Britain’s RAF Museum has been awarded a spot among Tripadvisor’s elite top 10 per cent of global attractions, earning recognition in the 2026 Travellers’ Choice Awards.
Both museum sites in the Midlands and London received the accolade from the world’s leading travel guidance platform, among the highest honours within the tourism industry.
The latest honour follows recent acclaim from Which?, which designated RAF Museum Midlands as a Recommended Provider, and placed it joint first among all UK museums.
The London site achieved equally impressive results, securing the joint highest visitor score of any museum or gallery in the capital.
Barry Smith, Director of Commercial and Visitor Services at the RAF Museum, said: “We are delighted that both RAF Museum sites have been recognised among travellers’ favourites this year.
“As one of the travel industry’s most prestigious accolades, Travellers’ Choice is particularly meaningful because it is based on the feedback of our visitors.
“Being ranked among the top 10 per cent of attractions worldwide is a tremendous achievement and reflects the commitment of our staff and volunteers to delivering memorable and inspiring experiences every day.”
Winners are determined through authentic visitor feedback submitted over a 12-month period, with the award reflecting genuine, first-hand experiences from the public.
Both RAF museums in the Midlands and London received the TripAdvisor accolade
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RAF MUSEUM
The award is widely viewed as a trusted indicator of visitor favourites, with TripAdvisor relying entirely on community reviews rather than industry nominations or expert panels.
Matt Dacey, Chief Marketing Officer at Tripadvisor, said: “Ranking among the top percentage of businesses globally means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took time to go online and leave a glowing review about their experience.”
Both museums are dedicated to sharing the history of the Royal Air Force and its personnel with visitors of all ages, welcome to visitors daily from 10am.
The Midlands site offers a picnic opportunity with views overlooking the RAF Cosford airfield, with Cold War Jets from 80 feet up, and even a Battle of Britain Display with flying jackets, medal bars and objects from the plotting rooms.
Other interactive opportunities include a chance to sit in the cockpit of a Hunter or Phantom aircraft, and to see the Dornier Do 17 wing section – salvaged after more than 70 years underwater.
Guests can walk under the bomb bay of the mighty Lincoln Bomber23, and even fly with the Red Arrows and see the recently restored Vickers Wellington – only one of two remaining in the world.
One review read: “The aircraft displays are just amazing and there is so much to read and learn from. Will need another visit to finish off.”
Both museums are dedicated to sharing the history of the Royal Air Force and its personnel
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RAF MUSEUM
Meanwhile, the London venue has an equal measure of exciting attractions, including a glimpse of Claude Grahame-White’s vintage office, and a diorama of RAF headgear, helmets, hats and heritage.
The RAF’s first satellite, the original Skynet, also appears at the London museum, alongside the Noor Inayat Khan display and the jaw-dropping Sunderland Flying Boat.
One of London’s most popular attractions is the iconic Vulcan bomber, where guests can stand under the immense delta-wing and look up into the bomb bay.