RAF Northolt is 100 years old, and will be hosting a centenary open day in June, with a flying display, static aircraft, stalls and many other activities and demonstrations.

This is a rare opportunity to get a closer look at this extremely busy and important RAF station on the outskirts of London.

Northolt pre-dates the establishment of the Royal Air Force by almost three years, having opened in May 1915. Originally established for the Royal Flying Corps, it has the longest history of continuous use of any RAF airfield.

It is also rumoured that the government official tasked with acquiring the land back in 1915 arrived at the site with his map upside down, leading to the government requisitioning and developing land on the wrong side of the railway line, including the old Hill Farm.

The military base was also for a while, the busiest civilian airport in Europe, as it acted as the alternative site for Heathrow traffic when that airport was being built. In 2012 RAF Northolt was the forward base for Typhoon fast jets and Royal Navy helicopters which provided air security for the 2012 Olympic Games.

RAF Northolt is also the overnight base of the London Air Ambulance, when the helicopter is not based at Whitechapel hospital.

Tickets to the open day cost £11.95 for adults, £6.95 for children — booking here.

The closest tube station is Ruislip Gardens, on the Central Line. The open day takes place on Saturday 13 June from 11am to 5pm.

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2 comments
  1. miss sylvia wilson says:

    I am looking to book tickets for the 13th of June, at Raf Northolt, but ever time i go in three site to book tickets a blank page, comes up. Can someone please let me know how i can book the tickets.
    Thank you very much, for you help .

    bestselling regards

    • Ian Visits says:

      This article is about the centenary event, which took place in 2015.

      Naturally, you can’t book tickets for it anymore.

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