Lincoln, Lincolnshire, GB 🇬🇧 Closed Airport
GB-1250
-
69 ft
GB-ENG
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Loading...GPS Code: Not available
Local Code: Not available
Location: 53.147532° N, -0.682691° E
Continent: EU
Type: Closed Airport
Keywords: EGXS Swinderby
RAF Swinderby (GB-1250) is no longer an active Royal Air Force station or a commercial airport. It closed in 1993 and has since been redeveloped. The site is primarily an industrial estate, and its former domestic area is now the village of Witham St Hughs. Consequently, there are no recent traveler reviews or experiences related to airport operations, terminal facilities, security, or customs.
The disused airfield site, however, is notably used for the Swinderby International Antiques & Collectors Fair, a large event organized by companies such as IACF and Arthur Swallow Fairs, which takes place several times a year.
What Visitors Love (in the context of the Antiques Fair):
Common Complaints (in the context of the Antiques Fair):
In summary, RAF Swinderby is a site of historical military significance that has transitioned into a mixed-use area. While it no longer serves as an active air travel hub, it continues to attract visitors through its large antiques and collectors fairs, which offer a distinctive shopping experience on the historic airfield. Any "traveler" experience at RAF Swinderby today would be primarily associated with attending these fairs or exploring the historical remnants of the former airbase.
Researching traveler experiences online...
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The station officially closed on 17 December 1993. Its final role as a recruit training school ceased, and the last passing out parade was held before the formal closure.
The closure was a direct result of the post-Cold War defence spending cuts announced in the UK government's 'Options for Change' defence review. This strategic review led to a significant reduction in the size of the armed forces and the consolidation or closure of many military bases across the country. RAF Swinderby was identified for closure as part of this military drawdown.
The site has been completely transformed since its closure. The Ministry of Defence sold the land in 1995 for redevelopment. The former airfield, technical site, and domestic areas have been developed into the large, modern village of Witham St Hughs, which features extensive housing, a primary school, shops, and a community centre. Some of the original large hangars have been retained and repurposed for commercial and industrial use within the Swinderby Business Park. The former married quarters now form a separate private housing estate. Most of the runways and taxiways have been removed or built over, leaving very few traces of the site's original aviation purpose.
RAF Swinderby opened in August 1940 as part of RAF Bomber Command. During World War II, it was a key heavy bomber station, initially in No. 1 Group and later transferring to the famous No. 5 Group. It hosted several notable squadrons, including the Polish No. 300 and No. 301 Squadrons, which flew Fairey Battles and later Vickers Wellingtons. After the war, the station's role transitioned to training. Its most significant post-war role began in 1964 when it became the main RAF Recruit Training School. For nearly 30 years, the vast majority of all non-commissioned personnel (both male and female) entering the Royal Air Force completed their basic training at Swinderby, making it a foundational and memorable location for tens of thousands of service members.
There are no plans or prospects for reopening RAF Swinderby as an airport. The comprehensive and large-scale redevelopment of the site into the residential village of Witham St Hughs and a business park makes any future aviation use infeasible. The infrastructure required for an airport, including runways and taxiways, has been almost entirely removed and built upon.