History of RAF Defford walk - 2026
A walk through Croome Park reveals the way in which RAF Defford changed the 18th century landscape created by Lancelot ”Capability” Brown. Along the way, there are stories of an extraordinary airfield waiting to be told.
- Booking essential
- Admission applies
This secret airbase was where Radar was put into the aircraft of the Telecommunications Research Establishment (TRE) and tested and developed to help win the war. Walking round the various points will give the walker an idea of the scale of the operation.
Led by an RAF Defford Museum Volunteer telling stories of the various sites around the airfield and the grounds, the walk will take approximately 2 hours, starting and finishing at the museum with the opportunity to visit the museum afterwards.
Times
The basics
- Booking number
Call 0344 249 1895
- Accessibility
This walk is on parkland which can be very muddy and therefore is not suitable for those with access needs.
- Meeting point
Visitor Centre by RAF Museum
- What to bring and wear
This walk is on parkland which can be very muddy in wet weather and the ground can be quite rough - Please wear walking boots or wellingtons if wet.
- Other
The walk is 2 hours in the open with no shelter should the weather be inclement. Please note, there is no access to the airfield
Upcoming events
30 years of the National Trust at Croome - Exhibition
Discover the remarkable story behind the restoration of Croome’s parkland, which returned the landscape to Capability Brown’s original vision, in this exhibition at Temple Greenhouse.
Summer of Play at Croome
Summer of Play is returning to Croome for 2026! This summer, we're celebrating all things bugs and biodiversity, with critter-themed fairground games, hands-on creative workshops, and a mini theatre for performers big and small.
Robert Adam bookcases - Exhibition
Croome has begun a major conservation project to reinstall the Robert Adam bookcases that have recently returned from the V&A. Follow the conservation journey over the next few years as we work towards reinstating them in the Library.
Introductory House Tours
Join our volunteers for a tour that will bring Croome’s story to life; with its varied history you’ll definitely learn something new.