Season Premiere Air Show 2026

at Shuttleworth Collection & Gardens
Bedfordshire Available from Sun 10 May to Sun 10 May

Free entry for Under 18's

+ Save with groups of 15+ people

Book Season Premiere Air Show tickets for the first big flying event of 2026 - free fun fair rides, family entertainment & activities included in tickets!

Kick off a brand‑new season of action‑packed aviation as Shuttleworth launches the 2026 air show calendar in spectacular style. There’s nothing quite like the excitement and anticipation of the first flying display of the year – with breathtaking aircraft, free family activities, heritage experiences and stunning surroundings all waiting to be explored.

  • Enjoy free ground activities including Discovery Zones, a vehicle parade and a free fun fair
  • Relax in the beautiful Swiss Garden or ride a vintage bus to Shuttleworth House for a wander through this Jacobean‑style mansion
  • Experience thrilling live air displays from both visiting aircraft and Shuttleworth Collection favourites, all with unparalleled flightline views
  • Delight in a full day of entertainment with food stalls, children’s activities and heritage demonstrations for all ages
  • Enjoy the unique atmosphere of a world‑famous collection displayed in the grounds of a historic estate

Start the season with family activities, rare aircraft and an action‑packed flying programme

  • Date: 10th May 2026 - for one day only!
  • Time: 09:00 – 18:00 (Gates open 9am)
  • Kids Go FREE: Under 18's attend at no cost, making it a perfect family day out!
  • Parking: Free on‑site parking included with every ticket
  • What’s Included: Full access to ground attractions, Swiss Garden, Shuttleworth House (via vintage bus), and the complete air display programme
  • Itinerary: 09:00; Gates & Ground Attractions Open. 14:00; Flying Display Commences. 17:30; Flying Display Ends. 18:00; Gates Close.

Free fun fair rides, family activities and incredible air show displays - all included in your tickets!

The Season Premiere Air Show brings Shuttleworth’s magical combination of history, engineering and natural beauty to life. Wander through Discovery Zones, explore interactive exhibits, join demonstrations and enjoy hands‑on activities for kids and adults alike. Then, as the excitement builds, gather along the flightline for the first aerial display of the 2026 season. Expect rare aircraft, classic favourites and unforgettable close‑up aviation moments.

With free entertainment throughout the day, peaceful garden escapes, vintage bus rides, heritage machinery and incredible flying displays, the Season Premiere Air Show offers something for every visitor. Enjoy free kids’ admission, free parking and a full day packed with unforgettable experiences!

  • Air Displays: Stunning routines from visiting and Collection aircraft with unmatched proximity and views (subject to weather & serviceability)
  • Heritage Experiences: Live demonstrations, Clayton & Shuttleworth Heritage exhibits, Bofors Anti Aircraft Gun demonstrations, vintage vehicles, and guided moments with passionate volunteers showcasing Shuttleworth’s engineering heritage
  • Family Activities: Free fun fair rides, STEM‑themed Discovery Zones, make‑and‑paint areas & more to entertain younger visitors
  • Swiss Garden Retreat: Explore the serene Regency‑era Swiss Garden, with quirky structures to find, and resident peacocks, it’s the perfect shady retreat on a summer’s day
  • Shuttleworth House: Hop on a vintage bus for a chance to explore the magnificent historic home and its unique features
  • Food & Drink: A variety of catering options available all day to keep you fuelled for the fun ahead
  • Trade Stalls: Spend some time browsing and shopping for a variety of aviation memorabilia, gifts, souvenirs and crafts

Book Season Premiere Air Show tickets today and start the Shuttleworth 2026 flying season with excitement, heritage and aviation!

Location

Shuttleworth

Alder Drive,
Biggleswade,
Bedfordshire,
SG18 9DT
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How to find us

By car:

For daily admission you can use both Hill Lane (SG18 9EP) and Alder Drive entrances (SG18 9DT).

By train: 

  • Biggleswade - 3 miles (+10 minute taxi ride / 45-60 minute walk)
  • Bedford Station - 9.5 miles (+ 20 minute taxi ride)

By bike or foot: 

Numerous footpaths and bridleways connect Shuttleworth to stunning walks and rides.

Facilities
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Baby-changing
  • Dog-friendly
  • Food and drink
  • Public transport accessible
More Info
Accessibility at Shuttleworth:
  • Carers of disabled visitors are entitled to a free ticket, while all other guests must purchase their own ticket. Random spot checks may be carried out to verify appropriate documentation.
  • There are eight marked disabled parking bays near the Hill Lane entrance (SG18 9DT ///decorator.thus.branching) available on regular admission days.
  • Additional parking is located opposite Hangars 3–6, though this requires a longer walk and is on gravel.
  • For air shows, visitors entering via Alder Drive (SG18 9DT ///forks.extension.drums) have access to dedicated Blue Badge parking centrally located within the event area.
  • Accessible toilets are available at the Visitor Centre, Runway Café, between Hangars 3 and 4, and within the Swiss Garden.
  • The Visitor Centre is spacious, includes ample seating, and can be accessed via a ramp. The Collection hangars also feature ramps throughout and occasional seating. A central toilet block, including an accessible toilet, is located midway through the hangars.
  • The Swiss Garden offers accessible paths, seating, and its own dedicated toilet block. Service dogs are allowed within the garden.
  • The Woodland Walk is generally accessible, but because it is part of a historic Grade II* landscape with varying levels, some areas may not be suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
  • The main entrance to Shuttleworth House has six steps without handrails due to its listed‑building status. Wheelchair access is available via Reception, with internal lifts providing access to other floors.
  • The Flat at Shuttleworth and the Garden Suite are not wheelchair accessible. All rooms are on the first floor and accessible only by staircase, with some rooms located an additional level up.
  • Guests with limited mobility are encouraged to contact the Shuttleworth team for tailored accessibility advice.
  • Service animals are permitted across the site.
How do you get to Shuttleworth Collection and Garden?

You can use both Hill Lane (SG18 9EP ///decorator.thus.branching) and Alder Drive entrances (SG18 9DT ///forks.extension.drums)

Is there food and drink available at Shuttleworth?

The Runway Café is free to access and offers a fantastic variety of locally sourced food and drink.

You are welcome to bring your own food and drink; however, barbecues are not allowed on site, and the team ask that you refrain from bringing sharp knives on site.

Is Shuttleworth dog-friendly?

The team welcome well-behaved dogs on leads on the airfield paddocks, in the café Sunroom and in the Visitor Centre. Dogs are not permitted in the Hangars, the main Runway Café area, Swiss Garden or Shuttleworth House and the surrounding parkland.

  • Service dogs are permitted across the entirety of the site.
  • Please note that there is no shade in parking areas.
Will Shuttleworth House be open?

Shuttleworth House is primarily an award-winning wedding and events venue. It is only open to the public on select event days.

Prohibited Items:

The following items are prohibited from site:

  • Fireworks and garden flares
  • Barbecues and open fires
  • Chinese lanterns
  • Naked flames
  • Portable laser equipment and pens
  • Gazebos and oversized umbrellas
  • Drones
  • Replica or similar firearms or knives on trade stalls
  • Powered access segways / scooters or skateboards

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