Event Details

Stow Maries: Royal Flying Corps Living History

  • Sat 02 May 2026 to Sun 03 May 2026

  • 10AM - 3PM

During the Great War, the Royal Flying Corps operated from Stow Maries. Come and get a feel for that time, with our Living Historians.

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, and for this particualr one - your ticket covers both days! Yup - if you come on the Saturday, you can come in on the Sunday, with no extra cost!


THIS EVENT: Stow Maries: Royal Flying Corps Living History


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

In its heyday, RFC Stow Maries - later, RAF Stow Maries - was a centre for early aviation and air defense, battling first Zeppelins and then fixed wing Heavy Bombers sent by Imperial Germany to attack England.

For all its operational life, until May 1919, its pilots and crew were airborne as much as they could be, protecting and patrolling the skies above Essex and the region.

Come along to learn all about what life was like for these intrepid sorts, their ground crew and the many other roles that worked so hard to keep the aircraft flying.

By meeting and chatting with our guests, the Lufberys RFC Living History Group, you can really immerse yourself in the dramatic history of Stow Maries!

Please note: this is NOT an air event.

Visitors that want to attend in WW1 period attire - please contact info@stowmaries.org.uk to qualify for reduced admission fees.

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.
  • Propeller Club Members can enjoy this event without any admission charge.

Image Credits: David Davies and Kevin Gribble

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

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!

Experience Christmas lunch in a unique World War One Aerodrome

  • Thu 04 Dec 2025

  • 12PM - 3PM

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

Dawn Patrol

  • Sun 12 Apr 2026

  • 5AM - 9AM

Join us in the early morning to enjoy the waking of our wildlife areas, in this carefully led Nature Walk.

SMGWA Logo
Please enter at least 3 characters