Air Space

Air Space sits just outside Royston and is genuinely one of those places that surprises you. It's a working aerospace museum where you can actually see restoration happening - aircraft in various states of reconstruction scattered across the site, some half-stripped down, others gleaming and ready to fly. You're not just looking at planes behind velvet ropes; you're watching people rebuild them, which makes the whole thing feel alive in a way most museums don't.

It's brilliant if you've got kids who go mad for planes or teenagers into engineering. Adults who fancy something different will find it absorbing too - the stories behind individual aircraft restoration projects are genuinely compelling. Allow a couple of hours minimum, though if you're really into aviation you could easily spend half a day here.

The setup means weather matters more than at an indoor museum - go on a dry day if possible. It's not particularly set up as a major tourist attraction with cafes and gift shops, so come prepared with that in mind.

For a camping holiday in the area, Air Space works nicely with the caravan parks nearby. Shepreth Mill Caravan & Camping Holiday Park and Pightle Farm Campsite are both close enough for a morning or afternoon visit without massive drives. Pair it with walking round Royston itself or heading to Cambridge - about half an hour away - and you've got a solid few days mapped out.