Bentley Priory Museum
Bentley Priory Museum
4.5
About
Bentley Priory Museum, previously RAF Headquarters Fighter Command, is a site of national historical importance and from where the Battle of Britain was won. We are a small private charitable trust ensuring that the legacy of 'The One, The Few and The Many' is not lost; but appreciated, celebrated and commemorated for many years to come. Throughout the year we welcome individuals, groups, schools and corporate organisations to come and explore the splendour of this amazing Sir John Soane extended property, which has hints of Italian grandeur and where many Second World War and Cold War secrets were hidden within.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- pleassyAbbots Langley, United Kingdom37 contributionsAbove and beyondMy family has historic connections with the priory so when arranging a special family birthday we discovered we could arrange to hire one of the rooms. The setting was fabulous, the day a huge success and cannot say enough about the staff and volunteers of the museum. Nothing was too much trouble and even though they didn’t have a lot of experience with this type of function adapted to the needs of small babies to 90 year olds Big pat on the back to everyoneVisited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 2 July 2024
- Ladybird100024 contributionsExcellent visitExcellent visit on a quiet August weekend. The museum was well laid out and curated, with a variety of exhibitions, including short films and interactive displays. The volunteers are brilliant - hugely knowledgable and really added something special to our visit. The building and gardens are beautifully maintained providing stunning views towards Harrow. Highly recommended.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 August 2024
- John FBuckinghamshire, United Kingdom511 contributionsTHIS IS WHAT A MUSEUM SHOULD BE LIKERather a special museum. The approach to the house is very impressive, and the house itself looks beautiful - both inside and out. A small fortune must have been spent to get everything looking this good. The film, as other reviews suggest, is a good place to start. For a change, the cafe is not a rip off. The whole place is run by mature volunteers who are as charming as they are knowledgeable. Can't believe we haven't been before - we've lived nearby for many years. Definitely worth a visit - and the entry fee is worth every penny.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 August 2024
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4.5
214 reviews
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madmalc2018
Orpington, UK58 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
A group of us 16 people visited Bentley Priory and from the beginning of our visit to the moment we left the people at the Priory were so efficient friendly but professional. On arrival we were greeted at the door and given our entrance badges by a very friendly lady who pointed out the cafe and toilets.As we had about 20 minutes before our guided tour we all decided to get a drink. Again the service here was excellent. Our guide then introduced himself to us and we began our one hour tour. Our guide was Bruce who was very informative and interesting and was quite happy to answer questions.It was so good the hour seemed to just fly by
All aspects and the history of the place and building were so good. There is also a 10 minute film the Italian gardens and a life size model of the Spitfire and Hurricane out on the green.We spent about three and a half hours there and that worked out just about right. A very good history lesson indeed. Thank you all at Bentley Priory.
All aspects and the history of the place and building were so good. There is also a 10 minute film the Italian gardens and a life size model of the Spitfire and Hurricane out on the green.We spent about three and a half hours there and that worked out just about right. A very good history lesson indeed. Thank you all at Bentley Priory.
Written 17 October 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.
Sheila B
Hatfield, UK8 contributions
May 2022
Went with a U3A group who had arranged a tea/coffee on arrival and lunch in the cafe, plus a free, group guided tour of the house. The house is impressive with a beautiful view, at the rear, from the terrace garden over towards Harrow on the Hill.
The guided tour was undertaken by a very knowledgeable gentleman, who guided us through the many roomed house and through it's history, both prior to WW2 and through to it's current place today. A very intelligent and atmospheric film was part of the tour, showing the enormous contribution of Air Marshall Dowding, head of the RAF, to the WW2 effort and the part his plans took in helping to secure victory for our forces.
The lunch, as we were lucky enough to have good weather, was taken on the cafe terrace - pre arranged , it arrived promptly by friendly staff. All the staff were friendly, there is a gift shop and the cafe also sells gifts which are displayed on a back wall. The Yorvale icecream sold there is very good and tasty.
In all, a very good day and I shall definitely recommend this place to friends and family. I shall also return again to wander slowly and browse the exhibits in the house.
They also accommodate school trips, very important, 'Lest we forget' the contribution this house and the men and women who worked there, made to ensure our country's continued freedom.
The guided tour was undertaken by a very knowledgeable gentleman, who guided us through the many roomed house and through it's history, both prior to WW2 and through to it's current place today. A very intelligent and atmospheric film was part of the tour, showing the enormous contribution of Air Marshall Dowding, head of the RAF, to the WW2 effort and the part his plans took in helping to secure victory for our forces.
The lunch, as we were lucky enough to have good weather, was taken on the cafe terrace - pre arranged , it arrived promptly by friendly staff. All the staff were friendly, there is a gift shop and the cafe also sells gifts which are displayed on a back wall. The Yorvale icecream sold there is very good and tasty.
In all, a very good day and I shall definitely recommend this place to friends and family. I shall also return again to wander slowly and browse the exhibits in the house.
They also accommodate school trips, very important, 'Lest we forget' the contribution this house and the men and women who worked there, made to ensure our country's continued freedom.
Written 7 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.
mikex882
St. Albans, UK203 contributions
June 2021 • Solo
Attended the tour lead by Bruce.
He explained the history of fighter control, the importance of the Polish air force, the advances in technology which enabled advances in success at the battle of Britain. He was very knowledgable, funny and helpful.
The museum is compact, so you can see everything in 2-3 hours.
He explained the history of fighter control, the importance of the Polish air force, the advances in technology which enabled advances in success at the battle of Britain. He was very knowledgable, funny and helpful.
The museum is compact, so you can see everything in 2-3 hours.
Written 11 July 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.
Adam S
London, UK26 contributions
June 2021
The Gardens and view towards Harrow are gorgeous. The cafe does one of the better coffee and cake offerings. All staff are keen, welcoming and knowledgeable. Nobody is trying to strip cash off you . The building is a very pleasant environment and the exhibits are full of interest. Everything is open but must be pre-booked because of the pandemic.
The sequencing of the exhibits could be improved with the history of the building leading to the Adelaide Room (with better exhibits and items about the Queen's life in legible form) and then onto the Battle of Britain spaces. The Rotunda should lose the "Courage" and similar exhortations in favour of the excellent stories on the wall.
The sequencing of the exhibits could be improved with the history of the building leading to the Adelaide Room (with better exhibits and items about the Queen's life in legible form) and then onto the Battle of Britain spaces. The Rotunda should lose the "Courage" and similar exhortations in favour of the excellent stories on the wall.
Written 2 June 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.
Bertha K
Harrow22 contributions
Sept 2020
Beautiful well kept grounds leading to an historic building on the outskirts of London housing all the information you need to know about the Battle of Britain. Easy to get to and a must for all those interested in the Battle of Britain. The volunteer guide was engaging and very informative. The film at the start of the tour was interesting and gave a comprehensive look at the large contribution of Air Chief Marshall Hugh Dowding to the Battle of Britain and the success of their efforts from this beautiful building.
Thanks to the volunteers who give up their time freely to keep this part of history so alive.
The cost is under a tenner. Great value.
Thanks to the volunteers who give up their time freely to keep this part of history so alive.
The cost is under a tenner. Great value.
Written 4 September 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.
Zach003
Denmark22 contributions
May 2022
A truly great museum where you sense the presence of history, telling a very important part of the story of the battle of Britain and the people who made it possible for "the few" to win it. Staffed with people who really know their stuff and are very glad to tell you about it. Some distance from London centre but easy to reach by public transport. Be aware that it is only open some days of the week.
Written 6 June 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.
Clare S
Ipswich, UK8 contributions
Nov 2022
This is a beautifully set out and carefully presented museum staffed by the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers that I have come across. Covering the two lower floors of the house you are given fascinating insights into the planning and execution of the Battle o Britain and the people who carried out the work behind the scenes. Each room tells a part of the story and helps you to understand the importance of Radar in the defeat of the Nazis. In addition there is an excellent cafe with beautiful views of the Italian Gardens. We arrived just after it opened for the day and left not long before it closed and we loved every minute.
Written 16 November 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.
Brighton9
East Sussex, UK440 contributions
May 2021
Well worth a visit - there are only a few rooms but it's really interesting to appreciate the value of RAF systems during WW2 - essential back up for the pilots. Plenty of parking and a nice, reasonably priced, cafe as well. Staff are friendly and helpful.
Written 26 May 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.
Mina
London, UK2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Brilliant museum, reasonably priced with free parking and a lovely tea room. The exhibit rooms were great - particularly the war planning room.
The Oliver Dowding video is a good place to start to get some context on the Battle of Britain, we loved watching that and understanding more around the human aspect of the BoB.
The guides are passionate and super-knowledgable. My daughter is studying WW2 at school and our guide made sure to point out lots of interesting facts he thought might be useful to her.
We spend around 3-4h in here in total, it was very quiet both in terms of noise and number of people and so gave us a great chance to review everything in detail.
There are interactive elements throughout so 11 year old was also interested throughout. I would highly recommend.
The Oliver Dowding video is a good place to start to get some context on the Battle of Britain, we loved watching that and understanding more around the human aspect of the BoB.
The guides are passionate and super-knowledgable. My daughter is studying WW2 at school and our guide made sure to point out lots of interesting facts he thought might be useful to her.
We spend around 3-4h in here in total, it was very quiet both in terms of noise and number of people and so gave us a great chance to review everything in detail.
There are interactive elements throughout so 11 year old was also interested throughout. I would highly recommend.
Written 5 September 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.
keith h
Chesham, UK1,169 contributions
May 2022
Anyone who is able to should pay a visit to this museum in order to appreciate how close this country came to being invaded & consequently being a very different place to what it is today.
Bentley Priory was initially designed by the famous architect John Soane although alterations & additions followed. The house passed through various hands , became a hotel , a girl's school & in WW11 became HQ of Strike Command R A F.
From here information from all over the U. K. was collated in order to organize attack & defense by the R A F.
The Priory is easily found on the outskirts of Bushey with plenty of free parking on site. You will be checked at a barrier before you enter the grounds.
The staff are absolutely excellent ; very helpful & informative.
You will see the very impressive John Soane staircase as you enter a room to watch a short film featuring Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding whose single minded direction organized the defeat of the Luftwaffe in The Battle of Britain.
Watch this first before taking in the rest of the exhibits. In the Rotunda you can learn about some of the airmen who fought in WW11 along with pictures & memorabilia. Also to see is the Operations room & the Filter room where information came in all the time & was assessed.
There is a lovely Italian Garden to be walked round with far reaching views over London. Out front are a Spitfire & a Hurricane - 2 iconic fighter planes.
Downstairs there is a Cafe with a terrace. Light & airy with table service.
Cannot say my soup & roll were particularly good but this was a minor detail.
Fascinating & Educational outing.
Bentley Priory was initially designed by the famous architect John Soane although alterations & additions followed. The house passed through various hands , became a hotel , a girl's school & in WW11 became HQ of Strike Command R A F.
From here information from all over the U. K. was collated in order to organize attack & defense by the R A F.
The Priory is easily found on the outskirts of Bushey with plenty of free parking on site. You will be checked at a barrier before you enter the grounds.
The staff are absolutely excellent ; very helpful & informative.
You will see the very impressive John Soane staircase as you enter a room to watch a short film featuring Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding whose single minded direction organized the defeat of the Luftwaffe in The Battle of Britain.
Watch this first before taking in the rest of the exhibits. In the Rotunda you can learn about some of the airmen who fought in WW11 along with pictures & memorabilia. Also to see is the Operations room & the Filter room where information came in all the time & was assessed.
There is a lovely Italian Garden to be walked round with far reaching views over London. Out front are a Spitfire & a Hurricane - 2 iconic fighter planes.
Downstairs there is a Cafe with a terrace. Light & airy with table service.
Cannot say my soup & roll were particularly good but this was a minor detail.
Fascinating & Educational outing.
Written 2 June 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.
You can access the museum and nformal garden and there is a short walk to the museum from the car park past the replica aircraft but the wider grounds are private and you will have to respect the residents' property so will not be able to walk around the wider estate I think.
Written 25 August 2023
March – September: 10am-5pm (Last admission at 4pm)
October – February: 10am-4pm (Last admission at 3pm)
Opening Days:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Written 30 September 2018
Would a 2 or 3 year old be entertained?
Is it buggy friendly?
Written 28 October 2017
learningofficer
Stanmore, United Kingdom
Hi Ali0818, thank you for your question. We are totally buggy accessible as well as wheelchair accessible and yes, there is a life down the the cafe.
We have trails for the little ones and their guardians to follow and also a story corner with age appropriate books. Our ballroom exhibits and replica spitfire are all hands on for all ages too!
If you want to bring your little one to a beautiful place, have a little wander around and just absorb the atmosphere, eat some cake and have a drink and take some time out, then Bentley Priory is a great Museum and we do have may young visitors.
We hope you will come and see for yourself, enjoy.
Written 8 November 2017
learningofficer
Stanmore, United Kingdom
Hi Vivienne,
Bentley Priory Museum is open Monday's Wednesday's Friday's and Saturday's 10- 5pm (summer hours)
Please see our website for more information call us on 020 8950 5526
We look forward to welcoming you.
Written 9 August 2017
•Adults: £9
•Over 60/Student/On Benefits: £7
•Serving HM Forces/HM Forces Veteran: £5
•Children, aged 6-16: £5
•Children, ages 0-5: Free
•Family Ticket (2 adults, up to 3 children): £25
•Museums Association Member: £5
Written 12 April 2016
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