Historic aircraft and a Regency garden near Bedford / NEAR BEDFORD

Shuttleworth Collection and Swiss Garden

Make a separate outing to Old Warden for the aircraft and vehicles of the Shuttleworth Collection, with the Swiss Garden offering a slower outdoor contrast. The hangars and garden can fill much of a day together. Seeing historic aircraft on display is different from attending a flying event.

A historic aircraft at the Shuttleworth Collection in Old Warden — Photo: Ronnie Macdonald from Chelmsford, United Kingdom

Before you go

Daily admission is not valid on air-show or event days, and it does not include Shuttleworth House. Choose the actual date and ticket before travelling; aircraft flying is never part of every ordinary museum visit.

The practical details

Where to find it: Old Warden, near Biggleswade, Bedfordshire SG18 9DT
Directions and arrival information ↗
Tickets and booking: Buy the appropriate daily or event ticket. The estate is outside Bedford: arrange the journey to the Collection and Garden entrance, and allow extra travel time instead of treating it as a town-centre stop.
Access and getting around: Collection hangars have ramps and seating, with accessible toilets. Swiss Garden paths and the woodland walk are described as accessible, but check conditions and your requirements. The house has separate access and limited opening.
Official access information ↗
Visiting with children: Choose a few aircraft or vehicles to look at closely, leave time for food and add the garden if energy and weather suit. Check current child admission terms and separate charges for events.

Practical information checked 15 September 2026. Confirm anything essential to your visit with the venue.

Make it part of your day

Allow 3–5 hours for the visit, plus travel and breaks. This is a suggested planning allowance; opening times, access and availability may affect your plans.

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