I thought I would do a slightly different post today by showing you my top 5 aviation museums in England. As many of you will know, I love all things aviation. Whether it’s attending an airshow, visiting a museum or just being at a base. In addition to that, I also take photos and videos of my adventures, posting them under the name Kelly Aviation.

So of course it’s only right that I post about it on my blog too. The great thing about the museums I will be mentioning in today’s post is they are all good days out for all the family. Whether you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day or maybe it’s too hot to be outside, an aviation museum is perfect for you.

In particular, I love visiting them in the summer months because they are kept cool to help preserve all of the artefacts. You know where you can find me during a heatwave!

Whilst I’m from the South West, I have been lucky enough to visit so many different aviation museums around the country. Because of that, I’ve tried to pick museums from far and wide, whilst still making sure they are my favourites. I also think they are the best value for money too. So without further ado, here is my Top 5 Aviation Museums In England…

Fleet Air Arm Museum, Somerset

OK, so I might be slightly biased on this week because this was always my local museum. Over the years, I’ve seen it grow from strength to strength and become so much more interactive too.

The layout of the main hall of the museum shows naval flight from the very beginning, before flowing through how things changed throughout the years. There is also the opportunity to go to the viewing area to see what is flying at RNAS which is just the other side of the museum. You will often get a wave from the crew as they pass.

But by far, one of my favourite things about the Fleet Air Arm museum is the carrier deck experience. This is an interactive area which starts off with a “helicopter ride” onto a carrier deck. Then you walk through the different sections with lots of interactions explaining how life on a ship works.

There is so many more things I could mention and maybe one day I’ll put that into a dedicated post. However for now, the is one thing that I must mention and that is the value for money. Because they great thing is that once you’ve paid once you can return for free within a year. All you need is your rebook code which can be found on your receipt or email confirmation.

The Helicopter Museum, Somerset

Now I know I said I would include museums from around the country but I couldn’t not mention The Helicopter Museum. Found in Weston Super Mare, it is such an underrated Museum but it a great day out, especially for kids.

Packed full of helicopters from around the world, including some that have featured in films, it is truly one not to miss. Similar to the Fleet Air Arm museum, keep hold of your ticket because it entitles you to free returns within the year.

There is a great pic nice area for you to enjoy, alternatively the cafe does some delicious meals that I can never resist when I go. It’s also worth following them on Facebook because they have numerous events held there throughout the year.

Royal Air Force Museum, Cosford

If you’re looking for a cheap day out, the Royal Air Force Museum at Cosford is just what you need. With free entry (donation recommended) and just car park to pay for which isn’t much at all, what’s not to like for a full day out.

With several halls to explore and lots of interactive sections, in addition to a great play area, it will definitely keep you all entertained for hours.

Imperial War Museum, Duxford

For me, IWM Duxford is one of the most magical places to visit in terms of aviation history. The reason for this? Because it is such a historic place. Walking around original buildings that were once filled with airmen during the second world war, really gives you a sense of what life was like back then. It was even used during the filming of The Battle Of Britain film as well as countless others since then.

The great thing about IWM Duxford is that there is such a huge variety to see. From warbirds right up to more modern aircraft. In addition to this there is also lots of other artefacts from through the years. If that wasn’t enough, who wouldn’t want to go on Concorde.

Yorkshire Air Museum

Yorkshire Air Museum is another firm favourite of mine and one that I’m looking forward to returning to in the not too distant future. It’s one of the largest aviation museums in the country and is definitely a full day out for any age. It’s also another museum steeped in history, being housed on the former bomber base, RAF Elvington.

With pre WW2 aircraft, WW2 aircraft, Post WW2 aircraft and cold war aircraft, you can really get a sense of the history of aviation and how far it has come. One plane not to miss here is the Halifax, which I must say, volunteers have done an amazing job on restoring.

Final thoughts

I hope you enjoyed reading about my top 5 aviation museums in England. Each one is unique in its own way but one thing is the same and that is the volunteers and staff who make your visit so special. There is never a stupid question to be asked and they will happily talk to you about the displays if you ask them to. I’d love to know if you’ve visited any of these museums and if so what you thought of them.