Alcester Airfield

The closure was a private decision by the landowner, the Ragley Hall estate. As a private, unlicensed airstrip (PPR - Prior Permission Required), its operation was at the discretion of the owner. Reasons for such closures are typically related to a combination of factors including lack of use, changing priorities for land use (e.g., focusing on events and tourism), liability concerns, and the cost of maintenance and insurance.

The former airfield site is now fully integrated into the grounds of the Ragley Hall estate. The land is used as parkland, for agricultural purposes, and as a major venue for large public events, including concerts, festivals (e.g., The Game Fair), and classic car shows. There are no visible remnants of the runway or any aviation infrastructure.

The site has a dual history. Its primary significance dates back to World War II when it was known as RAF Alcester. Opened in 1941, it served as a satellite landing ground for the larger RAF Honeybourne. It was primarily used by No. 23 Operational Training Unit (OTU) for training bomber crews, flying aircraft such as the Vickers Wellington. After the war, the airfield was decommissioned and the land was returned to the Ragley Hall estate. In the post-war era, a private grass airstrip was established on the site, designated with the ICAO identifier GB-0444, and was used by light general aviation aircraft visiting the estate.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening Alcester Airfield. The land has been successfully and profitably repurposed by the Ragley Hall estate for its thriving tourism and events business. A return to aviation use is considered highly improbable due to the current use of the land and the estate's business model.