
Hovercraft Museum
Explore the fascinating history and engineering of hovercrafts, with opportunities to climb aboard and learn from passionate volunteers.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Volunteers are most available

Hovercraft Museum
Best Time
Volunteers are most available

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the fascinating history and engineering of hovercrafts, with opportunities to climb aboard and learn from passionate volunteers.
"A surprisingly large museum with knowledgeable and friendly staff. You were able to go on quite a few of the Hovercrafts."

🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Bring your furry friends! The museum is dog-friendly, and your pets will likely enjoy interacting with the volunteers.
♿ Wheelchair Accessibility
Two hovercrafts are wheelchair accessible, ensuring a more inclusive experience for visitors with mobility needs.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Climb Aboard the Hovercrafts
Indoor and Outdoor Exhibits
Get up close and personal with a variety of hovercrafts, from early prototypes to military vessels. Many are accessible for exploration.
Volunteer-Led Cockpit Tours
Specific Hovercrafts (e.g., Princess Margaret)
Experience a personal tour of a hovercraft cockpit and learn unique historical facts from passionate volunteers.

Interactive Fun for Kids
Exhibition Areas
Kids will love searching for hidden Lego figures and enjoying a 'ride' on a static mini hovercraft.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Hands-On Experience
Engage with Knowledgeable Volunteers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Anyone else miss this beast?
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Bring your furry friends! The museum is dog-friendly, and your pets will likely enjoy interacting with the volunteers.
♿ Wheelchair Accessibility
Two hovercrafts are wheelchair accessible, ensuring a more inclusive experience for visitors with mobility needs.
Seaspeed Hovercraft Terminal back when southampton had a hovercraft link to Cowes
In uk with family. Give me some cool aircraft, tank, or war museums yall know of pls
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
This surprisingly large museum offers a lot to explore. Give yourself a few hours to fully appreciate the exhibits and volunteer insights.
📸 Capture the Innovation
The sheer scale and unique design of hovercrafts make for fantastic photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera!
Ferry to Gosport - Anything worth doing over there
Tips
from all over the internet
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Bring your furry friends! The museum is dog-friendly, and your pets will likely enjoy interacting with the volunteers.
♿ Wheelchair Accessibility
Two hovercrafts are wheelchair accessible, ensuring a more inclusive experience for visitors with mobility needs.
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
This surprisingly large museum offers a lot to explore. Give yourself a few hours to fully appreciate the exhibits and volunteer insights.
📸 Capture the Innovation
The sheer scale and unique design of hovercrafts make for fantastic photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Hovercraft Museum for its unique exhibits and the exceptional knowledge and friendliness of its volunteers, who often provide insightful personal tours. The hands-on nature of the exhibits, allowing visitors to climb aboard the hovercrafts, is a major highlight, especially for families. While the museum is a hidden gem, some visitors note that on-site dining options are limited, and it's best to check opening times in advance.
"Absolutely fantastic time with my kids. We were very lucky with the weather and really enjoyed exploring the indoor and outdoor exhibits  - I was particularly interested as had some experience of helping to build a craft at school. My kids loved being able to climb on board lots of the craft and two particular favourites were searching for the little Lego figures and a 'ride' on a static mini hovercraft.
I can thoroughly recommend."
Emma Bailey
"Loved visiting for 2 reasons, I spent a week at HMS Daedalus in 1984 as a guest of the Royal Navy so was nice to be back, and I travelled on a Mountbatten class hovercraft a few times in the early 1990s so great to see one again. Very friendly staff and cool hovercrafts."
Jonathan McCormack
"Really enjoyed popping in today just like a did a few years ago. The museum is great but just like many other reviews mention it’s the volunteers we had a personal tour around the cockpit of the princess Margaret and I learned lots of cool little facts I wouldn’t have known otherwise. The museum being dog friendly is amazing as well! The dog loved all the volunteers."
Aidan Tudge
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hovercraft Museum is located in Lee-on-the-Solent, near Portsmouth. Visitors often combine a trip here with exploring Portsmouth's maritime attractions like HMS Victory and the Mary Rose. Public transport options may be limited, so checking local bus routes or considering a taxi from nearby train stations like Fareham or Portsmouth Harbour is advisable. Driving is a common option, with parking usually available on-site.
Yes, the Hovercraft Museum is a relatively short journey from Portsmouth, making it a feasible day trip. Many visitors enjoy a day exploring Portsmouth's historic dockyard and then heading to the museum.
Parking is generally available at the Hovercraft Museum, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car. It's recommended to check their official website for any specific parking instructions or potential charges.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, especially seasonally. It's best to check the official Hovercraft Museum website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and any special event closures.
Admission prices are subject to change. While specific figures aren't always readily available online, reviews suggest it's a reasonably priced attraction. Checking their website or contacting them directly is the best way to confirm current ticket costs.
Information on advance ticket purchases is not widely publicized. It's generally assumed that tickets can be purchased upon arrival. However, for group visits or during peak times, it might be worth inquiring with the museum directly.
Absolutely! Children often have a fantastic time exploring the hovercrafts, searching for Lego figures, and experiencing the static mini-hovercraft ride. It's an engaging and educational experience for younger visitors.
While specific discount information isn't always highlighted, it's worth inquiring about potential concessions for seniors, students, or families when purchasing tickets.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore a wide range of hovercrafts, from historical prototypes to military and passenger vessels. Many exhibits allow you to climb aboard, and volunteers often offer detailed tours, including cockpit access.
Yes, the museum has made efforts to be accessible. Two of the hovercrafts are specifically designed to be wheelchair accessible, allowing more visitors to experience these unique machines.
Photography is generally permitted within the museum, allowing you to capture the impressive scale and design of the hovercrafts. However, always be mindful of any specific 'no photography' signs in certain areas.
The museum relies heavily on its knowledgeable and friendly volunteers who often provide informal guided tours, especially offering personal insights and cockpit access. These are highly recommended for a richer experience.
Its focus on a truly unique mode of transport, the ability to get up close and even inside many of the exhibits, and the passionate volunteers who share personal stories and historical facts make it a standout attraction.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Information on on-site dining facilities is limited. It's advisable to check the museum's official website or contact them directly to inquire about any available cafe or snack bar services.
While not explicitly stated, many museums allow visitors to bring their own packed lunches to enjoy in designated areas. It's a good idea to confirm this policy with the museum beforehand.
Given its location, there are likely local eateries in Lee-on-the-Solent. For a wider range of restaurant recommendations, visitors often combine their trip with Portsmouth, which offers diverse dining options.
📸 📸 Photography
The sheer scale and unique engineering of the hovercrafts offer fantastic photographic potential. Getting inside them, especially the cockpits, provides unique angles. The outdoor exhibits also offer great shots.
For personal use, photography is generally allowed. If you plan on conducting professional shoots or extensive filming, it's best to contact the museum in advance to inquire about their policies and any potential fees.
While generally permitted, always be aware of any specific 'no photography' signs within certain exhibits or areas. Respecting these signs ensures a smooth visit for everyone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
⚓ Maritime History Enthusiasts
♿ Visitors with Accessibility Needs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvels of Hovercrafts
Beyond the impressive machinery, the museum delves into the human stories behind hovercraft development. Through photographs, personal accounts, and the expertise of passionate volunteers, you gain a rich understanding of their roles in rescue operations, military campaigns, and their brief but memorable commercial life. The volunteers themselves are a highlight, often providing personal tours and sharing fascinating anecdotes, like the experience of visiting HMS Daedalus or traveling on a Mountbatten class hovercraft. This blend of technical marvel and human narrative makes the Hovercraft Museum a surprisingly engaging and educational experience for all ages.
A Family Adventure on Air-Cushion
The museum's dog-friendly policy is another significant plus for families traveling with pets. This allows the entire family, including furry members, to enjoy the day together. Furthermore, the accessibility of two hovercrafts for wheelchairs ensures that families with diverse needs can participate fully in the experience. The combination of hands-on exploration, interactive elements, and the sheer novelty of hovercrafts makes it a memorable outing for children and adults alike.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit