RAF Lakenheath is an active United States Air Force installation on a Royal Air Force station in Suffolk, England. It hosts the U.S. Air Force 48th Fighter Wing. This guide covers access, housing, schools, childcare, medical care, services, lodging, and recreation.

Base Overview

Official name Royal Air Force Lakenheath
Military branch United States Air Force
Base status Active
Main phone number +44-1638-52-4800 (Command Post)
Official website Royal Air Force Lakenheath official website

Location and Directions

RAF Lakenheath is in East Anglia, England, near Lakenheath and Brandon. Its mailing location is Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 9PN. The installation is about 80 miles northeast of London and about 25 miles northeast of Cambridge.

RAF Feltwell is a separate location connected with the Lakenheath community. It is about 11 miles from RAF Lakenheath.

Visitor Information

Access rules depend on a visitor’s affiliation, sponsor, identification, and current security requirements. The 24-hour arrival point is Liberty Lodge in Building 984. Call Liberty Lodge at +44-1638-52-6700 before traveling, and confirm current gate and visitor rules with the installation or sponsor. Travelers must also meet United Kingdom immigration requirements before departure.

Housing and Lodging

Government housing is available for eligible military members, and the Housing Office supports housing matters for RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall. The office is in Building 429 on Norwich Road. Call +44-1638-52-2101. Walk-in hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 0800-1130 and 1300-1530, and Thursday from 1300-1530. It is closed for walk-ins on U.S. and United Kingdom holidays, family days, and other listed closure days.

Liberty Lodge is the temporary lodging option in Building 984. Its front desk is open 24 hours. Check-in is at 2:00 p.m., or 4:00 p.m. for pet units, and check-out is at 11:00 a.m. Pet-friendly rooms may be available with extra fees. The lodge also has Outdoor Recreation hire services and an on-base AAFES car rental agency.

Facilities and Services

Several support offices are available on the installation. The Military and Family Readiness Center offers help with moves, jobs, money, deployments, voting, information, and loan items.

Service Location Phone
Military and Family Readiness Center Building 950 +44-1638-52-3847
Auto Hobby Complex Norwich Road, Building 1108 +44-1638-52-2454
Chapel Building 990 +44-1638-52-3711

The Family Readiness Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except Thursday, when it closes at 2:00 p.m. The Auto Hobby Complex has a do-it-yourself work area, auto parts store, and MOT testing. Chapel service times vary, and religious support is available 24 hours through the Command Post.

Schools and Childcare

Families may use Department of Defense Education Activity schools, the British education system, or home schooling. DoDEA schools include Lakenheath Elementary for Pre-K through third grade, Liberty Intermediate for fourth and fifth grades, Lakenheath Middle at RAF Feltwell for sixth through eighth grades, Lakenheath High for ninth through twelfth grades, and Feltwell Elementary at RAF Feltwell for Pre-K through fifth grade.

The School Liaison is in Building 950 and can be reached at +44-1638-52-5078, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Child Development Centers serve children from 6 weeks through 5 years. Long-term care requires a waitlist, and families may join it before arrival through MilitaryChildCare.com. Family Child Care homes may offer care from 6 weeks through 12 years when available.

Medical Services

The 48th Medical Group is in Building 932. Call +44-1638-52-8688 for the clinic or +44-1638-52-8010 for appointments. Routine clinic hours generally run Monday through Friday.

Care or service Availability
Primary care and family medicine Available
Pediatrics and immunizations Available
Radiology, pharmacy, and laboratory services Available
Mental health services Available
Emergency services Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Recreation and Amenities

Liberty Library is in Building 907 on Plymouth Road. It is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on the third Saturday of each month during the same hours. Call +44-1638-52-3713. The library is closed Sundays and holidays.

Other confirmed programs include Outdoor Recreation, youth sports, instructional classes, camps, school-break activities, teen programs, and Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs. Liberty Lodge also has a Cyber Lounge, and the installation provides on-base car rental access.

Things to Know

  • RAF Lakenheath is a U.S. Air Force installation hosted on a Royal Air Force station.
  • RAF Feltwell is about 11 miles away and is linked with the Lakenheath community.
  • All dependents must be command sponsored to access base resources, according to installation check-in guidance.
  • Childcare depends on eligibility, priority categories, and waitlist status.
  • Some elementary school assignments depend on a child’s age and home location.
  • Confirm United Kingdom immigration rules before departure.
  • Access rules, office hours, and services can change, so confirm details before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is RAF Lakenheath?

It is in East Anglia, England, near Lakenheath and Brandon in Suffolk.

What is the main phone number?

The Command Post number is +44-1638-52-4800, and it is manned 24 hours a day.

Where should arriving personnel go?

The 24-hour arrival point is Liberty Lodge in Building 984. Call +44-1638-52-6700 before traveling.

Is government housing available?

Government housing is available for eligible military members. The Housing Office handles housing matters for RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall.

Are schools and childcare available?

Yes. The community has DoDEA schools, Child Development Centers, Family Child Care homes, and youth programs. Long-term childcare requires a waitlist.