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There’s much more to historic North Weald than just the Airfield!
Lots to see, lots going on and amazing themed cafes to eat and watch the heritage warbirds come and go. You can even fly in a Spitfire! Everyday there's something different.
To see what's on at the airfield, go to our events page. To find out more about the airfield's history, go to the Airfield Museum page. There ia also information, historic images and copies of the early extemely informative 'Spririt' magazines here.
North Weald Airfield dates from 1916 and is famous as one of the main fighter bases in the Battle of Britain. It is a historic, well maintained site of almost 400 acres, which hosts a wide range of activities throughout the year. A number of areas are used for many types of event from corporate Christmas parties to motor sports, car shows and photography. Regular users include archers, footballers, cyclists, model aircraft flyers, bus, HGV and skid training, motorcycle and high-performance car training and motor sprints. The Saturday and Bank Holiday Market attracts large numbers to the Airfield on a weekly basis. There are also a number of annual events including a Bus Rally, specialist car shows, drag racing, the Wings & Wheels model show, and aircraft fly-ins. Several historic aircraft collections are also based at North Weald.
Most recently the airfield has become home to the Essex Air Ambulance and Met Police Helicopters. It is also the home of Aero Legends who offer flights in historic heritage aircraft including the iconic Spitfire.
The Airfield hosts varied special events such as filming and photographic shoots, vehicle testing, prestige car presentations, fairs, advanced driver training, drive-in movies, as well as parades and functions. Aviation-related activities organised by tenants have included fly-ins, night photo shoots and signing sessions by wartime veterans. The airfield has also featured on screen a number of times, more here.
We offer great flexibility for those looking for a large open air venue to hire There are two main areas for large events – the Northern and Southern Showgrounds. Both locations are away from the live runways and taxiways and have multiple access routes from the public highway. They also offer large areas of hard standing and managed grass, toilet blocks and water supplies. The hard standing comprises approximately 100 acres, while the grass is around 285 acres. This is managed through the year and special grass cutting can be arranged, where required. The site is well drained, but the grass is generally not suitable for vehicles from October to May. Several areas are suitable for camping during weekend events. Our facilities can be hired for as little as half a day up to several weeks. Risk assessments and public liability insurance are required.
For those seeking venues for meetings, the Control Tower is ideal, with two large rooms available for daytime and evening hire – on the First Floor and the Ground Floor. Some clients combine hire of the meeting rooms with other areas of the Airfield for a comprehensive theoretical and practical training solution. There is a new accessible toilet and access improvements planned soon.
The Operations Team will provide staff to ensure access and cover for evening events. For aviation activities the Airfield provides Cat 1 Fire Cover during operational hours. For other events, separate cover can be arranged, as appropriate.
Getting to NorthWeald Airfield by air: North Weald Radio 123.525. TMZ Squawk 7010 Mode C or S when talking to North Weald. The Airfield is open from 0830 to 1900 or sunset + 30 minutes local time, whichever is earlier. Fire Cover Cat 1.
If you are interested in organising an event, holding a meeting or want to film at the Airfield, please contact the Airfield General Manager on 01992 564501 for a quote and our Event Pack.
North Weald Airfield, Merlin Way, North Weald, Essex CM16 6HR
Operations Office: O1992 564200, Fax: 01992 523054
Control Tower: 01992 524740, Fax: 01992 524074
The Airfield is owned by Epping Forest District Council.
Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled Parking
- Disabled persons toilet - For users of the control tower there is a disabled toilet.
- Guide Dogs Permitted
Catering
- Cafe - Both Weald Aviation and The Squadron operate cafe's on the airfield. The Squadron also has a licensed bar. Other catering is provided by the various events and activities that take place on the airfield.
- On-Site cafe/restaurant - Both Weald Aviation and The Squadron operate cafe's on the airfield. Weald aviation's café is called Wings. The Squadron also has a licensed bar. Other catering is provided by the various events and activities that take place on the airfield.
Children & Infants
- Family Friendly, Children Welcome
- Outdoor children’s play area - Wings Café at Weald Aviation has a very popular children's play area.
Establishment Features
- Conference facilities - There are a number of meeting rooms available for hire in the historic control tower.
- Dogs Accepted - This is an operating airfield and therefore dogs must be kept on a lead.
- Dogs admitted on a lead
- Event Venue - A wide range of events are held on the airfield which is easily accessible from the M11 which runs along one side. Its the ideal venue for open air events, functions, meetings, filming and, of course, aviation-related activity. North Weald Airfield dates from 1916 and is famous as one of the main fighter bases in the Battle of Britain. It is a historic, well maintained site of almost 400 acres, which hosts a wide range of activities throughout the year. A number of areas are available for regular or ad hoc hire and are suitable for many types of event from corporate Christmas parties to motor sports, car shows and photography. Regular users include archers, footballers, cyclists, model aircraft flyers, bus, HGV and skid training, motorcycle and high-performance car training and motor sprints. The Saturday and Bank Holiday Market attracts large numbers to the Airfield on a weekly basis.
- Guided tours by arrangement - In conjunction with the North Weald Airfield Museum, it is possible to arrange guided tours of this historic site. Weald Aviation also offer tours of their hangers and workshops where they restore and maintain historic warbirds from the Second World War and jet age.
- Open all year round
- Team / Corporate Activities - A wide range of events are held on the airfield which is easily accessible from the M11 which runs along one side. Its the ideal venue for open air events, functions, meetings, filming and, of course, aviation-related activity. A number of corporate and red-letter day event companies operate on the airfield. North Weald Airfield dates from 1916 and is famous as one of the main fighter bases in the Battle of Britain. It is a historic, well maintained site of almost 400 acres, which hosts a wide range of activities throughout the year. A number of areas are available for regular or ad hoc hire and are suitable for many types of event from corporate Christmas parties to motor sports, car shows and photography. Regular users include archers, footballers, cyclists, model aircraft flyers, bus, HGV and skid training, motorcycle and high-performance car training and motor sprints. The Saturday and Bank Holiday Market attracts large numbers to the Airfield on a weekly basis.
Leisure Facilities
Parking & Transport
- Bus stop within walking distance - Buses operate in North Weald which is a short walk to the main entrance gate.
- Coach parking
- Free parking
- On Site Car Parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
- Railway station within 5 miles - Epping Station on the Central Line is a short journey away. North Weald station is a stop on the Epping Ongar Railway, a heritage line running steam and diesel between North Weald and Ongar with heritage buses operating further afield.
Provider Preferences
- Countryside Setting - The airfield is set in the Essex countryside next to the village of North Weald but a short distance from Epping with its Central Line connection to London.
- In countryside - The airfield is set in the Essex countryside next to the village of North Weald but a short distance from Epping with its Central Line connection to London.
- Outdoor Attraction
- Village Location - The airfield is set in the Essex countryside next to the village of North Weald but a short distance from Epping with its Central Line connection to London.
Specialist Features
- Family Fun - North Weald Airfield hosts numerous family friendly events including the annual Community Fun Day.
- Marketed Towards Children
- Marketed Towards Families - North Weald Airfield hosts numerous family friendly events including the annual Community Fun Day. Families also enjoy visiting the two cafes on the airfield where the children can play safely and enjoy the atmosphere of the heritage aviation taking place.
- Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
- Marketed towards student/youth
Tours and Demonstrations
- Guided Tours Available for Groups - In conjunction with the North Weald Airfield Museum, it is possible to arrange guided tours of this historic site. Weald Aviation also offer tours of their hangers and workshops where they restore and maintain historic warbirds from the Second World War and jet age.
Map & Directions
Road Directions
Getting to NorthWeald Airfield.
From the M11, take the A414 towards Ongar / Chelmsford. At the first roundabout take the second exit and continue straight over the second roundabout and up to the final roundabout, doubling back to enter at the Main B Gate.
Public Transport Directions
London Underground – take the Central Line to Epping Station. British Rail to Harlow Station from Liverpool Street or Cambridge via Stansted Airport.
By air: North Weald Radio 123.525. TMZ Squawk 7010 Mode C or S when talking to North Weald. The Airfield is open from 0830 to 1900 or sunset + 30 minutes local time, whichever is earlier. Fire Cover Cat 1.
