Manx Aviation and Military Museum
Manx Aviation and Military Museum
Manx Aviation and Military Museum
5
About
This independent museum features the aviation heritage of the Isle of Man and tells the stories of the Island and its people in wartime. The museum, a registered charity, tells TWO exciting stories - the aviation and military heritage of the Isle of Man and the history of the Manx Regiment - the most successful light anti-aircraft regiment in the British Army.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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19 within 3 miles
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30 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Matthew M1 contribution1st Arbory Beaver ScoutsOnce again the museum hosted an evening for the Beaver Scouts of 1st Arbory on the Isle of Man. The children loved the exhibits, stories and trying on equipment. So many questions but all answered with expert knowledge at a level that engaged the children. Definitely recommended!Visited December 2022Written December 12, 2022
- FoillanCastletown, United Kingdom116 contributionsThe Manx must-see museumWhat a gem! I had no idea the museum was as extensive and interesting as it is. Absolutely fascinating - leave a long time to read all the stories and information and to see all the amazing items on display. The guys running it are so helpful and knowledgeable and Mr Ramsden is fascinating to talk to. Not surprised in the least that it's the number 1 attraction on the Island. Can't believe this museum has no support from the Manx government at all. It has free admission (as opposed to £12 per person at the Manx National Heritage sites) so do think on to leave a donation. This museum is a labour of love and contains so much information not available anywhere else. Thank you for a wonderful experience.Visited January 2023Written January 22, 2023
- Peter CSheffield, United Kingdom51 contributionsFantastic MuseumWe visited this museum recently during our first ever trip to the Isle of Man. On arrival we were really impressed with the quality of the exhibits and especially the clear and comprehensive descriptions and historical details which were presented in a very easy to read format. I have a disability and use a mobility scooter to get around and although some of the doorways were a little tight for me, this was down to the large size of my scooter and all normal disabled access via wheelchair or smaller scooters will be perfectly fine. The gentleman in reception was very helpful and informative and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed.Many thanks for your generous review. I'm very pleased that you found the museum to be accessible because we are very keen to make it an enjoyable experience for every one of our visitors. We've tried very hard to make the information easy to see - I go to many professional museums where no thought has been given to the poor souls who are trying to read poorly-lit labels in tiny script. I hope we will see you again.Written June 28, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2023Written June 28, 2023
- Daphne99Falmouth, United Kingdom16 contributionsA must see on a visit to the Isle of Man.What a gem. It was like being in a Tardis as it looked a lot smaller from the outside. The exhibits were so well displayed and very informative. There are a lot of years of preparation and thought gone into the whole museum. The gentleman at the entrance was very informative and obviously loves what he does. This museum should be preserved at all costs as it is invaluable to inform the younger generations of the price that was paid by so many.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 1, 2023
- AndyFarnham, United Kingdom22 contributionsWorthy of being a High Ranking Military MuseumWas sceptical about its high rating when I approached, but the guide said it was much bigger than it looked, and it is! Superb displays and array of memorabilia. Huge display of medals and the stories of their owners as well as Isle of Man military history and that of Manx regiment. Free Admission, but you will want to donate to help this great collection.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 21, 2023
- majica101Toronto, Canada84 contributionsFantastic and we'll organizedWe really enjoyed our visit here. Everything was well presented. It is free but we did do a donation. One of the reviews says this place looks small but is a tardis and 100 % it is. Really nice guy working there too. Our teens picked up some unique items from the gift shop too. Parking is easy. It is right beside the airport.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 25, 2023
- FoillanCastletown, United Kingdom116 contributionsDon’t miss this fabulous museum!What an incredible place. So interesting and so much to see. An absolute must-visit when on the island. A fascinating museum - allow yourself a long time there to take it all in. I can see why it’s the number one attraction. It exists entirely on donations and volunteers. Outstanding!👏👏👏Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 6, 2023
- Tour-de-LancsPreston, United Kingdom29 contributionsA truly excellent museumWe visited here on our way to the ferry, to pass a couple of hours but could have stopped for a fair while longer. There is an absolute wealth of information about the experiences and exploits of the islanders during the two World Wars. The museum is beautifully laid out, you can tell it is a real labour of love. I've been to a lot of military museums of various sizes, and while this is not the biggest it is definitely up with the best.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 7, 2023
- Normandy 146 contributionsGem of a museumFascinating museum, obviously run by real enthusiasts who rely solely on donations. The volunteer who greeted us was extremely knowledgeable. Definitely one to revisit as it's impossible to take it all in on a single visit.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 2, 2023
- Kim Lees3 contributionsA fascinating museum, highly recommendedIt looks quite small on the outside, we almost missed it but so glad we stopped as its like a tardis inside with so much to look at. An absolutely fascinating museum that gives real insight into the Isle of Man during times of conflict. We learned a lot from the exhibits and the lovely volunteers who were so knowledgeable and friendly. The museum is a real labour of love and relies on donations so do visit and ensure this wonderful place is there for generations to come.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 13, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
282 reviews
Excellent
259
Very good
21
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
1
jbale21
Douglas, UK4 contributions
Nov 2020
I have been visiting this museum for 13 years with groups of 10 and 11 year olds and it never disappoints. There is always something new. It is a joy to seen how enthralled and excited the children are by all the the fascinating exhibits and stories which are on display here. Ivor does such a brilliant job of bringing it all to life for them. If you are looking for something both entertaining and educational this is the perfect place. Highly recommended .
Written November 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike Eisinger
2 contributions
Mar 2022
Well after living on the Island for 40 of my 52 yrs I can’t believe how many times I’ve driven past this and not gone in even though I served in the RAF.
It is an absolute hidden gem, lots to see with so much information, Ivor is so informative about all aspects of the museum and has so many interesting stories to tell, I could spend days in there.
There’s lots to see and suits all ages, free entry !! If you haven’t been already please do go, you won’t be disappointed 🫡
It is an absolute hidden gem, lots to see with so much information, Ivor is so informative about all aspects of the museum and has so many interesting stories to tell, I could spend days in there.
There’s lots to see and suits all ages, free entry !! If you haven’t been already please do go, you won’t be disappointed 🫡
Written March 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ne mo
Plymouth, UK1 contribution
Aug 2020
A little gem, hidden in plain(!) sight. Having driven past it many times I finally visited, and my only regret was not doing so sooner. It's much larger than it looks from the road and with plenty of interesting objects in themed displays for the browsing visitor, but with such well-researched information that you could spend days there absorbing it all. And it's free!
Written August 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah F
1 contribution
Nov 2020
Excellent visit today on Remembrance Sunday. Particularly enjoyed the Great War exhibits. Can’t believe I’ve lived so near this museum for many years and only just visited! Definitely recommend this place. Allow a couple of hours to do it justice.
Written November 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ahmed M A
1 contribution
Aug 2020
An impressive story telling and artefacts showing, aviation and military museum. The effort and restoration work put together by a group of volunteers, make this museum stand out. A must visit, especially if you are into aviation or military.
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daphne99
Falmouth, UK16 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
What a gem. It was like being in a Tardis as it looked a lot smaller from the outside. The exhibits were so well displayed and very informative. There are a lot of years of preparation and thought gone into the whole museum. The gentleman at the entrance was very informative and obviously loves what he does. This museum should be preserved at all costs as it is invaluable to inform the younger generations of the price that was paid by so many.
Written July 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin Liston
4 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Over on the island for a few days break and saw the museum whist touring about. So glad we stopped, it’s a must see visitor attraction. So interesting, very well laid out, the WW1 area is a fitting tribute to all the men who left the island never to see her shores again. The fact that they have so many medals and photos of these men is amazing!
The staff are very knowledgable, and justifiably proud of their fantastic museum. I would encourage anyone to visit it, whether you are interested in military or not, it’s well worth it.
The staff are very knowledgable, and justifiably proud of their fantastic museum. I would encourage anyone to visit it, whether you are interested in military or not, it’s well worth it.
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nidgex
Onchan, UK51 contributions
Jan 2022
I have visited the museum 4 or 5 times over the past 15 years and each visit never ceases to amaze me with the insight and coverage of in particular WWI and WWII amongst the display/exhibits.
Outwardly it might not seem there is much to see, but every single available inch of display space (of what are essentially a couple of big hangars) is full to the gunwales with the most amazing historically significant information.
You need to be willing to read the articles to truly appreciate the history being conveyed but if you do, I am sure you'll find yourself absorbed for much longer than you'd expect.
It may not be to every youngster's taste but most kids cover these very important 'topics' in their schoolwork and if your son or daughter (like mine) will pocket their phones for an hour they too might become immersed.
Outwardly it might not seem there is much to see, but every single available inch of display space (of what are essentially a couple of big hangars) is full to the gunwales with the most amazing historically significant information.
You need to be willing to read the articles to truly appreciate the history being conveyed but if you do, I am sure you'll find yourself absorbed for much longer than you'd expect.
It may not be to every youngster's taste but most kids cover these very important 'topics' in their schoolwork and if your son or daughter (like mine) will pocket their phones for an hour they too might become immersed.
Written February 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
C T
1 contribution
Jul 2020
Thrilled and honoured to be the inaugural visitors post Covid, and ironic that this is review 201, which is Guernseys own squadron. The museum is within walking distance of the airport and easy to see when flying in. If looks can deceive this is one of the best kept secrets, from the outside an old Manx Airlines aircraft and two nissen huts. Despite being closed we were warmly welcomed by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic curator and invited inside to view a cornucopia of aviation and wartime memorabilia. A must see for anyone passing the airport. We will definitely return.
Written July 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deb S
2 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
An absolutely brilliant place to visit. It’s very deceptive from the outside but once inside it’s full of wonderful exhibits. Some are so personal it gives real insight into how people lived through the wars but not just for those who fought.
Really well laid out, very well signposted and the people who work there are extremely knowledgeable, very helpful and lovely and friendly.
Easily missed right near the airport, highly recommend a visit! Even more impressive, it’s FREE! If you can make a donation it would be very much appreciated!
Really well laid out, very well signposted and the people who work there are extremely knowledgeable, very helpful and lovely and friendly.
Easily missed right near the airport, highly recommend a visit! Even more impressive, it’s FREE! If you can make a donation it would be very much appreciated!
Written September 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much. It's great to know how much you appreciate what we do.
Written September 6, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi! Interested in the Spitfire replica BAPC.283, which I believe was built by Feggans-Brown for the TV series "A Piece of Cake" It would help my research to know (a) what markings it wears, if any (b) where it is at present and (c) what its future holds. Any information you can offer would be most helpful. An added bonus would be an image of it, if you have one to hand.
Sincerely, Peter Schofield
Digr
Isle of Man131 contributions
Thanks for your enquiry. The "Spitfire" now belongs to Isle of Man Bus & Rail and has had a none-too-accurate repaint to resemble MK II Spitfire P7966 which was a Manx presentation aircraft flown by Douglas Bader. We are now doubtful about the history of the thing because it doesn't resemble the replicas built for "Piece of Cake". If you do a Google image search on " Spitfire Snaefell " you will see several photos of it when it was placed near the summit of Snaefell during the summer. Please contact us via the contact page on the museum's website if you require further information.
AdrianIsleofMan
Isle of Man37 contributions
Just looking - I'm a guide here, and very grateful for the excellent reviews. We all love our job "up front" and try to help as much as possible.
Kennypo20
Chichester, UK138 contributions
On our visits to the iom aviation museum we have always found the staff to be very cordial and willing to show and explain the various exhibits there.they do a first class job.
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Claim your listingManx Aviation and Military Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Manx Aviation and Military Museum
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Manx Aviation and Military Museum Information
Excellent Reviews | 259 |
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Very Good Reviews | 21 |
Manx Aviation and Military Museum Photos | 141 |