Avro Vulcan B2

The Vulcan cockpit is open most days and gives visitors a unique perspective of one of Britain’s most iconic aircraft types. Tours are typically up to 10 minutes long and the guide will point out the key systems inside the cockpit and give an overview of what it is was like to be crew inside a British Cold War nuclear bomber. Just wait at the bottom of the ladder to be asked up!

Please note that access into the cockpit is via a ladder.

Armstrong-Whitworth Argosy

The Argosy freighter is on our logo and was built very close to where the museum is situated today. Visitors can walk inside the freight area and get a feel for how much cargo these could have carried. Occasionally, the cockpit is opened and guests are treated to the best view of the museum as well as learning about local aviation manufacturing and the aircraft itself. Wait at the bottom of the ladder inside the cargo area for tours.

Please note that access into the cockpit is via a ladder. The cargo area is accessed via stairs.

Gloster Meteor F8

The Meteor F8 cockpit inside the main hangar is open at all times and does not require guided access. Experience sitting inside Britain’s first jet fighter and feel just how cramped it was! There is an audio track installed to give extra immersion.

Additionally, steps to the de-Havilland Vampire F1 and Lockheed T-33 fighters nearby allow visitors to look through the canopies into the cockpits of these early fighter jets.

These cockpits are accessed by stairs. Please note, only the Meteor cockpit is open to sit in.

BAe Harrier II

The Harrier II cockpit inside the main hangar can be opened on request and gives visitors an insight to what flying in a modern jet fighter is like – a stark comparison to the Meteor across the floor! Recently restored with LED lights, visitors will learn about how the famous ‘jump jet’ hovered and what made that possible.

This cockpit is accessed by stairs.

Lockheed Electra

The Electra can be opened on request and gives visitors a feel for how the cockpits of some of the earliest commercial airliners were laid out. Fitted with sound effects for an immersive experience, guests are also welcome to take control of the instruments in this one too.

This cockpit is accessed by stairs

Mil Mi-24D Hind

The Hind is perhaps the most famous Soviet helicopter. With few examples being preserved in the UK, we can provide a rare opportunity to sit inside the legendary gunship – complete with instrumentation in Russian. The Hind can be opened on request and is occasionally opened on sunnier days (subject to volunteer availability). Guests can sit inside the captain’s seat, or on the tiny seats in the cargo area to the rear!

This cockpit is accessibly by stairs

Other aircraft

The aircraft above are frequently opened, or can be opened on request subject to guide availability. If you are interested in accessing other cockpits, please contact the museum beforehand and we will do our best to facilitate access.

The Vickers Viscount airliner is often opened for school and club visits (e.g. Scouts, Guides, Cadets), enabling guests to learn more about the history of airliners and what air travel in times gone by might have been like.