Bawdsey Radar Museum
Bawdsey Radar Museum
Bawdsey Radar Museum
4.5
About
Open Thursdays and Sundays, plus Bank Holiday Mondays, 11am-4pm (last entry at 3pm) until 3 November 2024. This award-winning museum charts the birthplace of modern radar, it was the first operational radar station station in the world and the exhibition is housed in the original 1937 building. The exhibition tells the story of the 'Invention that Changed the World'. It reveals how scientists, engineers and technicians came together at Bawdsey in the 1930s in total secrecy to prove that radio waves could locate aircraft, ships and other targets. Bawdsey became the world's first operational radar station in 1937 and played a pivotal role in the Battle of Britain in 1940. The display features the lives of the people who developed the technology and the radar operators, mainly women (WAAFs), whose dedication helped to bring victory in WW2.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
79 reviews
Excellent
53
Very good
18
Average
7
Poor
0
Terrible
1
158Trojan
Macclesfield, UK83 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
Arrived to a lovely welcome to the museum from one of the volunteers, she talked me through the museum charges and gift aid etc.
The space, subject and exhibits are very well explained with audio descriptions, film clips and graphical details. The volunteers were very attentive and helpful providing further information.
The space, subject and exhibits are very well explained with audio descriptions, film clips and graphical details. The volunteers were very attentive and helpful providing further information.
Written 7 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your review - such lovely encouragement for everyone at Bawdsey Radar.
We're so glad you enjoyed your visit.
All very best,
Lynette
Written 7 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
644Shirl56
Bungay, UK11 contributions
Aug 2021
Beautifully restored transmitter block, good parking and space to run around + picnic tables. Cor-Ten steel enthusiasts will love the lavatory block!
Well made and engaging films which explain the development of RADAR and its use in WW2. Well displayed exhibits and the friendliest and most enthusiastic staff and volunteers. Goos activities for children. Small shop with interesting and nice goods.
This fascinating museum is a gem.
Well made and engaging films which explain the development of RADAR and its use in WW2. Well displayed exhibits and the friendliest and most enthusiastic staff and volunteers. Goos activities for children. Small shop with interesting and nice goods.
This fascinating museum is a gem.
Written 27 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and smashing comments!
We've had an IT glitch with replying to reviews and this led to my delay, my apologies.
The lavs are good aren't they - we call them the rusty box!
So pleased you enjoyed your visit so much and thank you so much for your review.
All very best, Lynette for Bawdsey Radar.
Written 25 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Not disclosed
286 contributions
Sept 2022
Having taken the foot ferry from Felixstowe its about a mile walk to the museum. The museum is run by keen and committed volunteers and there are some interesting films and exhibits. However the museum is small and rather expensive
Written 12 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for visiting back in September and my apologies for taking so long to reply. The museum is housed in the original 1939 Transmitter Block which is indeed relatively small. Your admission tickets are valid for return free admission for twelve months from the date of your visit and you might like some of the events we put on. I realise this doesn't help if you don't want to make a return visit and I am sorry you feel we were rather expensive.
Lynette for Bawdsey Radar.
Written 31 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ruth B
2 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Spent a fascinating few hours here. It’s small but really worth the trip.
We are a family of 2 adults and 3 kids ( aged 7,11,13) we were not sure what to expect from such a small place but had a really enjoyable few hours. The volunteers were lovely, the information fascinating, some lovely interactive things for the kids and picnic benches outside of the weather is nice.
We are a family of 2 adults and 3 kids ( aged 7,11,13) we were not sure what to expect from such a small place but had a really enjoyable few hours. The volunteers were lovely, the information fascinating, some lovely interactive things for the kids and picnic benches outside of the weather is nice.
Written 30 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for visiting and we're very glad you enjoyed it and found it interesting and enjoyable. Thank you!
Written 4 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Richard C
Buckingham, UK9 contributions
Sept 2021
Having trained at RAF Bawdsey in 1970 was exicited to revisit. Although this is where Radar was developed during World War 2 there is very little for anyone interested in the development of Radar or Bawdsey's role in the Cold War. Would recommend a visit to the Air Defence Museum at Neatishead
Written 10 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to review your visit. I am sorry you've been disappointed. Given the limited space as you'll have seen inside the Transmitter Block, it's not been possible to tell every aspect of the radar story. We want to add to the story as much as we can, and have a new small-scale display 'Women on the Frontline'. Covid has put our display plans back a bit. We hope to do something on the Cold War at Bawdsey in a small display in the near future.
RAF Air Defence Radar Museum at Neatishead is fantastic and well worth a visit. They have the Cold War room of course - so atmospheric.
Thank you again for your thoughts and comments.
With best wishes,
Lynette.
Written 22 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
O Wise One
Royal Tunbridge Wells, UK21 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Very friendly, helpful staff and a nicely presented museum; it is beautifully laid out and surprisingly atmospheric. Having said that, we found some of the written material a little incoherent, rushed. The story about the Graf Zeppelin and its early contact with the radar station pre-war, for example. We’d definitely recommend this museum and hope it succeeds, and grows!
Written 1 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for a lovely review, very much appreciated. Thank you for your good wishes for Bawdsey Radar's future too.
Lynette
Written 7 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fraser H
2 contributions
Oct 2020
Spine-tingle moment. Standing in the building where the technology was developed that meant victory in the Battle of Britain and, by extension, in WWII!
Engagingly designed and interpreted exhibits, accompanied by a warm welcome from the front of house team and impeccable Covid Secure measures.
Seriously, treat yourselves.
Engagingly designed and interpreted exhibits, accompanied by a warm welcome from the front of house team and impeccable Covid Secure measures.
Seriously, treat yourselves.
Written 4 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting and thank you for such amazing words!
So pleased you enjoyed your visit and thank you for taking the time to leave a review.
Lynette for Bawdsey Radar.
Written 6 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
F1LoverAnn
Louth, UK242 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
A really interesting place to visit, even though perhaps smaller than I expected. The volunteers are very knowledgeable. Get them to show you the bomb damage outside, and where the radar towers actually stood. It is a very interesting place, and worth the drive out.
Written 30 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Firstly, my apologies for my delay in replying.
The 1939 Transmitter Block is a relatively small building and there's no opportunity to expand at present unfortunately.
Thank you for your review and we're pleased you enjoyed your visit. The volunteer team love sharing the story.
Thank you again,
Lynette
Written 7 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ray N
Bury St. Edmunds, UK1,230 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
A very small but interesting museum telling the history of RADAR. Lots of interactive things to do and very good explanations. My father was in the RAF at Bawdsey so this was a trip back in time for me. I used to go in to the various Radar buildings with him. It was pre school for me then. Worth a visit if you are in the area.
Written 30 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katherine A
Dunstable, UK16 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Fascinating small museum that would appeal to all ages. Excellent interactive displays ( sadly I wouldn’t have passed the test to be a ‘radar girl’ !) and love the sound of planes as you enter.
Charming, helpful staff.
Highly recommend a visit
Charming, helpful staff.
Highly recommend a visit
Written 26 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind words and we'e pleased you enjoyed your visit. I apologise for the delay in my replying (operator error!).
Lynette for Bawdsey Radar.
Written 31 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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