Colindale

Colindale station is the tube stop for the RAF Museum London, one of Britain's best aviation museums and one of the capital's finest free days out. The museum occupies what was once Hendon Aerodrome - the site of some of aviation's earliest records and demonstrations in the early 20th century - and its two enormous aircraft hangars contain over 100 historic aircraft, from World War I biplanes to Cold War jets to a genuine German Dornier Do 17 bomber recovered from the English Channel. The scale and quality of the collection would justify a significant admission charge; it is free.

The surrounding area around Colindale station is undergoing substantial residential regeneration, with former hospital and industrial sites being replaced by new housing. The neighbourhood will look considerably different over the coming decade.

Station Overview

Colindale station opened in 1924. It sits in Zone 4 and is served by the Northern line on the Edgware branch. The station does not have step-free access. It is between Burnt Oak to the north and Hendon Central to the south.

Lines and Connectivity

The Northern line (black, Edgware branch) connects south through Hendon Central, Brent Cross and Golders Green towards central London. Northbound, the next stop is Burnt Oak and then Edgware terminus. Journey time to Leicester Square is approximately twenty-five minutes.

Facilities

Colindale station has a small shop and ticket machines. The RAF Museum has its own cafe and facilities on site. Local shops and cafes are within a short walk of the station.

Accessibility

Colindale does not have step-free access. The RAF Museum is accessible once inside - the hangars are ground-level and wheelchair-friendly throughout the exhibition spaces. The station approach involves stairs.

Travel Tips

• The RAF Museum is a ten-minute walk from the station - follow signs for Grahame Park Way. Free entry; allow at least three to four hours for the collection.
• The Milestones of Flight and Historic Hangars are the two main exhibition spaces. The World War II section includes a Spitfire, Hurricane, Lancaster and the recovered Dornier Do 17.
• The museum cafe is a good option for lunch - the quality is reasonable and the prices are fair.
• Colindale regeneration is ongoing - some areas around the station are active construction sites.
• No step-free access at the station. The museum itself is fully accessible once you have reached it on foot.

Nearby Attractions

RAF Museum London - ten minutes walk. One of Britain's finest aviation museums, free entry. Over 100 historic aircraft in two enormous hangars. Allow a full day.

Hendon Aerodrome - the museum site. The historic aerodrome where early aviation pioneers broke records in the 1900s and 1910s. The museum tells this history.

Burnt Oak - one stop north. An excellent multicultural high street with exceptional international food shopping.

Timings and Best Time to Travel

Northern line services at Colindale run from approximately 05:30 to midnight Monday to Saturday and 07:00 to 23:30 on Sundays. Night Tube operates on the Northern line on Friday and Saturday nights. The RAF Museum is open daily; weekday mornings are the quietest time for a visit. School holiday periods are busier with families.