Moving to RAF Lakenheath & RAF Mildenhall
RAF Lakenheath, home of the 48th Fighter Wing (the Liberty Wing), and RAF Mildenhall are U.S. Air Force installations in the flat East Anglian countryside of Suffolk, about 80 miles northeast of London and 25 miles northeast of Cambridge. RAF Feltwell nearby adds more housing and a school. Families live on the tri-base installations or rent in nearby villages and market towns.
| Branch | Air Force |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Brandon / Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk |
| Population served | Lakenheath village has about 8,200 residents and nearby Brandon about 8,800 |
| Airports | London Heathrow and Gatwick are the usual arrival airports, about a 2-hour drive by pre-booked taxi |
| Climate | Mild and damp maritime: cool summers, mild winters, little extreme weather |
| Cost of living | UK costs are high; OHA is adjusted for the dollar-pound exchange rate, with a utility allowance and a one-time Move-In Housing Allowance |
| On-base housing | Tri-Base Military Family Housing: 1,006 units at Lakenheath, Mildenhall and Feltwell |
| Medical care | 48th Medical Group clinic at RAF Lakenheath |
| Family support center | Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) at Lakenheath |
Where families live
RAF Lakenheath on-base housing
Part of the 1,006-unit Tri-Base housing pool; only active-duty members with command-sponsored dependents qualify and offers are not guaranteed.
RAF Feltwell
Smaller site with more housing and Feltwell Elementary and Lakenheath Middle schools.
Lakenheath and Brandon villages
Closest off-base villages with shopping, dining and rentals; popular with families wanting a quick commute.
Bury St Edmunds
Historic market town with more shops and housing choice.
Newmarket and Thetford
Horse-racing and market towns with a range of rental homes.
Schools
Families can choose DoDEA schools, local British schools or homeschooling. The Air Force School Liaison Office explains each option and can help with enrollment before you commit to a house.
- DoDEA Europe - UK (Lakenheath/Feltwell) — Five schools serving Lakenheath and Feltwell.
On the installation: Lakenheath Elementary School (Pre-K to 3rd), Liberty Intermediate School (4th-5th), Lakenheath High School (9th-12th), Feltwell Elementary School (Pre-K to 5th), Lakenheath Middle School (6th-8th, at RAF Feltwell)
School Liaison Office, Building 950, RAF Lakenheath; DSN 314-226-5078; 48fss.ccl.slo@us.af.mil
Things to do near RAF Lakenheath & RAF Mildenhall
- Cambridgeday-tripUniversity city with punting, colleges and museums about 25 miles away.
- Ely CathedralmuseumLandmark cathedral rising over the Fens.
- Bury St EdmundsfamilyAbbey ruins, market square and the Greene King brewery.
- Newmarket horse racingsportsHome of British horse racing with a National Stud tour.
- Thetford ForestoutdoorsWoodland trails and cycling close to the bases.
- Suffolk coast (Southwold and Aldeburgh)outdoorsSeaside towns and beaches within a day trip.
- Londonday-tripAbout 80 miles away by road or rail connections.
- Base MWR and youth programsfamilyFitness, youth sports and community events.
Realtors & local services
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Get matchedReal estate offices
- East Anglian Regional Military Housing OfficeRAF LakenheathBuilding 429 near Gate 2; manages Tri-Base housing and off-base referral. Off-base rentals must be inspected before you sign a lease.
- Rental Partnership Program on HOMES.milSuffolk / East AngliaPre-inspected off-base rentals listed on HOMES.mil.
Listings come from public sources and are not endorsed or vetted. Own a business that serves families at RAF Lakenheath & RAF Mildenhall? Claim or add a listing.
Local programs & support
- Lakenheath Military & Family Readiness CenterMandatory newcomer briefings, resume reviews and a UK employment guide for command-sponsored spouses.
- Military Spouse PreferencePriority hiring for relocating spouses on federal jobs on the bases.
PCS tips for RAF Lakenheath & RAF Mildenhall
- Register interest on HEAT before arrival, but you only join the housing waitlist after you arrive and attend the Newcomer's Briefing.
- You need a 3rd Air Force license to drive on base; take the class within 30 days of arrival and remember the UK drives on the left.
- There are no active AMC flights to the UK, so pets travel commercially under UK government import rules; ask your landlord before signing since many do not accept pets.
- Book Liberty Lodge or Gateway Inns early: lodging fills fast and TLA covers only up to 30 days of full-rate stay.
- Never share orders or ID with unverified letting agents; use the housing office for inspected rentals.
Benefits to use on this move
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA)Service members relocating a household on PCS orders
- Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)Families who need a hotel or short-term rental while moving within the U.S.
- Personally Procured Move (PPM / DITY)Families who want to move some or all of their own goods
- VA Home Loan GuarantyService members, veterans and some surviving spouses buying a home
- Pet Transportation ReimbursementFamilies moving a cat or dog on PCS orders
- Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military ChildrenSchool-age children of active duty families changing schools
- School Liaison ProgramParents choosing schools and transferring records
Other installations in the Europe & Türkiye
Last researched 2026-10. Housing partners, school assignments and phone numbers change; confirm with the installation before you sign anything. Spot an error? Send a correction.