Plane graveyard: Inside the hidden gem Nottinghamshire attraction where RAF fighter jets end their days

Home to a collection of more than 80 aircraft, the Newark Air Museum really delves into the history of World War Two.

The museum first opened in 1973 and has carefully gathered together aeroplanes which were used in training exercises all over the country.

It features an impressive variety of aircraft including a Vulcan, a Gloster Meteor and a Saro Skeeter.

Groundskeeper, Peter Mcentee, explained how it developed: “This started during the Second World War.

“The crews came to train on the aircraft before they went into action.”

He added: “A lot of our aircraft also trained during the Cold War.”

A visit to Newark Air Museum

Located on Drove Lane, Newark, the museum is just a 10-minute drive from Newark Castle.

Despite being tucked away down a country lane, it was hard to miss it. The huge planes stood out long into the distance.

The museum has many important planes from World War Two and the Cold War.

In 1998, the National Aviation Heritage Committee listed 25 significant and 15 noteworthy aircraft at Newark Air Museum.

Restoration volunteer Phil Becker said most of the collection had been built up from donations.

He said: “We are gifted a lot of aircraft and we try to keep them in viewing condition.”

Airframe Filler volunteer, Anthony West, explained why the museum was important to him.

He said: “I have been doing this for 12 years.

“I enjoy seeing the aircraft restored into one piece so we can display it for people to see.”

Anthony explained how many of the planes gifted have fallen into disrepair and it’s the job of the volunteers to restore them up to their former glory.

The museum has strong links to Lincolnshire and many of the aircraft have previously been stationed in the county.

But sadly, many of the pilots involved in these training sessions lost their lives.

Behind the mass of planes is a memorial garden lined with rows of flowering cherry trees and a collection of benches.

It honours the nine airmen who were killed near Grantham in Lincolnshire while on a training flight from RAF Winthorpe.

The museum also has a shop full of aviation accessories and a café.

With no government funding, the museum relies on donations and a team of volunteers.

Admissions cost £12 for adults over 16, £11 for over 65s and £6 for children.

The museum is open 10am to 5pm between March and October and 10am to 4pm between November and February.

Watch the video above to see a tour of Newark Air Museum.