A Fantastic Day Out for All the Family at the Fleet Air Arm Museum! If you're looking for a truly unique and engaging day out that will captivate visitors of all ages, the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton is an absolute must-visit. From the moment you arrive, you're transported into the thrilling world of naval aviation, with an incredible collection of aircraft and exhibits that tell a powerful story of courage, innovation, and history. What makes this museum so great for families is the sheer variety and interactive nature of the exhibits. Toddlers will be wide-eyed at the massive helicopters and fighter jets, while older children will love the hands-on displays and the chance to get up close to some truly iconic machines. The highlight for many is the impressive Carrier Experience. Boarding a simulated aircraft carrier and walking through the flight deck is an incredibly immersive experience that brings the scale of these vessels to life. You can almost feel the wind on your face and hear the roar of the engines! The museum is thoughtfully laid out, guiding you through the history of the Fleet Air Arm from its earliest days to the present. Each hall is packed with fascinating details, from the personal stories of pilots and crew to the technological marvels of the aircraft themselves. Even those with a passing interest in aviation will find themselves completely drawn in. Beyond the main attractions, there are plenty of small details that make the visit special. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are a credit to the museum, always ready to answer questions and share their passion. There are also plenty of facilities, including a café serving a good range of food and drink, and a well-stocked gift shop perfect for picking up a souvenir. Overall, the Fleet Air Arm Museum is more than just a collection of planes; it's a journey through time and a tribute to the brave men and women who served. It's an educational and inspiring day out that effortlessly blends history with entertainment, making it perfect for every member of the family. We spent hours here and could have easily stayed longer. Highly...
Read moreSuch a fan of visiting these aircraft museums. Firstly our satnav took us to the airbase gates and not the museum entrance. We did get to meet a very friendly uniformed gentlemen though who very kindly pointed us in the right direction..it's the gate with the two massive anchors either side.. Entering the museum was up some large metal stairs where you could see over towards the airbase and if lucky catch site of the helicopters coming in and out. We saw some people in wheelchairs so there is obviously A different way in, and also there are lifts inside so we could see. We booked online which is cheaper at £18 per adult than £22 if you just turn up. Your sent an E ticket through email which they scan on arrival. There are 4 halls with all the historical British naval aircraft for you to admire. Hall 3 which holds the aircraft carrier experience was amazing giving you the feel of being on board..you also get to walk through the levels of the inner parts of the ship aswell seeing what life on board would of been like. We enjoyed being able to go inside the Westland sea king helicopter which is used for search and rescue..you can also board the Concorde 002 which was built in Bristol as a prototype..after seven years of supersonic testing it took it's last flight to the fleet air museum in March 1976..When I was a child I saw Concorde on many occasions landing and taking off from various air strips..it was a site to behold..albeit not this particular one. The walk inside shows you some of the seats left and what it would of been like to travel on..you even get to see the flight deck. There's plenty to read around the museum if you've got the time to read everything that is..but atleast you can come back again. We also used the onsite cafe which did a fairly good choice of things to eat and drink. For aviation fanatics I would...
Read moreA fabulous museum that seems to update every time I visit.
If you didn't know, Britain pioneered fixed wing heavier than air naval air power. This is part of our heritage that oft seems forgotten. When you look at the planes they flew back then, you do have to take your hat off to those pioneers.
Not too many exhibits which is good - overload can be a bad thing. If you're not familiar with the history of more modern naval warfare and its aerial side too, most of what you need to know is explained to you.
You follow a chronological course through the museum, to the end of WWII then the Korean war, then the early jets - then the masterpiece of the trip: you go on board an aircraft carrier.
Not a real one, that might take a lot of work, but after a bumpy simulated helicopter ride, you walk across a simulated flight deck with the jets of the time on it, then tour the interior of what would have been a 60s and 70s era aircraft carrier. Videos of crew members talking to camera inform you of who did what and how they did it. These are very good, and will appeal to all ages and levels of knowledge.
We come right up to the present day with a look at the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carrier, her air group, and her role in a SAG with other RN vessels.
You can also walk through the Concorde prototype, see Sea Harriers from the Falklands war and a Harrier from the Gulf war. It is a full day out, it really is.
Downsides: the only cafe on site felt a bit expensive, but as it funds the museum I can handle that.
There's a bit too much positive action gender and race role modelling going on too with the photos of personnel in exhibits that represent a view of the modern RN. But don't let that spoil your day - it's a personal niggle, I'd bet anyone under 25 wouldn't...
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