BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
METHOD:PUBLISH
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
PRODID:-//WordPress - MECv6.4.5//EN
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://battleofbritainbunker.co.uk/
X-WR-CALNAME:Battle of Britain Bunker
X-WR-CALDESC:
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
X-MS-OLK-FORCEINSPECTOROPEN:TRUE
BEGIN:VEVENT
CLASS:PUBLIC
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260912T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260912T140000
DTSTAMP:20260702T105900
UID:MEC-4fbe073f17f161810fdf3dab1307b30f@battleofbritainbunker.co.uk
CREATED:20260702
LAST-MODIFIED:20260702
PRIORITY:5
TRANSP:OPAQUE
SUMMARY:Open House Festival: Rifle Range Tour
DESCRIPTION:Join us at the Battle of Britain Bunker for Open House Festival 2026 – where for the first time we will be opening the Royal Flying Corps Rifle Range. \nThe History\nIn 1917, the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) Armament School moved into the former Hillingdon House, alongside the Canadian Convalescent Hospital. The RFC occupied those parts of the estate not required by the Canadians and established a series of firing ranges to train recruits in ground gunnery. Eight rifle ranges were constructed along the banks of the River Pinn, although only one survives today. On 1 April 1918, the Uxbridge site became part of the newly formed Royal Air Force following the amalgamation of the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service. Just one month later, RAF Uxbridge became the first RAF station to receive a royal visit, when King George V toured the site. Although the rifle range remained part of RAF Uxbridge throughout the station’s operational life—which came to an end with its closure in 2010—it gradually fell into disuse as the role of the base evolved. Today, standing alone within the tranquil residential surroundings of Dowding Park, its concrete and brick structure serves as a rare and evocative reminder of this remarkable chapter in local military history, dating back more than a century.\n\nThe Rifle Range Today\nThe rifle range is now under the care and protection of Hillingdon Borough Council, situated in Dowding Park and just a short walk away from the Battle of Britain Bunker – both sites also run by the Council. It has never before been opened to the public for visits, until Open House 2026 – a real chance to explore the unique history behind this fascinating structure.\n\nThe Tour\nThe walking tour will meet at the Battle of Britain Bunker. Please sign in at the Front Desk, and wait for the tour guide. The tour guide will lead the group out into Dowding Park for the four minuet journey to the Rifle Range. Whilst walking the tour guide will outline some of the key moments in the wider history of RAF Uxbridge, before arriving at the Rifle Range. The tour group will explore the Rifle Range’s exterior and interior and discover the early history of the Royal Flying Corps and the genesis of RAF Uxbridge in those early years of aviation. The tour will then head back to the Battle of Britain Bunker following the same route back through Dowding Park. \nThe whole tour is expected to last 45-60 mins. Some ground will be uneven, and there may be steps. Free, but booking essential – BOOKING COMMENCES 15 JULY  \n\n\n
URL:https://battleofbritainbunker.co.uk/events/open-house-festival-rifle-range-tour-2/
CATEGORIES:Event,Tours
LOCATION:Battle Of Britain Bunker, Uxbridge
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://battleofbritainbunker.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Rifle_Range_Now.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR