Why RAF Cosford Is the Perfect Budget-Friendly Day Out for Families

The majority of our posts have been about walking (or getting outside), but when I come across a gem of a free day out that’s something different, even if its mostly an indoor day, I aim to share it. That is, after all, the reason I’m writing this blog: to share free or cheap ideas for families to spend time together, outside of their home. Don’t worry though, this may not be a walk, but you’ll still get those steps in!

Every year, our family looks forward to our visit to the RAF Cosford Museum, and it never disappoints. The affordability and intrigue in this place is exactly why we make it here at least once each year. Despite being regular visitors, we always discover something new to marvel at. The only compulsory cost is parking, which means you can explore the extensive collections of planes, engines, and memorabilia without breaking the bank.

We don’t visit many museums (there aren’t a huge number near us) but with my engineering background, my husbands love of anything mechanical, and my boys being very much, well, boys, when we find anything like this, it always becomes a firm favourite!

Budgeting and Planning Your Trip
The only cost to visit (other than getting yourself to the museum in the first place) is the parking. At the time of writing (March 2025), parking is £7.50 (or £6.50 if you pre-book). Baring in mind that there are NO other compulsory costs, this makes it an incredibly affordable day out, especially for bigger families, when paying per person can soon add up!

The museum is open daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm, and there is parking on site. At busier times, you may be redirected to alternative parking around the site. There are disabled parking bays too. Often you will find additional events available on site (some free, some with a cost) – it is worth checking online (link at the bottom) before making the journey to see if there is anything you want to book on for before you arrive – additional activities are often very popular and fill up quickly!

Endless Displays to Explore
The museum itself is a treasure trove of aviation history, with a huge selection of planes and even the occasional helicopter, spanning different eras. There are also some land based military vehicles too – in fact, one such tank is the background to our annual family photo 😂. The themed rooms, interactive displays, and exhibits, featuring everything from old military uniforms to an array of aviation engines, keeps all ages entertained. There’s so much to see and read that you could visit several times and still not see and read it all! (Ask us how we know!) 😅

New Experiences Every Year
This year, for the first time, we decided to try one of the STEM activities offered during the February half-term. We normally visit on weekends, but my husband and I decided to take a day off during half term and, since the weather was too poor for a walk (what a surprise!), an inside option seemed the perfect alternative. Being half term meant that there were a few extra activities not usually available at the weekends. My husband had wanted to attend a planetarium/space related show (being very much into space) but it had sold out quickly. The “Volatile History of Chemistry” show was another show that caught our eyes – and it was a real hit with our boys – especially the explosions and fire! It was a brilliant display, and having never attended any of the extra events before, it was something fun and different for us.

I am not going to spoil your visit by telling you exactly what to expect here, but if you are into engineering, mechanics or aviation, it’s a brilliant day out with something for everyone. The place is always filled with families, from babies in prams to teens – and no one ever looks bored (or at their phones!).

Fun for Little Adventurers
Outside, there’s a small park, perfect for children to burn off some extra energy (if all that walking hasn’t tired them already!). Inside the museum, the fun trail for children was a highlight of our visit. Armed with a booklet, our boys followed clues, answered questions, and were thrilled to earn a badge at the end – a lovely keepsake from the day. We saw plenty of children of varying ages completing the booklet, and it helps the younger children take more notice of the information around too!

Pack a Picnic and Save
One of the easiest ways to keep costs down is to bring your own food. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy a packed lunch, although there is a café on-site if you fancy a treat. For those who want to support the museum further, there are optional donation points in various areas and a gift shop too, but you can easily spend a whole day without paying for these extras if money is tight (there have been times we’ve done just that).

Why We Keep Going Back
With so much to see and do, it’s easy to see why we return every year. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or just looking for a low-cost family day out, RAF Cosford is well worth a visit. The mix of history, hands-on activities, and open spaces makes it an ideal choice for families wanting a fun and educational day without spending a fortune.

Good to Know

Car Parking: Plenty available, £7.50 per car (£6.50 when pre-booked).

Toilets: In every building, including baby changing.

Accessibility: Easily accessible with pushchairs.

Café/Picnic Spots: Picnic spots outside, various benches inside and a café inside the National Cold War Exhibition.

Public Transport Links: 15 minutes walk from Cosford train station.

Family-Friendly Tips: Bring snacks and drinks to avoid queues, and ask if there are any (free) activities or activity books to do on the day. Also check out this page!

Safety Information: There are moving vehicles between each of the hangars – there are zebra crossings but always be mindful as you cross.

Have you visited RAF Cosford? Let me know your favourite parts in the comments!