Dorset is a county which has links to plenty of famous faces, including film director Guy Ritchie.
Ritchie is well-known for films such as Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch and The Gentlemen, but he has also gained attention for his business ventures.
One of those was his purchase of Compton Abbas Airfield back in 2022, which he officially took over the running of in 2023.
This is located just south of Shaftesbury, as part of the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
In a letter to staff, residents and airfield users at the time, he said: "Compton Abbas Airfield is an important part of the local area and has been the heart of the flying community here for many years.
"We will make some improvements to the buildings and infrastructure.
"This will be done in a sympathetic manner, with the current community of users included in the planning."
Ritchie bought the airfield from the Hughes family, who had owned and run the site for 34 years.
In late 2023, he shared with Flyer Magazine that he wanted to make Compton Abbas Airfield into an aviation heritage-themed visitor attraction.
What changes has Guy Ritchie made at Compton Abbas Airfield?
The airfield's website shares that Ritchie's interest in the site stems from "his love of heritage aviation and the best of the Dorset and Wiltshire countryside."
The 57-year-old also lives very close by on the Ashcombe Estate.
One of the main changes he's made at the airfield is an increase in the number of events, including music, aviation displays and car meets.
Additionally, the airfield's restaurant was revamped, with it now being called Lore of the Sky and serving as a smokehouse.
Its website shares: "Our menu is a celebration of deep flavour and smokehouse tradition.
"Dishes crafted by our team — from oak-smoked pork belly to flat iron steaks and rich jackfruit burgers — is smoked on-site using the legendary J&R Oyler Smoker, the first of its kind in the UK."
A "rotating selection of draught beers, ales, and ciders" can also be found here from a number of Dorset and Wiltshire breweries.
In May 2026, Ritchie put forward a proposal to Dorset Council to use existing airfield buildings for short-term lets, instead of staff accommodation.
What can you do at Compton Abbas Airfield?
Visitors are able to watch displays and aircraft coming to and from the airfield, with there being an outdoor seating area.
Compton Abbas Airfield adds: "Feast your eyes on beautiful historic aircraft and observe the comings and goings of our fabulous light aircraft community".
Drinks, snacks, and ice cream are available to purchase from the bar and Smoking Barrels Cabin (open in the summer, and on select days).
The airfield's website adds: "Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome onto the outside patio and indoor seating area."
Alongside that, plenty of companies offer flight training and experiences such as wingwalking.
This includes Aero Legends, who offer historic flight experiences with aircraft like the Spitfire, Harvard, and Tiger Moth.
Have you visited Compton Abbas airfield before? Let us know in the comments.
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