About Fleet Air Arm Museum
The Fleet Air Arm Museum is a museum located in Yeovilton, Somerset, United Kingdom. It is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of British naval aviation and the role played by the Fleet Air Arm in shaping modern military aviation. The museum houses a large collection of aircraft, artefacts, and memorabilia, including some of the most historically significant aircraft to have served with the Fleet Air Arm.
The museum’s collection includes a wide range of aircraft types, from biplanes and seaplanes to modern jets and helicopters. Some of the highlights of the collection include the world’s only surviving Supermarine Seafire, the iconic Blackburn Buccaneer, and a Hawker Sea Hawk, as well as several historic aircraft carriers and helicopters. Visitors to the museum can also see a range of exhibits showcasing the history of naval aviation, including interactive displays, flight simulators, and a range of educational resources.
In addition to its collection of aircraft and exhibits, the Fleet Air Arm Museum is also a venue for a range of events and activities, including lectures, workshops, and aviation-themed family days. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, historian, or simply looking for a fun and educational day out, the Fleet Air Arm Museum is definitely worth a visit!
Notable exhibits
The Fleet Air Arm Museum houses a range of notable exhibits that showcase the history of British naval aviation and the role played by the Fleet Air Arm in shaping modern military aviation. Some of the most notable exhibits include:
Aircraft Collection: The museum's collection of aircraft includes a wide range of historic and modern aircraft, from biplanes and seaplanes to modern jets and helicopters. Some of the highlights of the collection include the world's only surviving Supermarine Seafire, the iconic Blackburn Buccaneer, and a Hawker Sea Hawk.
Carrier and Helicopter Display: The museum has several historic aircraft carriers and helicopters on display, including a mock-up of the flight deck of a World War II-era aircraft carrier, and a variety of helicopter types.
Interactive Exhibits: The museum features a range of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about the history of naval aviation and the role played by the Fleet Air Arm. These exhibits include flight simulators, hands-on displays, and educational resources.
Artefacts and Memorabilia: The museum's collection of artefacts and memorabilia includes a wide range of items related to the history of naval aviation, including uniforms, medals, weapons, and other items of historical significance.
Special Events and Workshops: The Fleet Air Arm Museum is also a venue for a range of special events and workshops, including aviation-themed family days, lectures, and hands-on activities.
These are just a few of the notable exhibits at the Fleet Air Arm Museum. If you're interested in learning more about the history of British naval aviation or simply looking for a fun and educational day out, the museum is definitely worth a visit!
Food & drink
The Fleet Air Arm Museum has several food and drink options available for visitors. The museum has a café called the "Flying Boat Café," which offers a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. The café is a great place to relax and refuel after exploring the museum's exhibits.
In addition to the café, the museum also has a licensed bar, which offers a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as a selection of snacks. This is a great place to unwind and socialize with friends and family after a day of exploring the museum.
Please note that food and drink options may be subject to change, and it is advisable to check with the museum for the most up-to-date information on food and drink options.
Length of visit
The length of time you should plan for a visit to the Fleet Air Arm Museum depends on your interests and the amount of time you have available. If you're an aviation enthusiast or interested in the history of British naval aviation, you may want to plan for a full day visit to allow ample time to explore all of the exhibits and displays.
For those with a more general interest in the museum, a half-day visit may be sufficient. However, even if you only have a few hours to spare, you can still see many of the museum's most important exhibits and displays.
The museum is open seven days a week, with varying hours depending on the time of year. It is always a good idea to check the museum's website or call ahead to confirm the hours of operation before your visit. This will help ensure that you have enough time to see everything you're interested in.
Hints & tips
Here are a few tips for visitors to the Fleet Air Arm Museum:
- Plan ahead: Make sure to check the museum's website or call ahead to confirm the hours of operation and any special events or exhibitions that may be taking place during your visit.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The museum is large, with a lot of ground to cover, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes to ensure you can explore the exhibits and displays at your own pace.
- Bring a camera: There are many opportunities to take photos of the museum's aircraft, exhibits, and displays, so make sure to bring a camera to capture your visit.
- Allow enough time: The Fleet Air Arm Museum is packed with interesting exhibits and displays, so make sure to allow enough time to see everything you're interested in.
- Learn about the history of British naval aviation: The museum is a great place to learn about the history of British naval aviation and the role played by the Fleet Air Arm in shaping modern military aviation. Take advantage of the interactive exhibits and educational resources to deepen your understanding of this fascinating subject.
- Enjoy the café and bar: The museum's café and bar are great places to relax and refuel after exploring the exhibits and displays. Take a break and enjoy a hot drink or light meal to help you recharge and get ready to continue your visit.
These tips should help ensure you have a great visit to the Fleet Air Arm Museum!
Travel Directions
Here is some travel information and information about car parking for visitors to the Fleet Air Arm Museum:
Getting There:
- The Fleet Air Arm Museum is located in Yeovilton, Somerset, in the southwest of England. The museum is accessible by car, bus, and train.
- By Car: The museum is located off the A303 road, which runs between London and the southwest of England. There is ample car parking available at the museum, with designated parking spaces for visitors.
- By Bus: There are regular bus services to Yeovilton from nearby towns and cities, including Yeovil and Taunton. Check with local bus companies for the most up-to-date information on bus services to the museum.
- By Train: The nearest train station to the Fleet Air Arm Museum is Yeovil Junction, which is located approximately 7 miles from the museum. From Yeovil Junction, there are regular bus services to the museum.
Car Parking:
There is ample car parking available at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, with designated parking spaces for visitors. The car park is free to use, and there are spaces available for cars, buses, and coaches.
Please note that parking facilities may be subject to change, and it is always a good idea to check with the museum for the most up-to-date information on car parking before your visit.
