RAF Upottery guided tour

Join us for a unique guided tour of the historic airfield at RAF Upottery, led by the knowledgeable Brian Lane-Smith, chair of the South West Airfields Heritage Trust.

RAF Upottery, also known as Smeatharpe, is a former Royal Air Force station built during the Second World War. Its location on high, flat land in the Blackdown Hills, close to the Atlantic and the English Channel, made it ideal for use primarily as a transport airfield and for antisubmarine patrols. Opened in 1944, it was used by the Royal Air Force, United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) and United States Navy. It was closed in 1948 after the end of the war and today the remains of the airfield are located on private property.

During the tour, you’ll find out about the base’s role during the Second World War.

We will meet at Upottery Heritage Centre, Slough Lane, Smeatharpe Devon, EX14 9RD where Brian will guide you through the Second World War displays located in a historic Nissen hut before touring RAF Upottery. Due to the size of the airfield, participants will need to use their own cars to drive in convoy across the site, stopping at various locations of interest.

The tour will last approximately two hours.

Facilities are available at the Upottery Heritage Centre, but non will be available at RAF Upottery.

Booking is essential due to limited availability.

This event is part of the Blackdown Hills National Landscape – Festival of Heritage 2024.

Click here to book your place.