The Hovercraft Museum
The Hovercraft Museum
4.5
About
Founded 1987 as a charity, the Hovercraft Museum Trust has become the world's greatest collection of Hovercraft. Come visit our large collection of hovercraft large, and small. From the world's biggest commercial hovercraft, the SRN4, that ran a car ferry service across the channel to France, to craft used to film James Bond Die Another Day.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
231 reviews
Excellent
164
Very good
49
Average
12
Poor
4
Terrible
2
kgomeser
1 contribution
Sep 2021
I highly recommend a visit to the Hovercraft Museum for an uplifting experience. It's very educational, and so enjoyable. I never realised there were so many different variations and types of hovercraft, ranging from small to large. Some are located in hangers and others outside, exposed to the weather. Repair and restoration work is a never ending job, yet the volunteers take it all in their stride. It was so nice to meet such an enthusiastic group of volunteers who were only too willing to take time out to pass on as much of their in-depth knowledge of hovercrafts as possible, and answer questions. I arrived with a friend towards the end of the day, but there was never any pressure for us to leave, despite staying until past official closing time. The work and upkeep of the Museum relies on public funding, so please add this attraction to your 'To Do' list. Thank you to all for a great time.
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dawn29
Blackwater, UK10 contributions
Apr 2022
What a brilliant place! We had a guided tour - Alan was very knowledgeable and made the tour very interesting with lots of interesting facts. It's great value for money too - worth spending a couple of hours here learning about the history and evolution of hovercrafts from inception to present day. Would definitely recommend a visit if you are in the area. Plus Lee on the Solent is just beautiful. The museum has great facilities e.g. toilets, cafe, concessions for disabled and carers. Loved it.
Written April 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Egbert L
1 contribution
May 2022
The family and I had an excellent afternoon visiting the Hovercraft Museum on the seafront at Lee-on-the-Solent. The visit was made all the more fulfilling and informative by the guide who took our group around the museum and its many hovercraft cared for by the museum. He gave a lot of background information, a lot of which was in addition to the description boards. I thoroughly recommend a visit to this museum on a lovely sea front with stunning views over the Solent.
Written May 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael G
2 contributions
Jun 2022
A really interesting and enjoyable afternoon, made so especially by the guide. I do recommend listening to the guides as they are able to give so much by way of development and service history, anecdotes and explanations of the wide variety of craft they display, from the smallest to the largest (Princess Anne). My only regret is we arrived at 2pm and the museum closed at 4pm - we could have spent more time there, it all passed so quickly.
Written June 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CornishSmuggler
Plymouth, UK21 contributions
Jun 2021
A fantastic museum tucked into the beautiful surroundings of the Solent and the adjoining HMS Daedalus site behind. The museum features what must been almost 100 Hovercraft from a over the years and the history associated with each exhibit. I visited on a Saturday alongside a Hover ride from Hover Travel on the slipway below which only added authenticity to the experience. The volunteers onsite had a real passion and great enthusiasm for the museum which I always commend. The entry price is reasonable and the museum itself doesn't try to be something it's not, what you see is what you get and for a museum which receives no government or lottery funding, it's worth all the support it can get. Whilst there was a small cafe like setup inside, if feasible, this would be an excellent location for a more advanced facility by the sea side.
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
martins0uth
Bridgwater, UK12 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
Always wanted to visit since I saw the museum featured on Salvage Hunters. Although the weather was terrible, in between showers we were able to look at the crafts outside and most exhibits are inside so all good.
It was great to see the hovercrafts from James Bond films, this was a bonus.
Covid 19 measures were good and a one way system in place.
The volunteers that were present were friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable.
This museum is unique, and as some say lacking in funding and sadly some money needs to be spent. However, just by visiting, buying a guide and having a cuppa will help support this good cause.
We spent around 1.5 hours but had weather been nicer perhaps 2 hours.
Ticket price I believe was reasonable for the attraction given its a charity.
The cafe is only cryptically mentiond in the news section of the website. Lucky we had not stopped on route for a coffee and made use of the cafe.
I would visit again, albeit in a few years time.
It was great to see the hovercrafts from James Bond films, this was a bonus.
Covid 19 measures were good and a one way system in place.
The volunteers that were present were friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable.
This museum is unique, and as some say lacking in funding and sadly some money needs to be spent. However, just by visiting, buying a guide and having a cuppa will help support this good cause.
We spent around 1.5 hours but had weather been nicer perhaps 2 hours.
Ticket price I believe was reasonable for the attraction given its a charity.
The cafe is only cryptically mentiond in the news section of the website. Lucky we had not stopped on route for a coffee and made use of the cafe.
I would visit again, albeit in a few years time.
Written November 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Happy2Bretired_10
Hampshire, UK50 contributions
Apr 2022
Behind its unassuming entrance on the seafront of Lee on the Solent there is an absolute gem. There is much more to see and learn about than you would imagine when you first see the site. We started with a free tour from Alan who was very knowledgeable, but all the volunteer staff we met were enthusiastic. We then spent more time looking at some of the many exhibits in more detail, but you really need an annual pass which is very reasonably priced. The museum has a shop, toilets, café and is wheelchair–friendly. Several car parks and road parking nearby. Suitable for all ages and there is plenty to do both inside and outside. It is only open on Saturdays.
Written May 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John O
Portsmouth, UK162 contributions
Aug 2020
I very much want to provide a balanced but sincere review of a place I have visited several times. It is important to note that the Hovercraft Museum is the only one in the world and, I think. an important focus on a very under-rated mode of transport. The hovercraft, in my opinion, was never properly exploited in commercial or military use with technical problems being too readily used as excuses to deter potential users. For these reasons, the collection is invaluable but, in reaching that conclusion, one encounters a perennial problem which arises in many transport themed museums. Too many, for myriad reasons, do not achieve the level of preservation to which they aspire. Acquisition of potential exhibits is relatively easy but the sustainment of acquisitions is much harder. So many museums and similar organisations rely on volunteers and precarious funding and, more recently, have been hamstrung by the consequences of Covid-19.
The Hovercraft Museum has, as I have written, a worthy collection but, my goodness, a lot of it could do with a bit of attention to ensure its longer term survival. I was extremely displeased with the scrapping on site of SRN4 'The Princess Margaret', justified at the time as enabling space and resource for museum development and, in particular, the restoration of the sole survivor of the type 'The Princess Anne'. That restoration, even allowing for the many hurdles presented by 2020, has seemed slow.
I was not impressed by the signage associated with Covid measures and, with the additional hindrance of the inevitable mask, felt distracted throughout my visit. The entrance fee is entirely reasonable, the volunteers pleasant and eager but part of my heart tells me that this place needs much more effort.
The Hovercraft Museum has, as I have written, a worthy collection but, my goodness, a lot of it could do with a bit of attention to ensure its longer term survival. I was extremely displeased with the scrapping on site of SRN4 'The Princess Margaret', justified at the time as enabling space and resource for museum development and, in particular, the restoration of the sole survivor of the type 'The Princess Anne'. That restoration, even allowing for the many hurdles presented by 2020, has seemed slow.
I was not impressed by the signage associated with Covid measures and, with the additional hindrance of the inevitable mask, felt distracted throughout my visit. The entrance fee is entirely reasonable, the volunteers pleasant and eager but part of my heart tells me that this place needs much more effort.
Written August 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JC1064
Phoenix, AZ207 contributions
May 2022
This was a fabulous visit - we spent longer here than we thought - interesting exhibits, there was a talk going on which was interesting to sit in on - all the staff were volunteers but all had time to engage in conversation and tell you about the exhibits. It was much more interesting than i ( a lady) would have thought. There is also a little cafe where if you go with someone who wants more time to look around you can sit outside in the sunshine and have a coffee and while a couple of hours away. It is a self tour so you can go at your own pace. Apparently they have special days as well where they have hovercrafts out and about on the beach. The site has just been sold so I do hope the new owners will keep the museum and enhance it further
Written May 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Philip E
Southampton, UK297 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
We went in as past so many times…
On arrival the staff are VERY friendly, VERY informative of the Hovercrafts on display as they are passionate about what they are doing.
So much more to see as you walk round and seeing the Actual James Bond hovercraft was a little extra treat..
A little cafe where you can grab a drink.
Overall a good place to visit
PhillSQ
Southampton
On arrival the staff are VERY friendly, VERY informative of the Hovercrafts on display as they are passionate about what they are doing.
So much more to see as you walk round and seeing the Actual James Bond hovercraft was a little extra treat..
A little cafe where you can grab a drink.
Overall a good place to visit
PhillSQ
Southampton
Written October 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Daniel T
Portsmouth81 contributions
Can you look inside the hovercraft?
Alexander W
Horsham, UK4 contributions
As Ben says one of the SR.N4 craft, "The Princess Anne" is now open to the public!
brian1070674
Fareham, UK2 contributions
Up to what age are children free?
Alexander W
Horsham, UK4 contributions
As Catherine rightly says, children aged 4 and under go free with an accompanying adult.
The Hovercraft Museum (Lee-on-the-Solent) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about The Hovercraft Museum
- The Hovercraft Museum is open:
- Sat - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near The Hovercraft Museum:
- (0.31 mi) Milvil Bed and Breakfast
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- Restaurants near The Hovercraft Museum:
- (0.48 mi) The Tea Party
- (0.22 mi) Cafe at Zero 5
- (0.24 mi) The Shack
- (0.30 mi) On The Water
- (0.50 mi) Caffe Lee