
Gatwick Aviation Museum
Discover vintage British aircraft, witness runway action, and immerse yourself in aviation history at Gatwick Aviation Museum.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Museum operating days

Gatwick Aviation Museum
Best Time
Museum operating days

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover vintage British aircraft, witness runway action, and immerse yourself in aviation history at Gatwick Aviation Museum.
"A fantastic museum with passionate volunteers and a unique runway viewing experience!"

🎯 Carers Enter Free
A thoughtful policy for accessibility, making the museum more inclusive for families and individuals needing assistance.
✈️ Runway Views
Walk across the fields for a unique perspective of planes taking off and landing at Gatwick Airport.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Avro Shackleton Engine Start-Up
Outdoor exhibit
Witness the powerful engine start-up of a classic Avro Shackleton, a truly unique and loud experience.

Runway Viewing Area
Short walk across fields
Get up close to planes taking off and landing at Gatwick Airport from a dedicated viewing spot.

Interactive Cockpits & Virgin Atlantic Cabin
Main hangar
Explore vintage aircraft cockpits and a replica Virgin Atlantic Upper Class cabin for an immersive aviation experience.

Historic British Aircraft Collection
Main hangar and outdoor grounds
Marvel at a diverse collection of vintage British aircraft, from WWII to the 1970s, showcasing aviation history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Plane Spotting
Engage with Passionate Volunteers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Carers Enter Free
A thoughtful policy for accessibility, making the museum more inclusive for families and individuals needing assistance.
✈️ Runway Views
Walk across the fields for a unique perspective of planes taking off and landing at Gatwick Airport.
🗣️ Chat with Volunteers
Engage with knowledgeable volunteers for fascinating insights into aviation history and the aircraft.
🚀 Flight Simulator Fun
Experience the thrill of flying with the on-site flight simulator for an interactive adventure.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Carers Enter Free
A thoughtful policy for accessibility, making the museum more inclusive for families and individuals needing assistance.
✈️ Runway Views
Walk across the fields for a unique perspective of planes taking off and landing at Gatwick Airport.
🗣️ Chat with Volunteers
Engage with knowledgeable volunteers for fascinating insights into aviation history and the aircraft.
🚀 Flight Simulator Fun
Experience the thrill of flying with the on-site flight simulator for an interactive adventure.
☕ Cafe & Gift Shop
Grab a bite to eat or pick up a souvenir at the cafe and gift shop after your exploration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Gatwick Aviation Museum for its passionate volunteers, impressive collection of vintage aircraft, and unique runway viewing experience. Many highlight the engaging tours and the opportunity to get hands-on with exhibits. While it's a smaller museum, its charm and the enthusiasm of its staff make it a highly recommended visit for aviation fans and families alike.
"Great museum with beautiful grounds. Interesting exhibition about the history of Gatwick and planes models. We got great talk/ tour by Colin (i believe was the name, I forgot to ask him in case!). He was very passionate about the topic and engaging. I recommend visiting!"
Simona Marinkova
"What a great place to visit. Tony was our guide and looked after us during our visit. As an aviation nerd and a lover for speed, this place is great. The whole team were very friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable. Paying extra for the Shackleton tour was well worth it and very informative. Definitely worth a visit!"
James Hare
"Excellent small museum, with a good range of interesting aircraft and exhibits as well as the history of Gatwick.
Very friendly and helpful volunteers who are happy to explain things.
Close to the Gatwick runway so you can see planes taking off (or landing depending on wind direction)."
Gavin Beard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Gatwick Aviation Museum is conveniently located just 2 minutes from Gatwick Airport's South Terminal. Ample free car parking is available on-site, with the entrance adjacent to the car park. For those using public transport, it's easily accessible from the airport.
Yes, there is ample free car parking available at the museum. They have also recently expanded parking facilities with a new temporary entrance.
Absolutely! A short walk across the fields from the museum leads to a viewing area for the main Gatwick Airport runways, allowing you to see planes taking off and landing.
Yes, it makes for an excellent day trip from London. Its proximity to Gatwick Airport means it's relatively easy to reach, and the museum offers a unique aviation experience.
The museum is typically open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific ticket prices aren't always detailed online, it's known that carers enter for free, making it more accessible. It's recommended to check their official channels or inquire directly for the most current admission fees.
Advance booking is generally not required for general admission, but it's wise to check if any special events or tours, like the Shackleton engine start-up, might have limited capacity or require pre-booking.
Carers are admitted for free, which is a significant benefit for many visitors. Keep an eye on their social media or website for any potential seasonal offers or group discounts.
General admission typically grants access to the main hangar exhibits, outdoor aircraft displays, and the runway viewing area. Special experiences like the Typhoon simulator or guided tours of specific aircraft may incur an additional charge.
The museum strives to be accessible, with carers entering for free. The main hangar exhibits are generally accessible, and volunteers are on hand to assist. It's advisable to contact the museum directly to discuss specific accessibility needs.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
Key attractions include a collection of vintage British aircraft, interactive cockpits, a replica Virgin Atlantic Upper Class cabin, the Avro Shackleton engine start-up, and a runway viewing area for plane spotting.
Yes, visitors can explore many of the aircraft and sit in interactive cockpits. Some aircraft, like the Avro Shackleton, offer guided tours with engineers who flew them.
It's a fantastic place for children, especially those interested in planes. They can explore cockpits, enjoy the flight simulator, and get close to real aircraft.
The Shackleton tour offers an in-depth look at the Avro Shackleton aircraft, often led by engineers who have operational experience with the plane, providing unique historical insights.
A typical visit can last 2-3 hours, depending on your interest level and whether you opt for additional experiences like the flight simulator or guided tours.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe area that offers drinks, sandwiches, and snacks. It's a convenient spot to refuel during your visit.
The museum has picnic tables available, particularly near the runway viewing area, suggesting that bringing your own food is welcome.
The cafe typically serves light refreshments such as drinks, sandwiches, and snacks. It's a good option for a quick bite rather than a full meal.
Given its proximity to Gatwick Airport, there are numerous dining options available within the airport terminals if you're looking for a wider selection.
Information on specific dietary options is limited. It's best to inquire directly with the cafe staff upon arrival regarding any dietary needs or preferences.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged, especially for capturing the impressive aircraft and the planes on the runway.
The runway viewing area offers fantastic opportunities to photograph planes in action. Inside the hangar, focus on the details of the vintage aircraft and interactive displays.
Drone usage is typically restricted at airports and aviation sites due to security and safety regulations. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise by the museum.
While general photography is allowed, some exhibits might have specific signage regarding photography, especially if they are sensitive or part of a special display. Always be mindful of any posted rules.
A telephoto lens is recommended for capturing details of aircraft taking off and landing from the viewing area. A wider lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the aircraft inside the hangar.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Carers enter for free, making it a more budget-friendly outing for families. The volunteers are known for their ability to explain complex aviation concepts in a way that children can understand, making the visit both educational and fun. The main hangar provides shelter, ensuring a good experience regardless of the weather.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
The guided tours, particularly those led by individuals with operational experience, offer unique historical context and technical insights that are invaluable to enthusiasts. The runway viewing area also provides excellent opportunities for photography and observing modern aviation in action, bridging the gap between historical and contemporary flight.
📸 Photographers
Consider bringing a telephoto lens for the runway views and a versatile lens for the indoor exhibits. The volunteers are often happy to provide information that can enhance your photographic storytelling, and the museum's layout allows for creative angles and compositions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Aircraft Collection
Many of these aircraft are not just static displays; they offer opportunities for visitors to sit in the cockpits and imagine themselves at the controls. This hands-on approach, combined with the passionate explanations from the museum's volunteers, brings the history of these machines to life.
Beyond the larger airframes, the museum also features detailed exhibits on aviation parts and the history of Gatwick Airport itself, providing a comprehensive look at the evolution of flight and its local impact.
Plane Spotting at the Runway
From this vantage point, visitors can witness planes taking off and landing up close, offering a thrilling experience for aviation enthusiasts of all ages. The museum provides picnic tables and covered seating in this area, making it a comfortable spot to spend a good amount of time observing the airport's operations. The experience is enhanced by the knowledge that you're at a site steeped in aviation history while simultaneously observing modern air travel.
To maximize your plane spotting experience, it's advisable to check the wind direction beforehand, as this will determine which runway is in use and the best viewing angles. The proximity to the airport means you're likely to see a variety of commercial aircraft, adding to the dynamic nature of the visit.
The Role of Volunteers and Guided Tours
Visitors frequently praise the volunteers for their friendliness, helpfulness, and ability to make exhibits come alive. Engaging with them can transform a standard museum visit into a deeply informative and personal experience. They are happy to explain the intricacies of the aircraft, the history of Gatwick, and even share anecdotes from their own experiences in aviation.
Special guided tours, such as the one offered for the Avro Shackleton by an engineer who flew it, provide unparalleled insights. These tours are highly recommended for those seeking a deeper understanding and a more memorable visit.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit