Bournemouth Aviation Museum
Explore vintage aircraft, sit in cockpits, and watch real planes take off at this hands-on aviation museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more cockpit time
Bournemouth Aviation Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more cockpit time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore vintage aircraft, sit in cockpits, and watch real planes take off at this hands-on aviation museum.
"It's not a polished museum, but that's the charm and fun of it!"
🎯 Climb Aboard!
Don't miss the chance to sit in cockpits! Kids and adults alike will love this hands-on experience.
✈️ Watch Real Flights
Utilize the viewing platforms to see planes taking off from Bournemouth Airport.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cockpit Access
Various Aircraft
Sit in the pilot's seat of iconic planes like the Spitfire and Cold War jets. Feel the thrill of aviation history!
Airport Viewing Platforms
Adjacent to Bournemouth Airport
Watch real planes take off and land from dedicated viewing areas. A treat for avgeeks and families alike.
Vintage Vehicles
Museum Grounds
Explore not just planes, but also buses and fire engines. A diverse collection for all vehicle enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hands-On Aviation Fun
Weather-Wise Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Climb Aboard!
Don't miss the chance to sit in cockpits! Kids and adults alike will love this hands-on experience. 
✈️ Watch Real Flights
Utilize the viewing platforms to see planes taking off from Bournemouth Airport.
🧺 Picnic Spot
Bring a picnic! There are benches available, perfect for a family lunch.
🧠 Chat with Staff
Volunteers are knowledgeable and happy to share stories about the aircraft.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Climb Aboard!
Don't miss the chance to sit in cockpits! Kids and adults alike will love this hands-on experience.
✈️ Watch Real Flights
Utilize the viewing platforms to see planes taking off from Bournemouth Airport.
🧺 Picnic Spot
Bring a picnic! There are benches available, perfect for a family lunch.
🧠 Chat with Staff
Volunteers are knowledgeable and happy to share stories about the aircraft.
🚗 Parking Tip
Free parking is available by registering your car at reception.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Bournemouth Aviation Museum for its incredibly hands-on approach, allowing guests to sit in numerous aircraft cockpits and explore vintage vehicles. The friendly, knowledgeable volunteers and the adjacent airport viewing platforms are also frequently highlighted as major positives, making it a great value attraction for families and aviation enthusiasts alike.
"This was a visit just on a whim. I visited on a Wednesday early afternoon. There's plenty of parking. You enter through a nice little gift shop and straight into the exhibits. There is a lot to keep your interest and you are allowed into many of the cockpits and you can walk around the remainder of planes, helicopters and even a few fire engines. There are a lot of exhibits and I spent well over an hour and a half without realising and didn't even spend time on some of the exhibits. I can recommend this great little museum. There are even a couple of viewing platforms for watching the airport runway across the road."
Mike Johnson (GunnerWho)
"Really interesting place located right next door to the Airport. Not a huge site but most of the exhibits are open so that you can climb inside. This really helps the children get a feel for these older aircraft. There is a little simulator in the cafe and a larger full cockpit sim in a separate shed. A mobile control tower has a live feed from the actual Bournemouth Airport ATC, which is really cool to listen to as the planes land and take off.
The staff are all volunteers and are very knowledgeable and helpful and up for a good chat! Shop, cafe and toilets are all solid and in good order and car park is free (after you put your reg in the iPad at reception).
The site is mostly outside so in rain you would be quite exposed and the aircraft are more 'used' than some museums we have been to, but because of this, they allow more access to the planes. This is a fair balance and makes it a good half day attraction for people in the area and want a break from Mudeford beach for a few hours. Would recommend"
Chris B (Chris)
"We had a really lovely time at BAM. The staff were really helpful and it was such a fun and hands-on experience. We took our two year old and he was completely dazzled by the amount of planes on show. It’s not a polished museum but that’s the charm and fun of it. We paid £20 for 2 hours of exploring, and playing in all kinds of planes, busses and fire engines. Not sure who had more fun, the two year old or his 35 year old father!"
Hannah Luckett
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located right next to Bournemouth Airport. If you're driving, there's free parking available after registering your vehicle at reception. Some Reddit users suggest it's a viable alternative parking spot for the airport itself.
While specific bus routes aren't detailed in social media, its proximity to the airport suggests it's likely accessible by local bus services that serve the airport area. Check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, one Reddit user mentioned that parking down the road by the Bournemouth Aviation Museum is an alternative to official airport parking, especially for shorter stays.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is reasonably priced, with adults typically around £10 and children around £5. This offers great value for a hands-on experience.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, the general admission prices are considered good value, especially for families. It's always worth checking their official website or contacting them directly for any current offers.
The museum is generally open year-round, with the exception of Christmas. It's best to check their official website for the most current opening times before your visit, as these can vary seasonally.
Advance booking is usually not required for general admission. You can typically purchase tickets upon arrival at the gift shop.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore a variety of aircraft, sit in many of the cockpits, and even climb into vintage buses and fire engines. There are also viewing platforms to watch planes at the adjacent airport and a flight simulator. +2
Absolutely! It's highly recommended for children interested in planes. The hands-on access to cockpits and vehicles makes it incredibly engaging for younger visitors. +2
Yes, a major highlight is that you can sit inside the cockpits of many of the aircraft, including iconic ones like the Spitfire and Cold War jets. +2
Yes, there's a flight simulator available, including a larger full cockpit simulator in a separate area, which adds an extra layer of interactive fun.
Definitely! The museum has viewing platforms that offer a great vantage point to watch real aircraft take off and land at the adjacent Bournemouth Airport.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site that offers refreshments and snacks. It's a convenient spot to grab a bite during your visit.
Yes, the museum provides a bench area suitable for picnics, making it a great option for families or those who prefer to bring their own meals.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of vintage aircraft, especially with visitors inside the cockpits. The airport viewing platforms also offer dynamic photos of planes in action.
Yes, you are generally allowed to take photos while sitting inside the cockpits, providing unique perspectives for your aviation photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+3 The ability to sit in planes, buses, and fire engines keeps them entertained for hours. There's also a dedicated picnic area, making it easy to manage lunch breaks. Don't miss the airport viewing platforms where kids can watch real planes take off and land, adding an exciting real-world element to their visit. The flight simulator also offers an extra dose of fun. While it's not a polished, sterile museum, its charm lies in its accessibility, making it a memorable and engaging experience for younger aviation enthusiasts.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts & Avgeeks
The live ATC feed from Bournemouth Airport is a particular draw, offering an authentic auditory experience of airport operations. Coupled with the viewing platforms, it creates a comprehensive aviation immersion. The knowledgeable volunteers are also a great resource for in-depth discussions about the aircraft's history and technical specifications.
🚗 Budget-Conscious Travelers
It provides a substantial amount of interactive entertainment without the hefty price tag of some larger, more commercial attractions. This makes it an ideal choice for families or individuals looking for an engaging experience on a budget.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Hands-On Aviation Experience
This 'used' rather than 'pristine' nature of the exhibits is a deliberate choice that enhances visitor engagement. It means the planes might show signs of wear, but in return, you get unparalleled access. The museum operates as a self-funded Charitable Trust, and this ethos of accessibility is a core part of its charm. It's not about polished perfection; it's about the thrill of exploration and learning.
Beyond the static displays, the museum offers dynamic elements like a flight simulator and a live feed from Bournemouth Airport's Air Traffic Control. This connection to the active airport, with its own viewing platforms, provides a constant stream of real-world aviation action, making it a captivating destination for all ages.
Community and Volunteers
This reliance on volunteers also contributes to the museum's non-profit, charitable trust status. It means the revenue generated from entrance fees and sales directly supports the preservation and operation of the exhibits. Visitors often praise the helpfulness and friendliness of the staff, highlighting their role in creating a welcoming atmosphere.
The community-driven nature means the museum might feel less 'corporate' and more personal. This can translate to a more relaxed and authentic experience, where the focus is truly on sharing the love of aviation history with the public. It's a testament to the dedication of those involved in keeping this piece of history alive.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit