hangar for Haldon Aerodrome

Two massive concrete hangars stand on the hillside above Exeter, silent witnesses to decades of aviation history at what was once Haldon Aerodrome. Built during the Second World War as RAF Exeter, this grass airfield trained countless pilots before becoming a civilian operation in the 1970s. The hangars themselves are impressive structures - proper wartime engineering that's weathered the decades remarkably well. Walking around the perimeter, you can still make out the old runway markings and imagine Spitfires taking off into Devon skies. Aviation enthusiasts will find plenty to photograph, though there's not much interpretation on site to explain what you're looking at. Families might struggle to hold younger children's attention for more than half an hour unless they're particularly keen on planes. The location offers cracking views across the Exe Valley towards Dartmoor on clear days, making it worth the drive from Exeter even if military history isn't your thing. Access seems fairly informal - I spotted no obvious entrance fees or opening times posted. Best combined with a walk along the nearby footpaths rather than treated as a standalone destination. If you're staying at one of the holiday parks around Dawlish or Teignmouth, it makes for an interesting hour's detour on the way to or from Dartmoor, though don't expect guided tours or a visitor centre.