Event Details

Stow Maries Armed Forces Day: Back to WW2

  • Sat 27 Jun 2026

  • 10AM - 3PM

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome takes you back to the heady days of WW2, when the skies were dark over England.

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome Events - 2026

As part of our ongoing commitment to our supporters, 2026 sees a bumper crop of events of all kinds. We are dedicated to highlighting that there is 'often something on at Stow'! With a series of 'Added Value' events - where admission fees are the same as regular entry, but you can enjoy our brilliant museum with just a little bit 'extra'. All at no extra cost.

Remember, for Added Value events, young people under 11 years in age are Admission Free.


THIS EVENT: Stow Maries on Armed Forces Day: Back to WW2


Don't you know there's a war on?

VISITORS:

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome had been decommisioned by the outbreak of World War 2 - it had reverted to its time-hounoured role as a farm. This year, on Armed Forces Day,we will be celebrating the astonishing work of the Armed Forces in that conflict as well as the activities of the Home Front on Flambirds Farm.

With a range of Living Historians and vehicles, you will get a real taste of life in the County during Wartime.

Young people can take part in the Evacuaees Experience. Booked in advance, they will get a chance to feel what life was like for those young people, shifted from home to the wilds of Essex to escape the War. (Extra Fee Applies, Tickets to be booked in advance.)

Our Airmen's Mess will be offering a chance to dodge the Ration Book with a vintage Cream Tea. Served on Period china, sat at a white clothed-table, you can forget the War for a little while. (Extra Fee Applies, Tickets to be booked in advance.)

For just your standard admission fee, you get to enjoy all our historians have to show and tell, as well as our range of exciting exhibitions and tours.

  • There are no Mess-Only admissions at this event.
  • Well-behaved dogs on short leads at all times are welcome.
  • Admission tickets will be available on the day but extra treats like the Vintage Cream Tea and the Evacuee Experience MUST be booked in advance.
  • Propeller Club Members can enjoy this event without any admission charge.
  • If you would like to attend as a Visitor in 1940's attire, please contact us at info@stowmaries.org.uk for a discounted entry!



Living Historians and Historic (Up to 1946) Vehicle owners:

We would love to hear from you! We are very interested in WW2 British / Commonwealth Living History groups to set up at our site. Similarly, and military, agricultural or civilian vehicles of British/ Commonwealth origins are very welcome indeed! Please contact info@stowmaries.org.uk for with details and recent images of your set-up.

Traders

We'd love to hear from you if you have a vintage or 1940's themed offer. Get in touch with details of who you are, what you can present and some good images of your stand or set-up. Contact info@stowmaries.org.uk NOW!

Location

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome
Hackmans Lane Purleigh, Chelmsford, CM3 6RN

Click here to get Google Map directions to the site entrance from your location. See also: Directions by Road

Ticket Prices

    Tickets are not yet on sale for this event.
    Tickets go on sale on Thu 01-Jan-2026 at 00:00.

Other Upcoming Events

Stow Maries: Family Half-Term Woodland Nature Activity Day

  • Fri 31 Oct 2025

  • 10AM - 3PM

A chance to enjoy spend quality time in our nature-filled woodland areas, enjoying a different side to our historical site.

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome Remembrance Parade 2025

  • Sun 09 Nov 2025

  • 11AM - 3PM

Join us as we commemorate the Fallen at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, in the presence of the Lord Lieutenancy of Essex.

Experience Christmas lunch in a unique World War One Aerodrome

  • Thu 20 Nov 2025

  • 12PM - 3PM

Enjoy a superbly cooked and presented traditional Christmas lunch in the unique historical environment of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome

Christmas at Stow

  • Sat 29 Nov 2025

  • 10AM - 3PM

Come and celebrate Christmas with us in the the fabulous atmosphere of The Airmen's Mess café!

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