A Home Ed Day Out at RAF Coningsby – Typhoons, Take-Offs & Chip Shop Treats
One of the brilliant things about home education is the freedom to turn a normal weekday into a full-on learning adventure. Recently, we did exactly that with a visit to RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire – home to the incredible Eurofighter Typhoon jets – and it was such a fun (and noisy!) day out that I wanted to share the experience with you.
We decided to spend the day there simply watching the planes, and honestly, it did not disappoint. ✈️
✈️ Where to Watch
There are two free parking areas close to the base where you can pull up and settle in to watch the action. We set up camp near the fence line, and it’s hard to describe just how close you are to the aircraft – when the Typhoons taxi back after landing, they pass right in front of you. You can even see the pilots clearly in the cockpit as they wave or give a thumbs up on their way past.
And then there’s the take-offs. Wow.
The jets roar overhead right above your head, so close and loud that the whole experience feels completely immersive. It’s one of those things you can feel in your chest as much as you hear with your ears. If your kids love aircraft, engineering, or military history, they’ll be in their element here.
🧠 A Quick Tip for Neurodivergent Kids
It is loud – really loud. If you have a neurodivergent child or anyone who’s sensitive to sound, I’d say noise-cancelling headphones are absolutely essential. They make the experience much more comfortable and allow everyone to enjoy it without sensory overload.
🍟 Nearby Amenities & Food
Another bonus: you’re not stuck in the middle of nowhere. Just a 10-minute walk from the viewing area are a few handy shops, including a Co-op and a bakery, so you can grab snacks or drinks easily.
We ended our day with dinner at a local chip shop called Chipmunks, and I have to mention it because it was so good. The chips, curry sauce, and ‘batter bits’ were all delicious – highly recommended if you’re planning to make a day of it.
Highly recommended - even ‘Little Miss Fussy’ enjoyed it!
📚 Learning Opportunities
Visits like this are a brilliant way to make learning feel real and exciting. We chatted about the physics of flight, the role of the RAF, and even touched on topics like aerodynamics and defence. Seeing the aircraft up close turned what could have been a dry textbook lesson into something R and F will definitely remember.
RAF Coningsby is also home to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) — a living tribute to the aircrews who fought in the Second World War. The BBMF maintains and flies a historic collection of aircraft, including the iconic Spitfire, Hurricane, and Lancaster bomber, which you can often see in the skies above the base. Learning about these legendary planes and their place in history added another layer to our visit and sparked some brilliant conversations about courage, innovation, and the legacy of the RAF.
✈️ Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a free, educational, and thrilling home-ed day out, RAF Coningsby is well worth the trip. Whether your kids are obsessed with planes or you just want to try something different, it’s a fantastic mix of learning and excitement – with some very tasty chips to top it all off.
We’ll definitely be going back!
🧭 Top Tips for Visiting RAF Coningsby
✈️ Check flight schedules – Typhoon activity varies day to day, so aim for a weekday morning or early afternoon when training flights are most likely.
🎧 Bring noise-cancelling headphones – They’re a must for younger children or anyone sensitive to loud sounds.
🚗 Arrive early for a good spot – The free parking areas can fill up quickly, especially on busy flying days.
🍎 Pack snacks or plan lunch – There are shops and a bakery about 10 minutes away, but having a picnic on hand is handy too.
🍟 Don’t miss Chipmunks! – Grab dinner before you head home – their chips, curry sauce, and crispy batter bits are chef’s kiss.
📸 Bring a camera or binoculars – Perfect for capturing close-ups of the jets and spotting details in the cockpit.