Nukes were stored here! - Snowy RAF/USAAF Upper Heyford 2026 - Round One

Discover the haunting history of RAF Upper Heyford, a former Royal Air Force station nestled in rural Oxfordshire, England, just northwest of Bicester. Established in 1916 during World War I as a training base for the Royal Flying Corps, it officially opened for RAF flights in 1918. After World War II, the site was leased to the United States Air Force, transforming it into a key Cold War outpost. During the height of tensions, Upper Heyford became one of Europe's largest USAF bases, housing strategic bombers like the B-47 and later F-111 fighter-bombers equipped for NATO's nuclear missions. The base played a crucial role in deterrence until its closure in 1994, following the end of the Cold War and military budget cuts. Today, the sprawling site (now known as Heyford Park) blends eerie abandoned bunkers and runways with modern redevelopment, including business parks, housing, and even Hollywood film sets (featured in movies like World War Z and Wonder Woman). Explore Cold War ghosts, preserved hardened aircraft shelters, and the site's evolution from wartime hub to a symbol of peace-era repurposing. Perfect for history buffs, urban explorers, and aviation enthusiasts! In this part we legends look at the storage facilities. #RAFUpperHeyford #ColdWarHistory #AbandonedBases #Oxfordshire #USAF