Stow Maries: Back to WW2

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 decommissioned by the outbreak of World War Two - it had reverted to its time-honoured 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.

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!

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.)

Young people can take part in the Evacuees 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.)

Living and Social Historians Tastes Through Time will be taking our Pilots Ready Rooms back to the 1940s. Recreating its role as a family home to our farmworkers, the team will talk you through what it takes to survive on the Home Front during Britains' darkest hour..

Our chums at the mighty Essex Historic Military Vehicle Association will also be on site, bringing some of the movers and shakers that would have been a common site on the Essex Roads during WW2.

Celebrated local Historian and Author, Mr Stephen Nunn, will be giving a facinating talk on the work of nearby RAF Bradwell Bay, a strong part of the area's airborne campaign in WW2.

RAF Bradwell Bay has been described as “an unknown airfield”. However, it played a pivotal role during World War 2 and was once a very active, busy place. This talk takes you on a journey of re-discovery – from the sites pre-war origins, through construction, the coming of the first resident Squadrons, through to eventual closure. Stephen has had a lifelong interest in this special place and shares his knowledge through words and illustrations.

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! This form will help.