A volunteer‑run treasure on the historic site of Woodley Airfield
Originally posted on Comfortably Adventurous August 12th 2025
This past weekend, Anna and I visited the Museum of Berkshire Aviation, a small volunteer‑led museum near Reading that brings the area’s aviation heritage to life with charm, enthusiasm, and a surprising depth of knowledge. It’s a wonderful example of a local museum: smaller and less polished than the Imperial War Museum, certainly, but offering something far more personal – a grounded, human account of the history of flight in this corner of England.
Scratch beneath the surface and an unexpectedly rich story emerges. The Phillips and Powis Aircraft Company was founded here in 1928, later becoming Miles Aircraft Ltd in 1943. Miles — and later Handley Page — built aircraft on this very site, and today the museum preserves what remains of these pioneering designs at their original home. Woodley itself now appears as an unassuming cluster of homes, shops, and a school on the outskirts of Reading, with little hint of its aviation past. It takes a slightly pioneering spirit to venture off the main road and discover the two hangars tucked away behind the trees, but the reward is well worth the effort.
The museum opens only three days a week – weekends and Wednesdays – and from the moment you arrive, volunteers greet you with warmth and a wealth of knowledge. The atmosphere reminded me of the de Havilland Aircraft Museum in Hertfordshire or the Shoreham Aircraft Museum in Surrey: places where passion, not prestige, drives the preservation of local history. These museums feel authentic because they are rooted in the communities that built them, maintaining stories that would otherwise fade into the landscape.
A surprisingly rich collection
Stepping inside, we were struck by the sheer variety of aircraft, helicopters, engines, and artefacts packed into the space. Robin and Stephen, two of the volunteers on duty, were superb – generous with their time, eager to share stories, and clearly proud of the museum’s mission. Their enthusiasm added a personal dimension that larger institutions often struggle to replicate.
I’ve always been a little more reserved in social interactions, especially compared to Anna, who has a natural ease with people. But visiting more of these smaller museums over the past couple of years has chipped away at that traditional English reserve. I’ve come to appreciate how rewarding it is to listen to the volunteers who keep these places alive. On this visit, that openness was rewarded with fascinating anecdotes about the airfield, the chance to try on a wartime helmet, and even a glimpse of a glider usually kept out of sight.
Outside, the Dart Herald sits beside the museum, open for visitors to explore. These opportunities are always a highlight for me. There’s something faintly illicit about stepping aboard a retired aircraft – a stark contrast to the tightly controlled experience of modern air travel. Here, surrounded by trees, you can wander freely, photograph the cockpit, and imagine the aircraft in service. For the taller visitor, entry requires a little contortion, but it’s worth the effort. I had a similar experience squeezing into the early Concorde at Yeovilton; clearly I wasn’t destined for the golden age of aviation.
Unexpected discoveries
For those with an interest in the more explosive side of aviation history, the museum includes examples of ordnance ranging from a WWII German bomb to a nuclear warhead once used on a Polaris missile before the transition to the American Trident system.
One of the most intriguing items, however, was an early example of drone technology. Though drones feel like a modern invention, their origins stretch back decades. The museum’s Sprite system looks like something lifted from the pages of early science fiction, yet it represents a real piece of stationary surveillance technology developed long before drones became commonplace. Stephen’s explanation of its design and application added a fascinating layer to the visit.
We were also treated to a demonstration of the controls of the Westland Scout, a light military helicopter displayed in the main hall. After a brief introduction to the basics of flight, I even managed a photo of my travel Leeds Bear in the pilot’s seat. It may be a little late for a career change from banking to helicopter pilot, but I left feeling I could probably land one in one piece — in theory, at least.
Before leaving, we spoke with the family of the designer of the wooden glider displayed outside who fortuitously were visiting on the day and were happy to share their personal story for a moment or two. Their visit added a touching personal connection to the exhibit, another of those organic moments that made the morning feel special. With a quick look around the gift shop, we left feeling educated, entertained and enlightened on the history of aviation in Woodley, it succeeded with merit.
Closing Thoughts
Without the human interaction, our visit might have been relatively brief. Instead, the volunteers elevated the experience, making the modest entry fee feel more than justified. These smaller aviation museums around London – less grand than Hendon or Duxford – offer something different and, in many ways, more rewarding. They preserve the stories of companies like Miles Aircraft, whose prototypes and designs may not be as iconic as the Spitfire but still represent an important chapter in British aviation history.
We spent an hour or two exploring the museum, enriched by the personal stories shared by Robin and Stephen, who couldn’t have been more welcoming. If I had one complaint, it’s the absence of a plaster magnet for the fridge collection – a minor tragedy in the world of travel souvenirs.
Yes, the museum lacks the minimalist, curated aesthetic of the Imperial War Museum. It’s a little old‑fashioned, a little cluttered, and all the better for it. What it offers instead is authenticity, charm, and a genuine connection to the past. For anyone with an interest in flight, it’s a delight to visit and well worth the trip.
Thank you for reading.
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