Aviation Trails

Lincolnshire's aviation heritage goes back as far as 1811, when a Mr. J. Sadler, credited as being the first English aviator, landed his Hydrogen balloon in a gale near Heckington. In 1826, the opening of Boston's gas works was commemorated by a balloon flight, piloted by Mr. Charles Green, over the south of the County.

Military aviation, though, was responsible for the majority of the historical remains and sites in Lincolnshire, as the county was ideal for its purposes. By 1935 (the beginning of Britain's pre-war military expansion period) there were just 6 military airfields in Lincolnshire - 10 years later, at the end of World War II, there were no less than 49.

The trails below have been compiled in order to guide visitors round the locations of both active and former Royal Air Force stations in the East Lindsey district of the county. The reasoning behind dividing the district in two is to allow the sites to be visited within an easy day's driving. In addition, the Southern trail covers two of the County's (if not the country's) finest aviation museums - at RAF Coningsby, and East Kirkby - both of which offer the chance to view a Lancaster bomber at close quarters.

Other parts of Lincolnshire are covered by trails, these being the North Kesteven Airfield Trail around the South West of the County, and the West Lindsey Aviation Heritage trail around the North West.

East Lindsey Aviation History Trail (South)

The stations covered in this trail are ...

- RAF Coningsby - RAF Woodhall Spa - RAF East Kirkby - RAF Spilsby - RAF Wainfleet - RNAS Freiston - RNAS Boston.

East Lindsey Aviation History Trail (North)

The stations covered in this trail are ...

- RAF Ludford Magna - RAF Kelstern - RAF Binbrook - RAF Waltham - RAF North Coates - RAF Donna Nook - RAF Manby - RAF Strubby.