The Shuttleworth Collection
Biggleswade, BedfordshireAbout The Shuttleworth Collection
A year-round visitor attraction in the heart of Bedfordshire, Old Warden aerodrome is one of the only remaining grass airfields in the country. Home to The Shuttleworth Collection, Swiss Garden, Shuttleworth House, and expansive parkland. Whether you’re an aircraft aficionado, horticulturalist, family, or simply looking for a unique experience right on your doorstep, Shuttleworth has something for everyone to enjoy.
The Collection:
Honouring the legacy of our patron, Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth – a keen aviator, racing driver and horse racer – The Shuttleworth Collection is a treasure trove of airworthy vintage aircraft from 1909-1950, agricultural and steam exhibits, veteran vehicles, classic motorcycles, bicycles, carriages, and buses.
Come and visit our engineering workshop to see the live work taking place on some of these stunning aircraft, before exploring six hangars full of aeronautic and vehicular history.
Swiss Garden:
Step through ornate iron gates and discover the quiet idyll of Swiss Garden. Beautifully restored, this RHS partner garden is a unique example of a Regency Garden in the ‘Alpine’ style.
Along the way you’ll find delightful quirky structures including our Indian Kiosk, Swiss Cottage, and even a Grotto filled with stained glass and climbing Wisteria.
Play Area & The Runway Café:
Let the kids run wild in our inclusive play area which boasts a great range of equipment for all ages.
Refuel at The Runway Café – offering visitors an excellent seasonal menu of freshly made, locally sourced food and drink.
Events & More:
Throughout the year, Shuttleworth hosts a range of events, including a spectacular summer season of air shows. The House is also home to various corporate events and is a hugely popular wedding venue.
As an educational charity, we are proud to offer a range of learning opportunities to schools and colleges, and for visiting groups of 15+, we can tailor packages to suit your bespoke requirements.
Shuttleworth is open to the public seven days a week including Bank Holidays (excluding selected dates of the festive period). Our daily admission ticket can be used multiple times for up to 30 days (excluding air show and event days).
The Shuttleworth Trust – registered charity: 307534 – was set up to honour the life and legacy of Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth, a keen aviator, racing driver and horse racer, who was tragically killed in 1940 during a night training exercise for the RAF.

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A unique collection of working vintage aircraft and vehicles
Walking through the six huge hangars at Shuttleworth, you'll see how aviation design developed from Edwardian times up until the 1950s. Don't miss the 1909 Blériot XI, which, along with all of our aircraft, is still airworthy.
From early 20th century aircraft, cars, buses and motorbikes to steam engines and farm machinery, it's all here for you to discover. Our workshop is always open too, so pop in to say hi and watch us restoring these treasures.
Every aircraft in our collection promises to tell a story about the development and journey of aviation and the best part of all? They ALL still fly!
30 DAY RETURN TICKET - your admission ticket lets you return as much as you like for 30 days and, better still, kids (15 and under) go FREE!
Take a walk through a picturesque Victorian era garden!
Walk through ornate ironwork gates into a delightful Regency and Victorian layered garden and discover a green and pleasant idyll. There’s even a pair of peacocks waiting to strut their stuff just for you!
As well as being home to resident peacocks, ducks and other wildlife, the garden contains many examples of beautifully carved animals and birds. How many can you spot?
Which corner of this picturesque garden will be claimed as your favourite? Will it be the brightly decorated Indian Kiosk or the quirky Swiss Cottage? Or the Grotto and Fernery with its cave-like Pulhamite tunnels?
There’s no single time of year to enjoy the Swiss Garden. You’ll experience something quite different, whether you come on a snowy day, in full summer when the trees are bursting with leaves or in autumn when the garden is drenched in fiery colour.
30 DAY RETURN TICKET - your admission ticket lets you return as much as you like for 30 days and, better still, kids (15 and under) go FREE!
Shuttleworth House
In 1872, Joseph Shuttleworth bought Old Warden Estate. The original red brick manor house, which was built by the Ongley family, was pulled down, the architect Henry Clutton, a prominent Victorian architect, was commissioned to design the House you see today, built by local firm Cubitts, with William Bennison as the Clerk of Works, and Edward Milner reworked the landscape.
In 1944, Dorothy decided to turn the Estate into a Charitable Trust in memory of her son “for the teaching of the science and practice of aviation and of afforestation and agriculture” two of Richard’s passions and in 1946, the doors of Shuttleworth College opened. It is still a successful land based college operating on this site by Bedford College. Dorothy was Chairman until her death in 1968 aged 89.
Today, The House, Swiss Garden and Collection are operated to deliver on the charitable objective of The Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth Remembrance Trust and Dorothy’s vision, to create an environment to promote and educate people in the main interests of her son: estate management, aviation and automotive transport and to link the House and Parkland with the Swiss Garden, Old Warden Aerodrome and Home Farm, to complete the Shuttleworth Story.
Facilities
Toilets
Free Wifi
Gift Shop
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Dog Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Card Payments Accepted
Wheelchair Hire
Opening Times
- Monday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Tuesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Friday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (4-16) : Free
- Adult (17-18+) : £17.50
General AdmissionChildren: freeAdults: £17.50
Adult Concession (60+): £16:00
Essential carers: free
Members: freeTheir daily admission ticket can be used multiple times for up to 30 days.
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to The Shuttleworth Collection by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 2 - 3 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
We cater to all dietry needs!
Our cafe offers vegetarian and vegan options as well as options for those that are gluten intolerant. We also are more than happy to provide you with any dietry information on any of the items we sell.
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Transport Information
We are not on any close public transport routes currently
Verification & Last Updated
Verified Status:
This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.
Last Updated: 13:00 30/10/2024
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