
Adults: £19.50
Concessions: £17.50
Members & Children under 18: Free
*excluding air shows and event days. Daily admission tickets give you access to the Collection hangars and Swiss Garden – they do not include access to Shuttleworth House.
The Shuttleworth Trust – registered charity: 307534 – was set up to honour the life and legacy of Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth, a keen aviator, racing driver and horse racer, who was tragically killed in 1940 during a night training exercise for the RAF.
