National Cold War Heritage Week 2026: RAF Radar Museum

RAF Radar Museum offers a unique opportunity to explore a vital part of the UK’s air defence network, set within a former RAF station in the Norfolk Broads. The museum tells the story of the people, technology, and strategy that protected British airspace from 1941 through the decades of the Cold War, when RAF Neatishead played a key role in tracking Soviet aircraft and coordinating RAF interceptors.

During National Cold War Heritage Week (18–24 May), visitors can take part in a special 1980s-themed experience, forming part of a wider programme running from 16–30 May. At the heart of the museum is the authentic RAF Operations Room, presented as it was during Exercise Able Archer in 1983. Visitors can sit at the original consoles and hear first-hand stories from veteran volunteers, offering a powerful insight into Cold War operations at a moment of heightened global tension.

Alongside this, visitors can get hands-on with Tornado and Jaguar cockpits, enjoy refreshments in the café with music from the decade, and explore interactive spaces including a Lego room featuring early gaming consoles.

Dates: 16–30 May 2026
During NCWHW: 18–24 May 2026
Times: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00am – 5:00pm