About Us

RAF HARROWBEER ARCHIVES ON GOOGLE MAPS

situated just off the A386 near Yelverton

We are also an ' Educational and Heritage Centre '  - more details can be found further down this page.

Back in 1996 my wife ( Lucy ) and I needed a change in our life style. We were looking for a small Tearooms / B & B to see us into our retirement. The opportunity came to purchase such a place in Yelverton, Devon on the edge of Dartmoor and we moved from Redhill, Surrey in April 1997.

We soon learnt from a customer that the square tower on the side of the building was known locally as ' The Original Watch Office ' and the area outside was the remains of a World War Two Airfield known as R.A.F. Harrowbeer.

Curiosity got the better of us and we needed to know more about our new location. What was the history of the Airfield ? What Squadrons operated there ? What were they doing ? Who were they and what did they do in their leisure time ? Our research had begun, we were hooked.

Our research has led to the development of the ' Knightstone R.A.F. Harrowbeer Archives ' with a small museum of artefacts and memorabilia. We have hosted regular R.A.F. Harrowbeer Archive Week-ends to raise awareness of the Airfield and the vital part it played in World War Two, as well as promoting this lovely corner of Dartmoor.

What started as an interest became a hobby that then became a passion and finally an obsession. I have a very patient and  understanding wife. Thank you Lucy I couldn't do it without your support.

      ' Knightstone  Tearooms '  is now an ' Archive, Educational and Heritage Centre ' and is open all year round on Sundays and Wednesdays ( except over Christmas ). 

The kitchen and seating area is on the ground-floor of the Original " Watch Office " of R.A.F. Harrowbeer with easy access for most types of wheelchairs.

' Knightstone  Tearooms ' offers :- Hot and cold beverages along with pre-packed cakes and biscuits

Contact :-  Lucy and Michael Hayes 

 Email :- knightstonetea@yahoo.co.uk 

 Tel :-    01822 853679

  Winter and Summer opening times

        Sunday  11.00 a.m  -  4.00 p.m.

    Wednesday  10.00 a.m.  -  4.00 p.m.

     Closed over the Christmas period

Other times can be arranged for individual or group visits to the                ' Archives ' by previous arrangement.

Telephone :- 01822 853679

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We offer an educational day out for school children  which meets with the school curriculum. 

The day can be tailored to suit your own requirements and needs.

        An example is as follows :-

1 - School arrives for 09.00 hours.

2 - Children are given a brief talk on the

      history of R.A.F. Harrowbeer.

3 - The class are split into small groups 

       and rotate round a number of bases

       learning about - gas masks,

       rationing Air Raid Shelters. etc'

4 - Lunchtime.

5 - A walk around part of the old airfield       

      visiting areas of interest ( approx. 

      one hour ) depending on weather.

6 - Departure back to school at 14.30 

       hours.

Some of the day is spent outside so warm clothing in winter is essential along with a coat and outdoor shoes. 

     This is Dartmoor and can be 

              very cold and wet.

If you are interested please contact the Archivist :- Michael Hayes  

Email - knightstonetea@yahoo.co.uk

or  Telephone - 01822 853679

             and he will send you a 

          ' School  Education  Pack '

Why not give us a try while you soak up the atmosphere of the old Second World War Airfield, it's views, the artifacts of the R.A.F. Harrowbeer Archives.    

If customers to the tearooms are interested in viewing the Archives or finding out more about R.A.F. Harrowbeer please ask for Michael Hayes ( the Archivist ) or telephone :- 01822 853679.