Bournemouth Aviation Museum
Bournemouth Aviation Museum, Christchurch: Hours, Address, Bournemouth Aviation Museum Reviews: 4.5/5
Bournemouth Aviation Museum
Bournemouth Aviation Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Hands-on Aviation Museum near Bournemouth/Christchurch/New Forest run by volunteers. Many various aircraft that can be accessed including the Canberra, Hunter and Vulcan. Opposite Bournemouth Airport. Follow the signs for Adventure Wonderland. Outdoor seating available and picnics welcome. Adults £7, children £3. Under 3s go free. Plenty of free parking. Gift shop with toys, books, models and aircraft instruments for sale. Ice cream, drinks etc available. Last entry 1 hour before closing.
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Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
371 reviews
Excellent
264
Very good
75
Average
22
Poor
6
Terrible
4
Rosie N
Dorchester, UK32 contributions
Couples
My husband and I really enjoyed our trip to Bournemouth Aviation Museum and spent about an hour and a half wandering around the exhibits, several of which you can climb into for a close up experience.
Currently there is a one way system in place around the exhibits to help with social distancing guidelines and there are hand gel sanitising points at various points which was a welcome addition towards keeping everyone safe.
Some reviewers have said the exhibits are “looking tired” but when you consider the age of the items and the fact that they are outside in all weathers then that’s only to be expected. It certainly didn’t affect our enjoyment of what we were looking at.
The small shop, along with selling aviation related items, stocks a few chocolate snacks and drinks but there are benches inside the grounds so you could take a picnic with you.
The museum is located opposite Bournemouth Airport, and has some viewing platforms overlooking the runway from which you can watch the planes taking off or landing which is an added bonus for anyone who loves watching planes!
The entry fee as of August 2020 is £7 for adults and £3 for children.
We had a great time walking around and the staff were very friendly and helpful and I’d recommend the museum for anyone who fancies an aviation related attraction.
Currently there is a one way system in place around the exhibits to help with social distancing guidelines and there are hand gel sanitising points at various points which was a welcome addition towards keeping everyone safe.
Some reviewers have said the exhibits are “looking tired” but when you consider the age of the items and the fact that they are outside in all weathers then that’s only to be expected. It certainly didn’t affect our enjoyment of what we were looking at.
The small shop, along with selling aviation related items, stocks a few chocolate snacks and drinks but there are benches inside the grounds so you could take a picnic with you.
The museum is located opposite Bournemouth Airport, and has some viewing platforms overlooking the runway from which you can watch the planes taking off or landing which is an added bonus for anyone who loves watching planes!
The entry fee as of August 2020 is £7 for adults and £3 for children.
We had a great time walking around and the staff were very friendly and helpful and I’d recommend the museum for anyone who fancies an aviation related attraction.
Written August 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Angela G
Bournemouth, UK36 contributions
Family
From start to finish was the most enjoyable experience from the greeting when we arrived from a lovely lady, the staff and volunteers were so friendly, knowledgable and great to listen to.
David was telling us all about planes, weapons, ejector seats he made the whole experience entertaining even made us a coffee as the hot drinks machine was broken. Every single volunteer or staff member were always smiling and helpful they opened up exhibits for us, honestly can say the best few hours had by all we will definately be getting an annual membership and i may even offer to volunteer, the viewing platforms looking at the airport and runway was and added bonus!.
The fact the kids can climb in to the cockpits and press buttons makes it so immersive and david even let my son try on a pilots helmet.
Worth every penny for a few hours we could have stayed all day.
David was telling us all about planes, weapons, ejector seats he made the whole experience entertaining even made us a coffee as the hot drinks machine was broken. Every single volunteer or staff member were always smiling and helpful they opened up exhibits for us, honestly can say the best few hours had by all we will definately be getting an annual membership and i may even offer to volunteer, the viewing platforms looking at the airport and runway was and added bonus!.
The fact the kids can climb in to the cockpits and press buttons makes it so immersive and david even let my son try on a pilots helmet.
Worth every penny for a few hours we could have stayed all day.
Written March 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for your review. I’ve mentioned your comments to Dave who was happy to help. Hopefully I was the lovely lady! We look forward to welcoming you again soon.
Written May 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GeneralJock
High Wycombe, UK47 contributions
Fun and educational experience, particularly for older children but adults too, where you can see some great and famous aircraft close up, and climb into the cockpits in some.
Beware this is a purely outdoor museum, so be prepared if the weather is poor to cope with it.
While the larger exhibits are sections of the aircraft and not the whole plane, the cockpits are of course the most interesting parts, and there are some full craft there such as th Wessex helicopter and some smaller jets, and also a full Jaguar fighter.
The main thing is to climb inside and look around at the equipment which will spawn a thousand questions from inquiring minds. The Vulcan display is excellent, with additional equipment and videos on show.
The museum is run by volunteers who are great, and will take time out to explain things to you if you are interested. It could indeed do with a load of cash being spent on it, but regardless it's a great couple of hours to spend if you have any interest in aviation.
Beware this is a purely outdoor museum, so be prepared if the weather is poor to cope with it.
While the larger exhibits are sections of the aircraft and not the whole plane, the cockpits are of course the most interesting parts, and there are some full craft there such as th Wessex helicopter and some smaller jets, and also a full Jaguar fighter.
The main thing is to climb inside and look around at the equipment which will spawn a thousand questions from inquiring minds. The Vulcan display is excellent, with additional equipment and videos on show.
The museum is run by volunteers who are great, and will take time out to explain things to you if you are interested. It could indeed do with a load of cash being spent on it, but regardless it's a great couple of hours to spend if you have any interest in aviation.
Written September 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SteveBraddick
London35 contributions
Friends
What a great little museum!
Plenty of hands on opportunities for children or adults with dreams still of being a pilot!
The museum staff were all knowledgeable friendly and most importantly enthusiastic.
Most of the exhibits are outside so possibly keep your visit to a dry day but otherwise I thoroughly recommend a morning or afternoon here.
It's a little tricky to find but basically it's opposite Hurn Airfield down the same small side road as the children's adventure playland.There is a sign but when we visited it was mostly hidden by hedgerow.
Certainly worth a 5 star rating!
Plenty of hands on opportunities for children or adults with dreams still of being a pilot!
The museum staff were all knowledgeable friendly and most importantly enthusiastic.
Most of the exhibits are outside so possibly keep your visit to a dry day but otherwise I thoroughly recommend a morning or afternoon here.
It's a little tricky to find but basically it's opposite Hurn Airfield down the same small side road as the children's adventure playland.There is a sign but when we visited it was mostly hidden by hedgerow.
Certainly worth a 5 star rating!
Written August 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
alison o
5 contributions
Family
Best museum in the whole country! A kids paradise where you can actually press the buttons, there's helicopters, planes, fire engines, a bus.... its all there and they actually get to sit inside then make believe the experience, fly a simulator, pretend to drive a bus, clip the tickets.... the works. The staff are so friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, they actively come over to explain how things work, tell you when a real plane is about to land just across the road, and invite you onto a viewing deck. Whenever we visit Bournemouth on holiday this is our go to place and the kids still love it.
Written July 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ferientechnikerin482
Aarau, Schweiz5 contributions
Family
I was very disappointed by the poor condition the aircrafts were in. The whole museum is open air, and therefore the planes are not protected from the elements. The whole place looked more ore less like a place with a lot of scrap metals.
It was really a sorry sight which depressed my a lot.
Furthermore, there are only very few places to sit in the shade.
However, the drinks and the crisps were really cheap.
It was really a sorry sight which depressed my a lot.
Furthermore, there are only very few places to sit in the shade.
However, the drinks and the crisps were really cheap.
Written July 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your review. I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy your visit.
We’re always looking new people to join our happy band of (mainly retired) volunteers and we always have projects on the go and being planned.
We agree that it’s not the easiest place to get to by public transport, we wish it was better. We have volunteers that don’t drive that regularly walk 2 miles from the nearest bus stop in all weathers.
We could do with more parasols so visitors can swap a (unbroken) parasol for an adult ticket until we have enough.
Written July 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MaltiK
London, UK31 contributions
Family
Friendly staff. Not too expensive. Great for those that love all things planes and aviation. The best part is that you're allowed to actually go INTO the planes. There's fire trucks, party buses, RAF places in there. It takes no more than 1-1.5 hours to explore the entire museum. It's all outdoors so dress up accordingly
Written August 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Christina H
Christchurch, UK3 contributions
Family
We had such a wonderful day at the Aviation Museum! Our 2 year old Son absolutely loved exploring all of the aircraft and the bus in particular! It’s right next to Bournemouth airport so was brilliant watching various planes and helicopters taking off and coming in to land and there are a couple of viewing platforms to get a great view. The volunteers were so kind and helpful and were happy to give lots of information about the planes. We took a picnic as it was a sunny day and there is some picnic tables dotted around the park that we used. I would definitely recommend visiting especially if you have young children or just have an interest in airplanes. We will be looking forward to our next visit!
Written May 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
I’m so pleased you enjoyed your visit and look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Written May 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laggie
Bournemouth, UK65 contributions
Family
Great little museum, with plenty of hands on planes.
We've been here a few times with the children over the years. They absolutely love it!
Range of age and size of planes for the little people to climb into and experience.
It seems to be ran by volunteers that have great knowledge of what's there.
Take time to ask them questions it's worth it.
There are four picnic tables which is nice. Also a gift shop.
A few drinks are available to buy, do take your own packed lunch.
We've been here a few times with the children over the years. They absolutely love it!
Range of age and size of planes for the little people to climb into and experience.
It seems to be ran by volunteers that have great knowledge of what's there.
Take time to ask them questions it's worth it.
There are four picnic tables which is nice. Also a gift shop.
A few drinks are available to buy, do take your own packed lunch.
Written May 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
I’m very pleased you enjoyed your visit. Yes we are all volunteers, many with aviation experience. Hope we see you again.
Written May 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
James T
Watford, UK62 contributions
Solo
Small outdoor museum. Right next to the airport with viewing platforms so you can watch planes take off and land. It is mostly cockpits and fuselages rather than complete aircraft but the plus is that you are free to climb inside some of them. That is if you can fit as it’s eye opening how very small some military aircraft are inside. Cockpits you can sit in or at least get inside and touch are English Electric Lightning and Canberra, Avro Vulcan. Westland Wessex and Vickers Viscount. Secondhand books about planes to browse. Parking easy as it is just a field. Probably not so great if it’s wet though.
Written August 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shady111
Bristol, UK12 contributions
Is there a cafe onsite?
LondonBeaker
London25 contributions
Not that I remember but there is a hot drinks machine and they might sell crisps in the little shop.
How much is the admission ?
Deborah H
Farnham, UK44 contributions
£6 for adults, £3 for children.
Worth every penny
951leannej
Northamptonshire, UK6 contributions
Are dogs welcome?
Mike T
Brighton, UK16 contributions
As LuvLee
butcherboy68
Bournemouth, UK1 contribution
could you tell me if the Vulcan cockpit is accessible please
AJH39
Bournemouth7 contributions
The cockpit is accessible-but the pilot's seats are not..
If we have a Vulcan open day we make special arrangements when it is possible to access the pilot's seats.
We don't know when this will be but unlikely this year.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bournemouth Aviation Museum
- Bournemouth Aviation Museum is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Bournemouth Aviation Museum tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Bournemouth Aviation Museum tours on Tripadvisor
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