Newark Air Museum — Attraction in Newark and Sherwood

Friday 04th October 2024 Newark Air Museum. I took the opportunity whilst travelling from our holiday in Sedburgh to home, for a short visit to see Avro Vulcan B.2 XM594 amongst the collection of aircraft and other exhibits. Upon arrival, you can imagine my delight when I saw the Vulcan was open for cockpit visits for the princely sum of £2. Advised by the reception desk that I had to be quick as it looked like the volunteer guide was coming down the steps to close the access door, I made my way quickly to the aircraft and having deposited my £2, I was beckoned up the steps into the cockpit. This was my first ever visit inside a Vulcan, having visited the airframes XJ824 at Duxford, XL318 at Hendon, XL426 at Southend (and flying at Mildenhall in 1983 & 84), XM597 at East Fortune, XM607 at Waddington, XM571 at Gibraltar and having previously seen XH558 fly at Mildenhall in 1986, 87, 1988 & 1990, Wings & Wheels at Dunsfold in 2013, Southend for the V-Force Tour in 2015 & finally the 11th October 2015 Farewell to Flight tour over the M25 motorway (inc no shows at Dunsfold in 2008 & 2014 Southport Airshows). Needless to say, I was excited to be in the cockpit and having sat down in one of the rear seats I soon became aware that not only was the friendly volunteer I had come across at the near-deserted museum a pilot, but he was also none other than Bill Ramsey who his biography lists as "one of the most revered pilots in the world, the man in charge of the last Vulcan flight ever" Bill Ramsey. I asked if it was ok to video our discussion and we then proceeded to have a fascinating (from my perspective) conversation about many other things inc: Starting on the Vulcan between 1975-78, then wanting to move too fast jets inc the Jet Provost, Hawk Inc. Red Arrows, Tornado, Flying the BBMF Lancaster and then moving back to fly XH558 as part of the VTTS and how they removed so much (7 tones) of equipment and the impact this had on flight as well as debating whether the post return to flight was the same as the pre-1992 retirement displays (he said the display plan was the same but the conditions on height were different i.e. 100 v 500 feet), piloting the farewell tour and described how the map was drawn (I said I guestimated where over the M25 it would cross) as well as an interesting discussion (from my perspective) on the options to extend the life of the Hawks in the Red Arrows, the cost of the operation and what the Italians have done to replace their aircraft. Needless to say, this conversation was for me AMAZING and as soon as I exited the plane I went to post the whole conversation to a Vulcan FB group I belong to, only to find that for the only time in my life the overheating message I noted on my phone screen and which I had noted had terminated the video, had in fact left no video recorded at all. I could have cried. As it is all I have is the memory and the images I post here. Beyond that the cafe was nice and I loved seeing the Harrier that had to land on a civilian vessel once. Everyone was super friendly and it was a...

Review of Newark Aviation Museum

Nestled in the heart of Newark, the Newark Aviation Museum is a hidden gem that pays homage to the rich history of aviation, particularly in the UK. For aviation enthusiasts and casual visitors alike, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of flight and the evolution of aircraft design.

Exhibits and Collections: The museum boasts an impressive collection of aviation artifacts, including a range of aircraft, engines, and memorabilia. Among its highlights are a variety of vintage airliners and military planes, which provide insight into the technological advancements over the decades. The exhibits are well-organized and easily accessible, allowing visitors to appreciate the significance of each piece.

One of the standout displays is the preserved aircraft showcasing different eras of aviation. From early biplanes to modern jets, the progression of engineering and design is evident and showcases the ingenuity of human ingenuity in overcoming the challenges of flight. The models are well-maintained, providing a great photo opportunity for visitors.

Educational Experience: The Newark Aviation Museum is more than just a visual experience—it is also profoundly educational. Each exhibit is accompanied by informative plaques and descriptions that delve into the stories behind the aircraft and their historical context. For families, the museum offers educational programs and interactive displays that engage younger visitors and ignite a passion for aviation.

Friendly Staff: The museum staff is exceptionally knowledgeable and enthusiastic about aviation history. They are willing to provide insights and answer any questions, enhancing the overall experience. Their passion for the subject matter really shines through, making your visit feel personal and enriching.

Facilities: The museum is housed in a well-maintained facility, and visitors will find it clean and organized. There is a small gift shop where you can purchase aviation-themed souvenirs, books, and model kits, making it a great place to find gifts for aviation aficionados.

Conclusion: Overall, the Newark Aviation Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in aviation history or looking for a unique educational outing. It offers a wonderful blend of history, technology, and nostalgia with a friendly atmosphere. Whether you're an avid aviator or just looking to spend a few hours exploring something interesting, this museum is well worth the visit. The experience of walking through the history of flight, coupled with the warm hospitality of its staff, makes Newark Aviation Museum a...

Another great visit to the museum. The main reason was for a book launch (Shackleton Boys II) and to meet the authors / contributors and also an end-of-summer-holiday visit for my kids. As ever the museum provides a wide range of historical aircraft and paraphernalia associated with (mostly) military flying. For its size, Newark has an extensive collection including some quite rare/unusual examples. Today (a Saturday) was especially interesting as the museum opens up cockpits and aircraft that you can sit in / walk through and get the gen from friendly & knowledgeable staff. My kids got invited to sit in their Jaguar cockpit, fully equipped with instrumentation, some of which lights up. The ex-RAF F4 simulator (I got a sit in front and back, a must as the Phantom is my favourite jet!). While my wife took the kids to the café (reasonably priced to be honest) I paid £1 to go in their Shackleton and have a semi guided tour of it by a former crew member. Again, factually interesting plus the personal side of things too. The Vulcan was open too but I didn't have time for that unfortunately (this cockpit visit is a must, pay £1, climb the ladder and enter the realms of the cold war bomber crew). You can sit in a number of different cockpits, as long as the staff are available and they are open, all they ask for is a voluntary donation to help with upkeep. Entry to the museum is reasonable, with a family ticket available (about £24 today but check their website for up to date prices). If you can afford to, pay for the gift aid entry (extra couple of quid) then the museum can claim extra back from the tax man /government to increase their income for keeping the exhibits in great condition. Going back to the main reason for my visit today, the book launch. The museum do a range of other events such as historic reenactment, themed days / weekends, photoshoots and so on, and these are a great reason to go there. Its not just about the technology & machinery, its also a form of social history too, some of the conversations I had today with the Shackleton crews are a case in point. Finally, great gift shop too, books, toys, merchandise, modelling kits /consumables and so on, again, fairly reasonably priced.

I highly recommend Newark, go for a couple of hours, go for the whole day. You won't be...