Behind-the-scenes access at Shuttleworth’s Engineering Open Workshop
For one weekend only, on 21 and 22 February, barriers will be removed at Shuttleworth’s engineering workshop, giving guests a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to restore, rebuild and operate one of the world's most extensive collections of working vintage agricultural exhibits, veteran and vintage vehicles, and airworthy aircraft from the earliest days of flight.
A packed programme of family-friendly experiences is scheduled, including talks and demonstrations, vintage bus rides, STEM activities, and tours of the hangars and Shuttleworth House, amongst other activities.
A temporary exhibition titled ‘In focus: The Sopwith & Hawker Story’ celebrating Sopwith and Hawker aircraft, featuring six of Shuttleworth’s own iconic Collection aircraft, including the 1918 Sopwith F.1 Camel and 1941 Hawker Sea Hurricane Ib, will also exclusively take place this February half term – with barriers coming down around the exhibition during the Workshop event.
Featured exhibits
From stepping aboard vintage buses and Studebaker car rides, to getting hands-on with the Bofors anti-aircraft gun, this event offers the opportunity to experience engineering in action.
Guests will have the opportunity to get up close to legendary aircraft including the Supermarine Spitfire Vc, Bristol M.1C and the Southern Martlet, as well as see the intricate mechanics of aircraft currently undergoing restoration including the Percival Mew Gull, English Electric Wren and Deperdussin. By speaking directly with Shuttleworth’s in-house team of engineers and pilots, visitors can gain first-hand insight into the craftsmanship, problem-solving and passion required to keep these historic aircraft flying today, helping to inspire the next generation of engineers and aviation professionals.
Live demonstrations will further immerse audiences in the world of aviation engineering, with an engine ground run on the Sopwith Camel and the Hucks Starter in action on the Hawker Hind. The event will also feature historic vehicles and machinery such as early motorcycles, veteran cars and working steam engines, including the Clayton & Shuttleworth portable engine, the traction engine Phoenix, and the newly acquired steam wagon The Fenland Princess.
STEM educational activities
Various invited partner organisations will present an exciting range of engineering-focused activities suitable for all ages. Visitors will have the chance to take the controls in flight simulators, delve into Bedford’s airship heritage with immersive VR experiences, practice traditional English wheeling, craft and paint scale models, and put their skills to the test by diagnosing aircraft engine faults.
Rising engineering stars from the WorldSkills UK team will inspire younger ones by undertaking a trial run of aeronautical engineering challenges against the clock in preparation for competing in the 48th WorldSkills championships in Shanghai, China this September.
‘In focus: The Sopwith & Hawker Story’temporary exhibition
From 14-22 February, a temporary exhibition in Hangar Four will take place, bringing into focus the pioneering legacy of the Sopwith Aviation Company and Hawker Aircraft Limited, highlighting their designs and contributions to aviation history. Visitors can explore iconic aircraft, learn about the engineers and designers who brought them to life, and discover how these legendary companies shaped flight. For Engineering Open Workshop weekend, the barriers will be removed around the exhibition, allowing guests to admire the aircraft even more closely.
Jean-Michel Munn, Head of Engineering, commented: “Engineering Open Workshop is the first big event of 2026 for Shuttleworth’s engineering team, and we’re looking forward to showcasing our current restoration projects in progress at the workshop as well as the rest of our iconic Collection. I’m sure that our apprentices and the WorldSkills UK team will inspire any future budding engineers visiting, who will also have the chance to get stuck into the wide range of activities in the Discovery Zones.”
Under 18s tickets are free for this event, with adult tickets at £25 (and £20 for members), available to book here.