Dunkeswell Heritage Centre (formerly Dunkeswell Memorial Museum), Honiton, Devon
Details
Accessibility
There are 5 shallow steps to the building and we have a portable, temporary ramp. Please note that our volunteers may not always be of an age or fitness to assist access.
Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times. Well behaved dogs are permitted.
The Heritage Centre itself does not have catering or public toilet facilities
However The Liberator Coffee Bar & Grill opens daily and is situated close to the Heritage centre’s entrance approximately 100 metres away and has full catering and public toilets facilities. As well as a great view of the aircraft and parachutists who use the Airfield.
The restaurant is open throughout the year, in line with the Heritage Centre’s opening hours and has a good selection of ‘home cooked’ hot and cold food, fresh ground coffee and cakes to round off your visit to the centre. In addition they will happily cater for pre-arranged Groups
https://www.southwestairfields.co.uk/page6.html
Brief description
Admission is Free, however we rely on donations for our work and would hope you would make a donation on leaving.
Dunkeswell Airfield was built between 1942 & 1943 by George Wimpey and Co and following its completion it was initially occupied by the USAAF 479th Anti Submarine Squadron and then by the US Navy and was the only US Naval Airbase in Europe. who undertook U boat hunting in the Bay of Biscay.
Our substantial Photographic Archive provides a unique insight to life on the base. Unlike the British, the Americans had access to film and faced very little restriction on what they photographed.
As a result we have been able to collect over many years, what we think is a fantastic selection of over 400 photographs. Mostly professionally taken, including some taken by the Germans, that provide a story-line and window in time that allows us to see what life was actually like and what took place at the Airfield during the second world war.
We have now combined this with official film taken at the time, an historical narrative, uniforms and WW2 artefacts that together, tell the story of the Men and Women who served here. Whether you are a military history enthusiast or just curious,? We think you will find our Airfield Heritage centre fascinating and well worth a visit !
Address
Dunkeswell Airfield
Dunkeswell
Honiton
Devon
Dunkeswell
EX14 4LG
2025-
or
see https://www.southwestairfields.co.uk/page2.html for alternative contacts
Phone
2025-
0777 885 7722
or
see https://www.southwestairfields.co.uk/page2.html for alternative contact numbers
Website
https://www.aeroflight.co.uk/placemarks/dunkeswell-memorial-museum
https://www.devonmuseums.net/Dunkeswell-Airfield-Heritage-Centre/Devon-Museums/
Directions
Proceed to junction of A30/A35 follow signs to Dunkeswell go through village. Then Turn left on to Airfield. We are about 200 metres down on the right hand side, just past the memorial, which is a large propeller on a stone cairn
From Taunton:
Proceed out of Taunton on the A38 Road to Wellington. At the Chelston road roundabout Nr Wellington take second exit A38, West Buckland. Over next roundabout and follow road for approximately 1 mile. Then turn left into Monument Road which then becomes Wellington Hill go over bridge that goes over M5
Follow signs to Hemyock as you get to the centre of Hemyock you will see the Catherine Wheel Pub Turn right in front of the Pub and then follow the road up the hill 4 to 5 miles to Dunkeswell. As you get to the top of the hill you will see the Airfield which is situated on your right . Turn right on to the Airfield at its main entrance .
We are situated about 200 metres on the right hand side just past the airfield memorial, which is large propeller on a stone cairn.
Opening Times
2025-
Toilets and cafe next door at the Aviator Restaurant.
We open from Good Friday to the end of October Thursday - Sunday 11am - 4pm
We will also open outside these times for group talks and tours; please email us for information and charges
Our historians can give talks on various airfields and their role in WW2, as well as other aspects of military life and operations, at your venue, or ours - again please email for details
Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change
Transport
Amenities
The Liberator Coffee Bar & Grill opens daily and is situated close to the Heritage centre’s entrance approximately 100 metres away and has full catering and public toilets facilities. As well as a great view of the aircraft and parachutists who use the Airfield.
The restaurant is open throughout the year, in line with the Heritage Centre’s opening hours and has a good selection of ‘home cooked’ hot and cold food, fresh ground coffee and cakes to round off your visit to the centre. In addition they will happily cater for pre-arranged Groups
Travel Information
For further travel information please see: www.traveline.info
Or call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33
(Calls cost 12p per minute plus your phone company's access charge)
Location
Nearest Venues
St Nicholas' Church, Dunkeswell, Devon
415 metres*
Dunkeswell Church Memorial, Dunkeswell, Devon
432 metres*
Sheldon War Memorial, Sheldon, Devon
1.15 miles*
Wolford Chapel, Honiton, Devon
1.62 miles*
*Distances are calculated in a straight line from the current venue, please allow extra time/distance based on available paths or roads.