Can I visit the airfield?
The airfield sits on private farmland and is not open to casual visitors. The best — and really the only — way to access the site is through one of our summer guided walks, which run on the second Sunday of each month from June through September. Booking is essential as places are limited to 20 per walk.
How do I book a summer walk?
Walks can be booked online through our Summer Walks page, which links to our TicketTailor booking system. Adults are £10 plus a £1 booking fee. Accompanied children under 12 are free. We recommend booking early — the June and July dates in particular tend to sell out quickly.
Where do the walks depart from, and is there parking?
Walks depart from just north of Shop Hill, Alpheton, CO10 9BU. Parking is available nearby. Please allow extra time when visiting for the first time, as the meeting point is on a rural lane. The nearest train station is Long Melford, approximately five miles away.
Are the walks suitable for people with limited mobility?
The walk covers approximately two miles over tarmac and compacted gravel tracks, which are generally firm underfoot. However, the terrain is uneven in places and there are no facilities at the airfield. If you have specific mobility concerns, please contact us before booking and we will advise whether the walk is suitable for you.
What happens if a walk is cancelled due to bad weather?
In the event that a walk must be cancelled due to severe weather or other exceptional circumstances, FOLA will contact all ticket holders in advance by email. A full refund will be arranged. We will always endeavour to give as much notice as possible.
Can I bring my dog?
We are sorry — dogs are not permitted on the airfield. This is a condition of access set by the landowners and applies without exception.
What is the 487th Bomb Group Memorial Fund?
The Memorial Fund exists to maintain the permanent memorial at the airfield, which honours the aircrew of the 487th who gave their lives, and to support FOLA’s ongoing preservation and education work. All proceeds from the summer walks go directly to this fund. You can also make a direct donation via our Donate page.
Can I make a donation to FOLA?
Yes — donations of any size are gratefully received and go directly to the 487th Bomb Group Memorial Fund. Please visit our Donate page for details. We are particularly grateful for contributions from families of those who served with the 487th, many of whom contact us from across the United States.
What is still visible of the original airfield?
Quite a lot, to a trained eye. Sections of the wartime perimeter track survive and can be walked. Several of the original hardstandings — the dispersal points where B-17s were parked and maintained — remain visible. The control tower is still standing. Signatures of the men who built the taxiways are preserved in sections of the original concrete. The summer walks are designed to bring all of this to life with guidance on what stood where and what remains today.
How can I volunteer to support FOLA?
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds. Whether you are interested in helping to guide walks, contributing to historical research, supporting memorial maintenance, or helping with social media, there is a role for you. Please visit our About FOLA page for more detail, or get in touch directly.