Museums & Galleries · Bedfordshire
Thurleigh Museum
📍 MK44 1QU
Photo: 306bg.co.uk
- Memorial museum dedicated to 306th Bomb Group WW2 personnel
- Housed in an original Small Arms Ammunition store building
- Artefacts recreating airfield life and wartime atmosphere
- Learn about Medal of Honour recipient Sgt Maynard H. Smith
- Discover where Princess Elizabeth named a B-17 bomber
Thurleigh Museum is a memorial dedicated to the personnel of the 306th Bomb Group, who flew from this Bedfordshire airfield during the Second World War. Housed in an original Small Arms Ammunition store, it displays artefacts recreating the atmosphere of wartime airfield life, with stories such as Princess Elizabeth naming a B-17 bomber and a Medal of Honour award to Sgt Maynard H. Smith. It suits visitors with an interest in military history and aviation heritage. The museum opens Sundays only between April and October, from 10:00 to 16:00, with no admission charge. Located in Bletsoe, near Bedford, it's part of the Museums & Galleries category, with Bedford station around 6.9 miles away and two bookable places to stay within 5 miles on BritStays for those planning a longer visit.
Practical details
- Open
- Sundays only, 26 April to 25 October, 10:00–16:00
- Booking
- Appointments outside hours can be requested via Facebook
- Parking
- Located within Bedford Technology Park, follow signs from Sharnbrook roundabout
- Accessibility
- No direct postcode; follow road directions past the Security Lodge
From the attraction's own website on 21 Oct 2026 — check before you travel.
Facilities
- ✓ Guided Tours
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Make a proper break of it — these stays are all within 25 miles.
2 mi
2.1 mi
4.1 mi
4.1 mi
4.4 mi
4.9 mi
🎪 What's on near Thurleigh Museum
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Fri 4 Dec · 21:00
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🗓️ Make a break of it
Turn a visit to Thurleigh Museum into a proper getaway — ready-made plans, and the drive worked out with fuel, EV charging and the best stops.
🚆 Or come by train
- Bedford 6.9 miles
- Bedford St Johns 7.4 miles
- Wellingborough 9.5 miles
Straight-line distances · live departures on each station page