RAF Bawdsey, Radar station and air base in Suffolk, England
Description
RAF Bawdsey is a former radar station and air force base in Suffolk with eight tall masts arranged for transmission and reception of radar signals. The transmitter block now serves as a museum that displays the history of detection technology and its development.
History
The Air Ministry established RAF Bawdsey in 1936 as Britain's first operational radar station under Robert Watson-Watt's direction. The site played a key role in tracking enemy aircraft during the war and became a center for radar research.
Culture
The site preserves the story of radar development and shows how this technology brought together military personnel and scientists during World War II. The exhibits tell of the people who worked here and their contributions to the war effort.
Practical
The site is quite large and takes time to explore, so plan for several hours when visiting. Most visitors focus on the museum building, but the masts and outdoor areas also offer interesting perspectives worth seeing.
Did you know?
During the 1950s, the station received an underground control center with living quarters designed to maintain operations during potential nuclear strikes. This defensive measure shows how threats and requirements for military facilities changed during the Cold War.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (England).
Suffolk encompasses a notable array of sites that reflect the history of Britain, from the Middle Ages to World War II. The Norman fortresses of Framlingham and Eye, built in the 12th century, sit alongside Tudor residences like Kentwell Hall in Long Melford, while religious buildings such as St....
Bawdsey Manor
937 m
Bawdsey Cliff
864 m
Buckanay Farm Pit, Alderton
4.4 km
Church of St Andrew
4.8 km
Church of St Peter and St Paul
3.7 km
Church of St Mary
1.9 km
Church of St Ethelbert
4.8 km
Church of All Saints
5.1 km
Church of St Andrew
3.4 km
Cranmer House
4.3 km
The Swan Inn, Alderton
3.4 km
Harvest House, Felixstowe
5 km
Martello Tower Z
4.2 km
Ramsholt War Memorial
5.1 km
Martello Tower W
2.1 km
Martello Tower T
2.2 km
Martello Tower AA
4.9 km
Monksmead The Priory
3.9 km
Battery Observation Post
2.4 km
Bawdsey War Memorial
1.9 km
Walton House
5.2 km
Main Passenger Buildings Concourse And Station Master's House, Felixstowe Station
4.9 km
The Stable And Coach House Block At Felixstowe Tennis Club
4.7 km
The Old Hall
4.5 km
Garden Wall Adjoining Harvest House To North West And West
5 km
Martello tower U
1.6 km
Martello Tower Y
3.3 km
Post box IP12 6315 - Bawdsey, Suffolk
2.1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes