Museum of Berkshire Aviation

About

The Museum of Berkshire Aviation in Reading offers a vivid journey through the region’s remarkable contribution to British aeronautical history. Located on the former Woodley Airfield, it preserves the legacy of the Phillips & Powis and Miles Aircraft factories, which once made the area one of the country’s most innovative aviation hubs. The museum opened in the 1980s, driven by volunteers determined to save rare aircraft and documents from disappearing. One of its most interesting highlights is the collection of Miles aircraft, including the Miles Magister and the experimental Miles Student—Britain’s first two‑seat side‑by‑side jet trainer. The museum also displays the Miles Martinet, a wartime target‑tug aircraft, and the distinctive Miles Messenger, famously used by Field Marshal Montgomery. Beyond complete aircraft, the museum holds engines, prototypes, cockpit sections, and wind‑tunnel models that reveal the creativity of local designers. Archival materials trace Woodley’s role in pilot training, aircraft testing, and wartime production.

Reading United Kingdom

Location

The Museum of Berkshire Aviation is located in Woodley, just outside Reading in Berkshire, England. You’ll find it on the edge of the old Woodley Airfield at Mohawk Way, housed in a former 1950s control tower. The museum preserves the area’s strong aviation heritage, with a focus on aircraft designed and built locally by companies like Miles Aircraft and Handley Page. Inside and across the outdoor display area are historic planes, cockpits you can sit in, engines, photographs, and exhibits covering both military and civil aviation from the 1930s onward. From the museum, several attractions are only a short drive away. Dinton Pastures Country Park is nearby and offers lakes, walking trails, a play area, and a café, making it a good spot for families. Reading town centre is about ten minutes away and has the ruins of Reading Abbey, founded by Henry I in 1121, along with the Forbury Gardens. The River Thames and River Kennet meet in Reading, and the riverside paths are popular for walks and boat trips. For shopping and dining, The Oracle complex sits on the riverfront with restaurants and shops. A little further out, Basildon Park is a grand 18th-century house and parkland run by the National Trust, known for its interiors and woodland walks.