About Us

Astra Antiques Centre

At the former RAF Hemswell on the A631, Astra Antiques Centre is located in what was Campbell H Block next to the old Astra Cinema.

For an interesting and enjoyable day out come and visit the Astra Antique Centre and the other centres which include The Tower, Canberra , Guard Room and Buildings 1,2 and 3. Why not make a weekend of it and stay overnight in the nearby B&B or the 5* Hemswell Court Hotel and visit the Sunday Market and Car Boot.

Ermine Lodge B&B - Tel: 01673 878152

5* Hemswell Court - Tel: 01427 668508

History

Situated midway between Lincoln and Scunthorpe RAF Hemswell opened in 1937 as a Bomber Command Station. Originally home to 61 and 144 squadrons, in 1941 the airfield was handed over to 1 Group Bomber Command and became home to 300 and 301 Polish Squadrons flying Vickers Wellingtons. During 1942 the runways were upgraded to facilitate the heavy bombers of the No. 1 Lancaster Finishing School but the school was disbanded in 1944 and the site was used by 150 and 170 squadrons for operational flying before being joined in 1945 by 1687 Bomber Defence Training Flight and subsequently becoming a missile unit with Thor IRBM Launchers from 1959 - 1963. During the war 122 bomber aircraft were lost on operations from Hemswell. The station closed in 1967 but most of the buildings remain including the hangars which are used today as grain stores.

Today

The site boasts the largest collection of antiques and collectables centres in Europe and one of the largest Sunday market and car boot sales in the UK.

Astra Antiques Centre opened in 1990 and our 100+ dealers operating within the building offer a huge diversity of antiques and collectables ranging from high end period furniture to retro plastic lampshades.

Our period costume departments are probably the largest in the country, stocking everything from tie pins and braces to original 1940s vintage clothing and accessories making it ideal for film, stage and TV work or just that one off glamorous event.

Open daily from 10am – 5 pm 7 days a week, 362 days a year, with late evening available by appointment. Why not visit our centre, indulge yourself in a trip down memory lane, or purchase unique gifts for family or friends. We have a coffee shop on site so you can revive yourselves and start the whole process again!

Coming Soon

• 1940s themed evenings, being held throughout the coming year. CLICK HERE for photographs from our event in December 2007)
• A large extended restaurant and coffee shop
• Restoration classes for furniture and ceramics
• Courses in upholstery
• Courses in 1940s hair make-up

Please telephone 01427 668312 for details. Mention the web page and you could be entitled to 10% discount (conditions apply).

We look forward to seeing you soon!