The airfield was known as RAF Winthorpe during the Second World War, opening in September 1940.

The following units were posted at RAF Winthorp at some point: In 1964, 200 acres (0.81 km2) of the former airfield were purchased by the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society, who have since held the Newark and Nottinghamshire County Show.

[citation needed] A limited company called Newark (Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire) Air Museum was formed in 1968.

[2][3] The Air Museum has, for the past few years, hosted the annual Cockpitfest.

This popular event calls on enthusiasts and 'cockpitters' alike to bring their memorabilia for others to see and, in the case of cockpits, get inside.