Step inside one of Britain’s most significant Cold War airbases during National Cold War Heritage Week and explore the story of RAF Upper Heyford, from its early beginnings through to its role as Europe’s largest NATO Cold War tactical fighter base.
Visitors can enjoy free entry to the Heritage Centre and Cold War-era displays and pre-book guided air-base tours offering deeper insight into life on a working base.
As part of National Cold War Heritage Week, on 24 May at 2:00pm following the morning Airbase Tour, David Tuch will give a special talk on his debut book, The Wireless Operator: The Untold Story of the British Sailor Who Invented the Modern Drug Trade. The book chronicles the life of Harold Derber, a British Merchant Navy veteran who collaborated with Fidel Castro on the Cuban refugee movement and later became the largest marijuana trafficker in American history, exploiting the Cuban–Colombian guns-for-drugs trade. One US intelligence document even speculated he was the KGB station chief for Miami. It’s a compelling, little-known Cold War story.
Times & Dates:
16 May 2026 10:00 am – 4:30 pm Heritage Centre Open, Craft Market & Aviation/ Military Booksale
17 May 2026 10:00 am – 4:30 pm Heritage Centre Open & pre-booked Airbase Guided Tours
20 May 2026 10:00 am – 4:30 pm Heritage Centre Open & pre-booked Airbase Guided Tours
23 May 2026 12:00 Noon – 4:30 pm Heritage Centre Open
24 May 2026 10:00 am – 4:30 pm Heritage Centre Open, additional displays Cold War displays, Aviation/Military Booksale & pre-booked Airbase Guided Tours
24 May, 2:00pm – David Tuch Wireless Operator talk following morning Airbase Tour
For booking please contact: uhheritage@outlook.com