Norwich Aviation Museum
Explore iconic aircraft like the Vulcan bomber and Nimrod, with opportunities to climb into cockpits. A must-visit for aviation fans!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Volunteers lead tours
Norwich Aviation Museum
Best Time
Volunteers lead tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore iconic aircraft like the Vulcan bomber and Nimrod, with opportunities to climb into cockpits. A must-visit for aviation fans!
"A little gem packed with history, friendly volunteers, and the chance to get up close with legendary aircraft!"
🎯 Book Guided Tours!
Highly recommended for access to cockpits like the Vulcan & Nimrod. Small fee, big impact! :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the outdoor aircraft and indoor exhibits. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vulcan Bomber Cockpit
Outdoor Aircraft Area
Climb into the cockpit of a legendary Vulcan bomber for an unforgettable, up-close experience.
Nimrod Maritime Patrol Aircraft
Outdoor Aircraft Area
Marvel at the impressive Nimrod, a powerful maritime patrol aircraft that often steals the show.
World War II Exhibits
Indoor Galleries
Explore fascinating exhibits detailing the crucial role of aviation in World War II, with a focus on RAF 100 Group and US 8th Air Force.
Jet Fighter Collection
Outdoor Aircraft Area
Get up close to a variety of iconic jet fighters, offering incredible photo opportunities and a sense of scale.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Don't Miss the Guided Tours!
Plan for a Few Hours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Guided Tours!
Highly recommended for access to cockpits like the Vulcan & Nimrod. Small fee, big impact! +1 :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the outdoor aircraft and indoor exhibits. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Giants
Stand beneath massive aircraft for incredible photos. The scale is breathtaking!
☕ Cafe Break
Grab a reasonably priced cuppa and snack at the onsite cafe. Perfect for a mid-visit refuel.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tours!
Highly recommended for access to cockpits like the Vulcan & Nimrod. Small fee, big impact! +1 :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the outdoor aircraft and indoor exhibits. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Giants
Stand beneath massive aircraft for incredible photos. The scale is breathtaking!
☕ Cafe Break
Grab a reasonably priced cuppa and snack at the onsite cafe. Perfect for a mid-visit refuel.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Plenty of free parking on-site, making your visit hassle-free.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Norwich Aviation Museum for its impressive collection of aircraft and the passionate dedication of its volunteers. The opportunity to explore cockpits, particularly the Vulcan bomber and Nimrod, is a major highlight. While not a vast museum, it offers excellent value and a deeply engaging experience for aviation enthusiasts and families alike. Some may find the indoor exhibits a bit dense, but the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.
"Our visit was completely by chance, having spotted some of the museum’s aircraft as we drove by. If you are a military or civil aviation enthusiast, history or heritage buff, model builder, engineer, photographer, relative of someone who served during WW2 in in Royal Air Force 100 Group or US 8th Air Force, or just someone who loves a museum jam-packed with interesting stuff, then this is definitely the place for you. Dedicated volunteers clearly work hard to make the museum a success, and will take the time to explain things to you, or lead you on a tour of aircraft and cockpits onsite. There is so much to read and so much to examine here, inside and outdoors. Admission fee is reasonable and parking is free. Check out the website for the guided aircraft tours on offer, and for upcoming events. Expect to spend at least a couple of hours onsite."
David Ross
"Fascinating place, you can tell the staff and volunteers take great pride in the building and the exhibits. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable, lots of interesting historical information about aircraft through last century, lots of focus on the world wars. Can even get up close and personal with a variety of aircraft in the outside area."
Abigail Watson
"Amazing visit! such a friendly welcoming team & great value for money all round.
Not a very big place but we were there almost 4 hours, stopped for cuppa too.
I went with my mum & two older kids and they were captivated on the plane tours we booked for a few quid extra.
Totally recommend booking these! Mark, Kevin & Nick were really enthusiastic, engaging & entertaining.
I went unaware I could climb into a Vulcan, very exciting!! Impressed my mum got up there too. The Nimrod stole the show for me, wow amazing piece of kit!!
An education that we all enjoyed.
Thanks to you all at Norwich aviation Museum 👍"
Becky Aldous
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is easily accessible by car, located just off the A47. Free parking is available on-site. For public transport, check local bus routes serving the Norwich Airport area.
Yes, the museum is located at Norwich Airport, making it a convenient stop for aviation enthusiasts. +1
While you can see planes at Norwich Airport, the museum is a separate attraction. It's a great place to see static aircraft displays. +1
Norwich is well-connected by train. If driving, be aware of potential city center traffic. The museum itself has ample parking.
The museum is a great standalone visit, but you can also explore Norwich city center's landmarks, museums, and independent shops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Norwich Aviation Museum website before your visit. They often have special event days.
Admission fees are very reasonable, with special offers like 'Dads for a Quid' sometimes available.
Tickets are typically available for purchase at the door. For special events or tours, checking their website or contacting them directly is advisable.
Yes, there are often discounted rates for children, and special family-friendly events like 'Dads for a Quid' are advertised.
It's highly recommended to book guided tours for aircraft like the Vulcan and Nimrod in advance, especially during busy periods, to secure your spot.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
The museum boasts a fantastic collection, including iconic aircraft like the Vulcan bomber, Nimrod, English Electric Lightning, and various jet fighters.
Yes, with guided tours, you can climb into the cockpits of impressive aircraft like the Vulcan bomber and Nimrod. +1
Absolutely! Kids are often captivated by the planes and the opportunity to explore them up close. Guided tours are particularly engaging for younger visitors.
Most visitors spend at least 2-4 hours exploring the exhibits and aircraft, with some staying even longer. +1
While the main draw is the aircraft, the museum offers detailed historical information and the chance to explore cockpits, which is highly interactive.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a small cafe on-site offering reasonably priced sandwiches, cakes, hot and cold drinks.
The museum provides picnic tables, so you are welcome to bring your own packed lunch to enjoy.
The museum is located near Norwich Airport, with various dining options available in Norwich city center if you're looking for more choices.
The cafe offers pre-packed sandwiches, cakes, and a selection of hot and cold drinks.
The cafe is known for its reasonably priced offerings, making it a good option for a quick bite.
📸 📸 Photography
The sheer scale of the outdoor aircraft, especially standing beneath them, offers incredible photo ops. Cockpit interiors during tours are also popular.
Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the museum, but always be mindful of any specific signage or restrictions, especially during tours.
Yes, during guided tours, you can take photos inside the Vulcan bomber cockpit, capturing a unique perspective.
Drone usage is typically not permitted at aviation museums due to safety and security regulations. It's best to check with the museum directly.
Late afternoon can offer softer light for outdoor shots, while morning light is great for illuminating the aircraft. Weekdays generally have fewer people for unobstructed shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The guided tours, especially those that allow access to cockpits like the Vulcan bomber, are highly recommended and provide an engaging, educational experience that children will love. Consider bringing a packed lunch to enjoy at the picnic tables, and take advantage of the reasonably priced cafe for snacks.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts & History Buffs
Pay close attention to the exhibits detailing World War II aviation, including the roles of the RAF 100 Group and US 8th Air Force.
📸 Photographers
Capturing the scale and detail of aircraft like the Vulcan bomber and Nimrod is a photographer's dream. Consider visiting during the 'golden hours' of late afternoon for softer light, or early morning for clear, crisp shots. If you're on a guided tour, you'll have opportunities to photograph the aircraft cockpits, offering unique interior shots.
Be mindful of other visitors and any specific photography guidelines within the museum. The variety of aircraft, from vintage WWII planes to Cold War jets, provides a diverse portfolio of subjects for any aviation photography enthusiast. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Iconic Aircraft
Beyond these showstoppers, the museum features a variety of other impressive aircraft, including jet fighters and planes significant to World War II.
+1 The outdoor display area allows you to stand directly beneath these massive warplanes, offering a unique perspective and fantastic photo opportunities. The sheer scale and engineering prowess on display are a testament to the dedication of the volunteers who maintain these exhibits. For aviation enthusiasts, model builders, or anyone with an interest in engineering and history, the collection provides a deep dive into different eras of flight. The English Electric Lightning and Avro Vulcan are frequently mentioned as highlights, showcasing the evolution of aerial technology.
The Role of Volunteers and Guided Tours
The guided aircraft tours are particularly praised and are considered a highlight by many. For a small additional fee, visitors can gain access to the cockpits of iconic aircraft like the Vulcan bomber and Nimrod.
These tours offer a chance to understand the operational aspects of these aircraft and the lives of the people who flew them. The volunteers' commitment ensures that the museum not only preserves these historical artifacts but also brings their stories to life for current and future generations.
Aviation History and Local Connections
Beyond the wartime era, the museum also showcases aircraft from later periods, including the Cold War and beyond, demonstrating the evolution of aviation technology.
For those with personal connections to aviation history, such as relatives who served, the museum offers a poignant and educational experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit