Bentley Priory Museum

Heritage Open Day Tours (FULLY BOOKED)
2019-09-19 11:00 - 14:00 UTC
Please Note: These tours are now Fully Booked.

Join us for a free tour of Bentley Priory Museum as part of Heritage Open Days 2019!

Come along on Thursday 19th September 2019 for a free Museum tour: Bentley Priory: From Where The Battle of Britain Was Won
This tour is available at 11am and 2pm. Please choose a time slot when booking.
How to Book: Book online here, or call 020 8950 5526.
Tour attendees for the 11am tour will have access to the Museum between 10am – 1.30pm.
Tour attendees for the 2pm tour will have access to the Museum between 1.30pm – 5pm.
The Museum galleries, gardens, temporary exhibition, shop and cafe will be available to visit during your booked timeslot.
Tour size: Max. 25 people.
Pre-booked tickets required. Places are booked on a first come, first served basis.

FREE Entry with NLHF #ThanksToYou Campaign
2019-11-25 10:00 - 17:00, 2019-11-27 10:00 - 17:00, 2019-11-29 10:00 - 17:00, 2019-11-30 10:00 - 17:00
We’re delighted to announce that we will be opening for FREE on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday of the week 25th – 30th November 2019 as part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund #ThanksToYou initiative. Terms & Conditions apply.
Free admission will apply to those who have a valid Lotto ticket/scratchcard.
We’re proud to be joining many National Lottery funded visitor attractions across the UK in saying “Thanks To You” to people who’ve raised so much for good causes by buying a National Lottery ticket.
Terms and Conditions:

Visitors must present one valid Lotto ticket/scratchcard per person.
Tickets for Lotto, Euromillions, Thunderball and HotPicks are all valid. Tickets for any other Lottery do not apply.
Tickets/Scratchcards must be valid for the week of the 25th – 30th November 2019.
Scratchcards must be unused.
Lotto tickets must be original. Photocopies are not valid.
Digital tickets are valid. Please present an email confirmation or receipt of purchase.

FULLY BOOKED: Meet Father Christmas
2019-12-07 11:00 - 14:00
Please Note: This event is now FULLY BOOKED.

Drop into the Museum between 11am – 2pm and get into the festive spirit with a visit to meet Father Christmas!
Child ticket: £9
Each ticket includes meeting Father Christmas, receiving a gift, seasonal art & craft activities, and free admission to the Museum for 1 child & 1 accompanying adult.
Advanced tickets required by Tuesday 3 December 2019.
Book online here or call 020 8950 5526 to book.

FULLY BOOKED: Harrow Apollo Male Choir Festive Concert
2019-12-08 14:00 - 17:00
Please note that the Festive Concert is now fully booked. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
We will be welcoming back Harrow Apollo Male Choir on Sunday 8th December for their annual Festive Concert at the Museum.
Harrow Apollo Male Choir will perform festive favourites in the Museum’s spectacular Operations Room.
Tickets include mince pie and mulled wine/juice at the interval.
Ticket costs:

Adults: £16
Concessions: £13
Children (Aged 6-16) £7
Under 5’s: £4

£1 from each ticket supports Harrow Apollo Male Choir.
The concert starts at 3pm. The Museum will open at 2pm to allow time to look around the Museum galleries.
Book online here or call 020 8950 5526.

Volunteer Open Day
2020-02-11 11:00 - 15:00
Love history? Passionate about engaging people of all ages?
Or perhaps you’re green-fingered or simply mad about scrumptious cakes!
Whatever you enjoy, we have a volunteering opportunity for you!
Volunteering is a great way to get involved with your local community, make new friends, learn new skills and develop your passion!
Come along to the Museum on Tuesday 11th February 2020 to meet our volunteers and find out what volunteering at Bentley Priory Museum is all about!
We are running a morning (11am-12.30pm) and an afternoon (1.30pm-3pm) drop in session, click here to book your place now!
Volunteer opportunities available include:

Hospitality Volunteer in our popular vintage cafe
Reception Volunteer
Garden Volunteer
Family Activities Volunteer
Room Steward
Tour Guide

CANCELLED: Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea
2020-03-21 12:00 - 15:00
We are sorry to announce that due to the current outbreak of coronavirus, the Museum is now closed until further notice and the Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea has been cancelled.
Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Treat Mum this Mother’s Day weekend with a sumptuous afternoon tea served on dainty vintage crockery in the Museum’s beautiful cafe.
Indulge in a variety of delicious sandwiches, scones served with fresh clotted cream and strawberry jam and a mouthwatering selection of decadent desserts!
Advance booking required by Wednesday 18th March.
Prices
Afternoon Tea only: £16.95
Afternoon Tea with a glass of Prosecco: £21.95
Afternoon Tea with Museum Admission: £21.95
Afternoon Tea with a glass of Prosecco and Museum Admission: £26.95

CANCELLED: VE Day Commemorative Bank Holiday
2020-05-08 10:00 - 18:00
We are sorry to announce that due to the current outbreak of coronavirus, the Museum is now closed until further notice and the VE Day Commemorative Bank Holiday event has been cancelled.
Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Join in our VE Day celebrations, with live music, themed talks, fun family activities, games, and more!
To commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the Museum will be open specially for an extra hour, from 10am until 6pm (with last admittance at 5pm).
Tickets
Adults £6
Concessions/HM Forces £5
Child 6-16 years £4
Under 6 Free
Tickets include a glass of non-alcoholic Victory Punch to Toast to Heroes.
Advance booking required by Friday 1 May. Book online here, or call 020 8950 5526.
Lunch Option
£7 special VE Day lunch option available (pre-order only, available when you book your tickets).
Lunch menu
Mixed sandwich selection (cheese & pickle, egg mayonnaise, cucumber & cream cheese, cheese & carrot with mayonnaise)
Crisps
Sweet snack
Seasonal fruit
Tea, coffee or juice carton

CANCELLED: Royal Air Force Shades of Blue Concert
2020-07-11 10:00 - 17:00
We are sorry to announce that due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Royal Air Force Shades of Blue Concert has been cancelled. We hope to be able to reschedule the concert in the future.
Please accept our sincere apologies for any disappointment caused.

Commemorate the start of the Battle of Britain with the music of the Royal Air Force Shades of Blue Big Band!
(The Band plays by permission of the Air Force Board of the Defence Council.)

Please note: Access to the Museum on this day will only be for concert ticket holders.

There are two performances over the day:
Performance 1: 12pm – 1pm
Performance 2: 3pm – 4pm.
Audience members for the 12pm performance will have access to the Museum between 10am – 1.30pm.
Audience members for the 3pm performance will have access to the Museum between 1.30pm – 5pm.

Tickets
£20 Adults
£18 Concessions
Advance tickets required.

CANCELLED: Letters From The Few, with Dilip Sarkar MBE
2020-08-08 10:00 - 17:00
We are sorry to announce that due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Letters From The Few with Dilip Sarkar MBE has been cancelled. We look forward to welcoming Dilip Sarkar back to the Museum in the future.
Please accept our sincere apologies for any disappointment caused.

Join us for a very special day, when we will be welcoming renowned Battle of Britain historian Dilip Sarkar MBE to launch his latest book, ‘Letters From The Few’, with a book signing and series of talks, including a presentation by special guest Air Marshal Cliff Spink.

Timetable for the day
10.00: Museum opens
10.30 – 11.30: Presentation 1: ‘Letters From The Few: Unique Memories of the Battle of Britain‘ by Dilip Sarkar
11.30 – 12.30: Book Signing
12.30 – 13.30: Lunch Break
Lunch will be available in the Museum’s Cafe. Please pre-book lunch when booking your ticket. Alternatively, homemade packed lunches can be consumed at our picnic area.
13.30 – 14.30: Presentation 2: ‘Flying the Opponents‘ by AM Cliff Spink
14.30 – 15.15: Afternoon Break
15.15 – 16.15: Presentation 3: ‘Battle of Britain 1940: The Finest Hour’s Human Cost‘ by Dilip Sarkar
16.15 – 16.45: Book Signing
17.00: Museum closes

About the Talks

Letters From The Few: Unique Memories of the Battle of Britain
Dilip Sarkar MBE will share some of his voluminous personal correspondence with the Few, exchanged over many years, providing an inspirational insight into the varied personalities of the Battle of Britain aircrew.
Flying the Opponents
Air Marshal Cliff Spink will share his personal experiences of flying a variety of Battle of Britain aircraft, both of the RAF and the Luftwaffe.
Battle of Britain 1940: The Finest Hour’s Human Cost
Dilip Sarkar will explore the individual stories of a number of the Few who lost their lives during the Battle of Britain, examining their all-too brief lives and sharing their tragic stories.

Tickets
Advanced Tickets required. Book by Friday 31st July 2020.
Day Ticket: £15
Day Ticket with Lunch included: £22
(Please advise us of any dietary requirements by Friday 31st July)
The cafe will be open throughout the day for snacks, ice-creams and hot and cold drinks.

Battle of Britain Museum Tours
2020-09-15 10:00 - 16:00
Join a guided tour of the Museum and discover RAF Bentley Priory’s critical role during the Battle of Britain.
Come along on Battle of Britain Day, Tuesday 15th September 2020, for a Museum tour: Bentley Priory: From Where The Battle of Britain Was Won
For safety reasons relating to COVID-19, we are operating a reduced capacity for this event. The maximum number of people per tour is 5, to comply with updated government regulations.
This hour-long tour is available at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm.
Tours will start promptly at the booked time. Tour attendees will have access to the Museum from half an hour before their tour.
The Museum gardens, temporary exhibition, shop and cafe will be available to visit.
Tour size: Max. 5 people.
Tickets
Pre-booked tickets required. Standard admission rates apply.
Book online here.

Battle of Britain Commemorative Day
2020-09-19 10:00 - 16:30
Commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain with us on Saturday 19th September 2020.
There will be 1940s themed entertainment and activities for all the family.

Spitfire Flypast at 4.06pm* (Time updated by the BBMF on 20.08.2020)
Pop Up Talks
Royal Observer Corps Historical Display
253 Re-enactment Group
Family Activities
Garden Games

(*Flypast is weather and operations dependent)

Ticket Prices:
Adults: £8
Concessions & Military: £7
6-16 year olds: £4
Children 5 and under: Free
Advance tickets required. Book online here.

Online Quiz Cabaret
2020-11-10 19:30 - 21:00
A night of music and fun, in support of Bentley Priory Museum
Join us online for an evening of great entertainment from the comfort of your home!
Bentley Priory Museum is marking the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain with a special Quiz Cabaret, hosted by Philip Barnett and Bryan Kesselman of Tonic Choir.
With musical performances and lighthearted question rounds, this exciting online event is perfect for all the family – no specialist knowledge is required!
Streaming live on Zoom on Tuesday 10th November, the event will mark the end of the Battle of Britain (10th July – 31st October 1940) and the start of Remembrance (11th November).

Tickets
One ticket per computer/tablet is required (household members can take part together on one device under one ticket).
Early bird ticket (buy between 26th October – 1st November): £10
Standard ticket (available from 2nd November): £12
Book your ticket online here.
Joining instructions will be sent to participants by email in advance of the event.

About Bentley Priory Museum
Bentley Priory Museum tells one of the most important narratives of modern history – how the Battle of Britain was won.
As an independent charity, Bentley Priory Museum relies on income generated from events and admissions, as well as donations from generous individuals and organisations, to continue to safeguard and share this nationally important story.
Support Bentley Priory Museum with a donation here:
https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/14706

Festive Celebrations
2020-12-05 10:00 - 16:00, 2020-12-12 10:00 - 16:00
Join our special Festive Celebrations!
Come and Meet Father Christmas, enjoy a delicious Festive Afternoon Tea – or both!
Available on Saturday 5th & 12th December
Bookings are fully refundable if affected by Covid-19 restrictions

Meet Father Christmas
Families are invited to join us for a socially distanced visit to Meet Father Christmas!

Father Christmas will be visiting us by Spitfire this year! He is bringing with him a special gift for each child!
Your visit will include full access to the Museum’s galleries and also special festive family craft activities. (Activities are Covid-19-secure, socially distanced and use single-use resources.)
Please note that the Museum Cafe will be open for general access from 10am – 11.45am, after which it will be closed except for Festive Afternoon Tea ticketholders.
Tickets & Booking
Adult £5
Child £9 (includes gift)
Please select your arrival timeslot when booking. Click here to book online.

Festive Afternoon Tea
Treat yourself to a delicious afternoon tea with a festive theme! Our scrumptious teas are freshly made and served on beautiful vintage china.
After your tea, come and discover the fascinating stories told in our galleries, and explore our current temporary exhibition, ‘The Bunker: Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat’.
Tickets & Booking
Adult £18.95
Child £10.95

Please select a timeslot for your tea when booking. Available timeslots are as follows:
12.00-13.00 (please arrive at the Museum from 11.45 for tea at 12.00)
13.15-14.15 (please arrive at the Museum from 13.00 for tea at 13.15)
14.30-15.30 (please arrive at the Museum from 14.00 for tea at 14.30)
Click here for the menu and to book online.

Summertime Sketching Workshop with Artist Alexandra Veres
2021-07-14 11:00 - 13:00
Join us for a hands on pencil sketch workshop with local artist Alexandra Veres!
You will learn lots of tips and tricks to develop your skills through sketching the beautiful Mansion House and Italian Gardens at Bentley Priory Museum!
All art abilities welcome, from beginner to expert.
Tickets
£15 Workshop only
£20 Workshop & Museum admission
All tickets include a free tea/coffee & cake in the Museum’s vintage cafe after the workshop!
Book online here.
Please bring with you:

A couple of pencils, preferably one soft and one hard (e.g. a 4B and an HB)
A sketchpad with a hard back
A non-smearing rubber
A sharpener
(Optional) A ruler

National Play Day 2021
2021-08-04 10:00 - 17:00
Special National Play Day Offer:
All Children 6-16 are FREE
Make the most of National Play Day with free admission for all children aged 16 and under.
On 4th August we are inviting all children under 16 years to come to Bentley Priory Museum for FREE, enjoy the beautiful surroundings of our Georgian Mansion House that was HQ Fighter Command during WWII and have fun!
In addition to our summer holiday Operation Secret Garden code-breaking trail, children can join in a special, one-off craft activity, available between 11am – 3pm:
Make Your Own Flying Goggles
Create your own pilot’s flying goggles! How will you decorate them?
Once you’re finished, why not pop them on & have a go at sitting in our Spitfire cockpit?
PLEASE NOTE: Admission to the Museum must still be booked in advance. Please select the ‘National Play Day Free Child (16yr & Under)’ option to book a free ticket for children up to 16 years of age. Standard admission rates apply to visitors aged over 16 years.
Book online here.

Summer Afternoon Tea
2021-08-14 12:00 - 15:00
Treat yourself to a sumptuous afternoon tea served on dainty vintage crockery in the Museum’s beautiful cafe.
Indulge in a variety of delicious sandwiches, scones served with fresh clotted cream and strawberry jam and a mouthwatering selection of patisseries!
Advance booking required by Tuesday 10th August.
Prices
Afternoon Tea only: £16.95
Afternoon Tea with a glass of summer fizz: £21.95
Afternoon Tea with Museum Admission: £21.95
Afternoon Tea with a glass of summer fizz and Museum Admission: £26.95
Please note: Summer fizz contains alcohol.
Book online here.
For any dietary requirements, please contact us at groupbookings@bentleypriorymuseum.org.uk.

Cafe Volunteer Information Session
2021-08-26 10:00 - 12:00
Are you looking for a new experience, an opportunity to develop your skills, meet new friends and make a positive impact on your community?
If so, we could be just what you’re looking for!
Bentley Priory Museum is currently looking for volunteers to join our fun and dedicated Hospitality team in our beautiful vintage cafe!
From welcoming visitors and taking orders, to serving up delicious lunches and scrumptious cakes, this is a fun and busy role where you can help to make our visitors’ day out even more special!
Why not come along to the Museum on Thursday 26th August to find out what volunteering at Bentley Priory Museum is all about!
We are running two free volunteer information sessions, one at 10am-11am and the other at 11am-12pm on 26th August, click here to book your place now!

Make Do & Mend Lavender Spitfire Workshop
2021-09-04 11:00 - 15:00
Learn to sew your own lavender-filled fabric Spitfire to take home in this special 1-hour workshop!
Tickets include a free tea or coffee.
Why not add on Museum admission too, and make the most of your day with us! The Museum is open to explore and enjoy until 5pm.
Tickets
Workshop only: £5
Workshop and Museum Admission: £10
This workshop is available at the following times:
11am – 12pm
12pm – 1pm
2pm – 3pm
Please select your desired timeslot when booking.
Book online here.

Online Battle of Britain Commemorative Raffle
2021-09-15 - 2021-10-31
Commemorate the Battle of Britain with a chance to win a limited edition signed print worth £50 of ‘The Few’, a stunning painting by Mark Postlethwaite, member of the Guild of Aviation Artists!

‘The Few’ was painted onsite at Bentley Priory Museum in 2019, and was signed by Archie McInnes, one of the few remaining Battle of Britain aircrew at the time. The painting depicts one aircraft from every fighter squadron that took part in the Battle of Britain.
Image size: 37cm x 62cm (14.5″ x 24.5″)
Overall print size: 45cm x 68cm (17.75″ x 26.75″)
Raffle tickets are just £1 per entry, and you can enter as many times as you like.
The raffle launches on Wednesday 15th September, Battle of Britain Day, and ends on Sunday 31st October. The lucky winner will be randomly selected on Monday 1st November and contacted by email to confirm the win.
Buy your raffle tickets here!
Terms & Conditions

Entrants can purchase a single entry ticket or multiple entry tickets, and can re-enter as many times as they like until the end of the day on Sunday 31st October
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable
The winner will receive one limited edition, signed print of ‘The Few’ by Mark Postlethwaite. The prize is set and cannot be exchanged for money or other alternatives
The prize can be collected in person by the winner or posted to a mainland UK address supplied by the winner; if posted, Bentley Priory Museum will cover the cost of postage & packaging

Battle of Britain Commemorative Day 2021
2021-09-18 10:00 - 17:00
Commemorate the Battle of Britain with us on Saturday 18th September 2021!
There will be 1940s themed entertainment and activities for all the family.

Spitfire Flypast* at 1.59pm
Royal Observer Corps Historical Display
253 Re-enactment Group
Live performance of 1940s songs by Harrow Apollo Male Choir
Pop Up Talks
Family Activities
Garden Games
Instant Win Game

*Flypast is weather and operations dependent.
Ticket Prices:
Adults: £8
Concessions & Military: £7
6-16 year olds: £4
Children aged 5 and under: Free
Advance tickets required. Book online here.

Architectural Sketching Workshop with Artist Alexandra Veres
2021-10-20 13:00 - 15:00
Sketch our regal Adelaide Room and Grand Staircase in this hands on pencil sketch workshop with local artist Alexandra Veres!
All art abilities welcome, from beginner to expert.
Tickets
£16 Workshop only
£21 Workshop & Museum admission
All tickets include a free tea/coffee & cake in the Museum’s vintage cafe after the workshop!
Book online here.
Please bring with you:

A couple of pencils, preferably one soft and one hard (e.g. a 4B and an HB)
A sketchpad with a hard back
A non-smearing rubber
A sharpener
(Optional) A ruler

Festive Celebrations 2021
2021-12-04 10:00 - 16:00, 2021-12-11 10:00 - 16:00
Join our special Festive Celebrations!
Come and Meet Father Christmas, enjoy a delicious Festive Afternoon Tea – or both!
Available on Saturday 4th & 11th December

Meet Father Christmas
Families are invited to join us for a socially distanced visit to Meet Father Christmas!

Father Christmas will be visiting us by Spitfire this year! He is bringing with him a special gift for each child!
Your visit will include full access to the Museum’s galleries and also special festive family craft activities.
Tickets & Booking
Adult £5
Child £9 (includes gift)
Please select your arrival timeslot when booking. Click here to book online.

Festive Afternoon Tea
Treat yourself to a delicious afternoon tea with a festive theme! Our scrumptious teas are freshly made and served on beautiful vintage china.
After your tea, come and discover the fascinating stories told in our galleries, and explore our current temporary exhibition, ‘The Bunker: Defending Britain from Nazi & Nuclear Threat’.
Tickets & Booking
Adult £18.95
Child £10.95
Please select a timeslot for your tea when booking. Available timeslots are as follows:
12.00-13.00 (please arrive at the Museum from 11.45 for tea at 12.00)
13.15-14.15 (please arrive at the Museum from 13.00 for tea at 13.15)
14.30-15.30 (please arrive at the Museum from 14.00 for tea at 14.30)
Book online here.

Volunteer Open Day
2022-02-17 10:00 - 12:00
Love history? Passionate about engaging people of all ages?
Or perhaps you’re green-fingered or simply mad about scrumptious cakes!
Whatever you enjoy, we have a volunteering opportunity for you!
Volunteering is a great way to get involved with your local community, make new friends, learn new skills and develop your passion!
Come along to the Museum on Thursday 17th February 2022 to meet our volunteers and find out what volunteering at Bentley Priory Museum is all about!
We are running two information sessions, at 10am-11am and 11am-12pm, click here to book your place now!

Volunteer opportunities available include:

Hospitality Volunteer in our popular vintage cafe
Family Activities Volunteer
Garden Volunteer
Reception Volunteer
Room Steward
Tour Guide

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea 2022- Sold Out
2022-03-26 12:00 - 15:00
Advance booking required by Tuesday 22nd March 2022. -Please note this event has now sold out.

The Queen's Jubilee Bank Holiday
2022-06-03 10:00 - 17:00
Join us to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee, with themed family activities & games, and a special performance by Harrow Apollo Male Choir.
Prizes for best dressed 1950s/royal themed outfits, but dressing-up not essential!
Family Activities: Jubilee Jewels, 11am – 3pm
Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by making your own crown to keep!
Admission: £6 adult, £4 concession, £3 child (ages 6-16), child 5 and under – free.
Special Jubilee Lunch (pre-booking available): £8 (adult) £4 (child).
Adults: Coronation chicken or chickpea sandwich, Salt’n’Shake crisps, Tunnocks wafer biscuit and hot drink.
Children: Cream cheese sandwich, crisps, homemade crown biscuit, and juice carton.
Please contact groupbookings@bentleypriorymuseum.org.uk with any dietary requirements after booking.
Booking required. Book online here or call 020 8950 5526.
Admission to special events is not included in Annual Membership.
