Lincolnshire's landscape has been sculpted by aviation from the earliest days of flight

From the Royal Flying Corps to scores of scores of Second World War bomber bases, Lincolnshire has long played a key role in aviation heritage.

Today, that history comes to life at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, East Kirkby, an original 1940's airfield, where you can not only see a Lancaster bomber, but also take a runway taxi ride.

RAF Coningsby is home to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre, a rare opportunity to see the historic wartime aircraft seen in flypasts at major national celebrations.

At Woodhall Spa, the picturesque Petwood Hotel, which served as the Dambusters' Officers' Mess, boasts the Squadron Bar with memorabilia and tributes. Its car park also displays one of the only remaining prototypes of the famous 'Bouncing Bomb'.

Nearby, in the original Control Tower is the RAF Wickenby Memorial Collection which overlooks the two original runways, which are still in use today as there are many privately owned aircraft on the airfield including a WW1 Airco DH.2, Tiger Moth, Cessnas, Microlights, and state of the art Aerobatic aircraft. These aircraft operate regularly throughout the year, subject to weather and serviceability.

A booklet detailing West Lindsey’s aviation sites is available in hard copy by e-mailing

tourism.info@west-lindsey.gov.uk or telephoning 01427 676666