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Yorkshire Air Museum

4.7
·5k reviews·Elvington, United Kingdom

Explore a historic WWII airbase with over 60 aircraft, from bombers to jets, and step back in time in original huts.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends & Event Days

More aircraft and activities

CrowdMedium
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Yorkshire Air Museum - Image 1

Yorkshire Air Museum

Best Time

Weekends & Event Days

More aircraft and activities

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a historic WWII airbase with over 60 aircraft, from bombers to jets, and step back in time in original huts.

4.7
(5k reviews)

"A superb day out with great exhibits, offering fantastic value and an evocative feel of the old airbase."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Year-Long Ticket Value

Your ticket is valid for a full year! Great for families and enthusiasts to revisit events. :ticket:

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking across indoor and outdoor exhibits. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Iconic Aircraft Displays

Iconic Aircraft Displays

Main Hangars & Outdoor Exhibits

Marvel at a diverse collection of over 60 aircraft, including unique models like the Victor and Halifax bombers.

WWII Hangar Experience

WWII Hangar Experience

Original WWII Huts

Step back in time in the preserved WWII huts, offering an evocative glimpse into aircrew life.

Cockpit & Aircraft Access

Cockpit & Aircraft Access

Various Aircraft

Kids and adults alike will love climbing inside select cockpits and aircraft for an immersive experience.

Bouncing Bomb Exhibit

Bouncing Bomb Exhibit

Indoor Exhibit

See the fascinating 'bouncing bomb' and learn about its crucial role in WWII.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit: Year-Long Access

Your ticket grants you a full year of access, making it a fantastic value for repeat visits, especially with the museum's frequent events. Consider planning around these special occasions for an enhanced experience.

Embrace the Outdoors & History

The museum beautifully blends indoor hangar exhibits with outdoor displays and original WWII huts, offering an evocative feel of the former RAF Elvington airbase. Don't miss exploring the grounds and memorials.

Best Times

When
Weekends & Event Days
Why
More aircraft and activities
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Year-Long Ticket Value

Your ticket is valid for a full year! Great for families and enthusiasts to revisit events. :ticket:

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking across indoor and outdoor exhibits. :athletic_shoe:

🧺 Picnic Friendly

Plenty of spots to enjoy your own picnic lunch. :sandwich:

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Well-behaved dogs are welcome, even in the NAAFI cafe! :dog:

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Year-Long Ticket Value

Your ticket is valid for a full year! Great for families and enthusiasts to revisit events. :ticket:

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking across indoor and outdoor exhibits. :athletic_shoe:

🧺 Picnic Friendly

Plenty of spots to enjoy your own picnic lunch. :sandwich:

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Well-behaved dogs are welcome, even in the NAAFI cafe! :dog:

📸 Capture the History

Great photo opportunities, especially with the outdoor aircraft and historic buildings. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Yorkshire Air Museum for its excellent value, particularly the year-long ticket, and the engaging experience it offers for all ages. The blend of indoor and outdoor exhibits, including unique aircraft and historic WWII huts, creates an evocative atmosphere. While some indoor displays are noted as appearing a bit dated, the approachable and knowledgeable staff, along with the opportunity to sit in cockpits, make for a highly enjoyable and memorable day out.

"Fun afternoon out.
Enough to keep both adults and kids entertained. Outside areas are clean and nicely presented. Some displays in the indoor hangars are looking a bit tired. Staff are approachable and knowledgeable. Enthusiasts can dig a bit deeper with information about the squadrons, while kids will enjoy being able to sit inside some cockpits and aircraft. The place is easy to get to, with ample car parking. Reasonable pricing, based on being able to return again for one full year. There are lots of events throughout the year, so the ticket price could offer great value for money."

Richard Lemm

"We had a lovely time visiting the museum again and took our young grandsons. They loved the opportunity of climbing inside some of the cockpits and playing outside in the play area. Lots of areas to sit down and enjoy your own picnic. Plenty of toilets and places to buy drinks and food if required. The main hangers provided lots to see with detailed information boards. Four year old grandson loved browsing the gift shop!!! Easy to park and we will return using the yearly ticket."

Jo “Joni”

"This is a wonderful museum that has a great mix of outdoor and indoor exhibits, and maintains the feel of the old airbase it is on. The use of the old huts, aircraft outside, and pictures of aircrew based there during WW2, make it a very evocative place to visit compared to the slightly sterile hanger-only museums. A really enjoyable blend of older and newer aircraft as well. Highly recommended, I had a great time here and enjoyed it probably the most of any air museum I have visited. It was particularly poignant to visit so close to the D Day anniversary, and be able to see the inside of the Dakota..."

James Wyatt

What People Like

Excellent value year-long ticket
Unique aircraft displays
Interactive cockpit access

What People Dislike

Some indoor displays dated

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located at the former RAF Elvington airbase, easily accessible by car. There is ample free parking available on-site, making it convenient for visitors arriving by vehicle. Reddit

Public transport options might be limited. It's advisable to check local bus routes and schedules in advance, as many visitors opt for car travel due to the museum's location. Reddit

The museum is signposted from the A1079 York to Hull road. Use the postcode YO41 4AU for GPS navigation. Reddit

The museum strives to be accessible. Many indoor exhibits and outdoor pathways are accessible, but it's recommended to contact them directly for specific accessibility queries. Reddit

Cycling is an option, and there are usually bike racks available. It's a scenic route for those who enjoy cycling. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices are very reasonable, and importantly, your ticket is valid for a full year, allowing for multiple visits. This offers excellent value for money, especially if you plan to attend special events. Reddit

While advance booking might not always be mandatory, it's a good idea to check their official website, especially for special event days, to ensure entry and potentially secure better rates. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Yorkshire Air Museum website for the most up-to-date information on opening times before your visit. Reddit

Discounts may be available for seniors, students, or families. Check the museum's ticketing page for current offers and eligibility criteria. Reddit

Refund policies typically depend on the ticket type purchased. It's advisable to review the terms and conditions at the time of booking. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore over 60 aircraft, including unique WWII bombers, sit in cockpits, visit original WWII huts, see the bouncing bomb, and enjoy outdoor play areas. There are also memorials and regular events. Reddit

Absolutely! Kids love climbing inside aircraft, the play area, and the interactive exhibits. The year-long ticket also makes it great for repeat visits. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally encouraged for personal use. It's a fantastic place for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs to capture stunning shots. Reddit

While not always explicitly advertised, knowledgeable staff and volunteers are often on hand to share insights. Check upon arrival or the museum's website for any scheduled tours. Reddit

The museum hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including air shows, themed days, and historical reenactments. These events can significantly enhance your visit. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the NAAFI building offers a good menu with variety, including tasty options like chicken and bacon salad, at excellent value. Reddit

The museum is very picnic-friendly, with plenty of areas to sit down and enjoy your own packed lunch. Reddit

While specific options aren't detailed, the menu generally offers variety. It's best to inquire at the NAAFI cafe upon arrival for current vegetarian and vegan choices. Reddit

Yes, there is a NAAFI cafe that serves food and drinks, providing a convenient option for visitors. Reddit

Yes, drinks are available for purchase at the NAAFI cafe if you require refreshments during your visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The outdoor aircraft displays, especially unique ones like the Victor and Halifax, offer great photographic opportunities. The historic WWII huts also provide atmospheric shots. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted at aviation museums to ensure the safety of aircraft and visitors. It's best to check the museum's specific drone policy. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require prior permission. Reddit

The museum boasts a range of aircraft, from WWII bombers to more modern jets like the Buccaneer. The Halifax and Victor are often highlighted as particularly photogenic. Reddit

Yes, many aircraft are accessible, allowing for detailed shots of engines, cockpits, and markings. Some exhibits allow you to sit inside. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Yorkshire Air Museum is a hit with families! Kids will absolutely love the chance to climb inside cockpits and explore various aircraft up close. The outdoor play area is a great bonus for younger visitors to run around. Reddit

With a ticket valid for a whole year, you can make multiple trips to catch different events or revisit favorite exhibits. Plus, the museum is dog-friendly, so your furry family members can join the fun too! Don't forget to utilize the picnic areas for a budget-friendly lunch. Reddit

✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts

For aviation buffs, the Yorkshire Air Museum is a treasure trove. You'll find a remarkable collection of over 60 aircraft, including rare gems like the Victor and Halifax bombers, which are rarely seen elsewhere. Reddit

The museum's location on the historic RAF Elvington site adds a layer of authenticity, with preserved WWII huts offering a glimpse into the past. Enthusiasts can delve deep into the history of squadrons and aircraft, making it a truly immersive experience. The opportunity to see aircraft like the Buccaneer and Shackleton, which some visitors have personal connections to, is particularly special. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The Yorkshire Air Museum offers exceptional value, especially with its year-long ticket policy. This means you can visit multiple times for the price of one, making it incredibly budget-friendly for repeat explorations or attending various events. Reddit

Bringing your own picnic is also a great way to save money on food, as there are ample designated areas. Combined with free parking, the overall cost of a visit is very manageable, allowing you to enjoy a full day of discovery without breaking the bank. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Aviation History at RAF Elvington

The Yorkshire Air Museum is situated on the historic grounds of RAF Elvington, a former World War II airbase that played a crucial role in the war effort. During WWII, Elvington was home to RAF Bomber Command's 77 Squadron, operating Halifax bombers. The museum actively preserves and showcases this rich history, utilizing original WWII huts and meticulously restoring aircraft that served during that era. Visitors can gain a profound appreciation for the bravery of aircrew and the operational significance of this site. Reddit

Beyond its WWII heritage, the museum also features a broader spectrum of aviation history, displaying aircraft from different eras. This blend of historical context and diverse exhibits makes it a compelling destination for aviation enthusiasts. The presence of memorials on-site further adds a poignant layer to the visitor experience, honoring those who served. Reddit

Exploring the grounds, you'll encounter not just static displays but also the tangible remnants of the airbase's past. The use of original buildings and the detailed information boards about squadrons and aircrew bring the history to life, offering a more immersive and evocative experience than many sterile, hangar-only museums. Reddit

Aircraft Collection Highlights

The Yorkshire Air Museum boasts an impressive collection of over 60 aircraft, making it a must-visit for aviation fans. A standout feature is the presence of unique aircraft that are rarely seen elsewhere, such as the impressive Victor bomber and the poignant Halifax bomber. These iconic WWII aircraft are central to the museum's appeal, offering visitors a chance to connect with significant pieces of aviation history. Reddit

Beyond the WWII era, the museum also showcases aircraft that hold personal significance for many visitors, including those who served in the RAF. Exhibits like the Buccaneer and the Shackleton evoke strong memories for former service members, highlighting the museum's ability to resonate across generations. The opportunity to sit inside cockpits of aircraft like the DC3 further enhances the interactive experience, allowing visitors to imagine themselves at the controls. Reddit

Other notable exhibits include the fascinating 'bouncing bomb', a testament to wartime innovation, and the Douglas DC3, a versatile aircraft with a storied past. The careful maintenance and presentation of these aircraft ensure they remain in excellent condition, providing a visually stunning and educational experience for all ages. Reddit

Family-Friendly Fun and Value

The Yorkshire Air Museum is a fantastic destination for families, offering a blend of educational exhibits and engaging activities for children. The ability for kids (and adults!) to climb inside select aircraft cockpits is a major draw, providing a hands-on experience that sparks imagination and excitement. Reddit

Beyond the aircraft, the museum features an outdoor play area, ensuring younger visitors have space to burn off energy. The grounds are well-maintained and offer plenty of spots for families to enjoy a picnic, making it a cost-effective day out. With a ticket valid for a full year, families can return multiple times to explore different exhibits or attend special events, maximizing the value of their visit. Reddit

The museum's commitment to being dog-friendly, even allowing pets in the NAAFI cafe, is another thoughtful touch that appeals to families with furry companions. This inclusive approach, combined with the sheer variety of exhibits, makes the Yorkshire Air Museum a highly recommended family outing. Reddit

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