You Can Climb Into Real Cockpits And Watch Planes Take Off At This Little-Known Aviation Museum In Dorset

Christchurch in Dorset is home to one of the coolest museums around, offering visitors a practical and fun way to experience the displays, rather than wandering through a stuffy room.

The Bournemouth Aviation Museum lets little ones dreams come true as they experience what a real cock pit is like, be able to sit in the drivers seat of a double decker bus and even see real aeroplanes landing and taking off.

Bursting with fun, excitement, and all things related to flying, here’s what to expect when visiting.

The museum was founded in 1998, originally named the Jet Heritage Museum, and was located within Bournemouth Airport.

In 1999, it was renamed the Bournemouth Aviation Museum; however, it went into liquidation a few months later.

It was established as a charitable trust and remains volunteer-run to this day.

In 2007, due to the expansion of Bournemouth Airport, the museum had to relocate; luckily, it wasn’t far, as it relocated to its current site opposite the airport.

From the ‘new’ location, you get an excellent view of the aeroplanes taking off and landing, with platforms located within the museum for you to sit and watch each one.

You can spend all day at the museum, from exploring the exhibitions to having a go in the flight simulator, there are hours of entertainment that will keep little (and big) ones happy.

There is a small entry fee upon arrival; however, considering today’s prices and the value for money, the museum is a gem in Dorset.

🛩️ Admission prices are : Adults £10 and Child (age 3-16) £5. Annual membership is also available.

Volunteers who run the museum are enthusiastic about what they do, and you can tell of their love of planes just by having a conversation with them.

There are a lot of volunteers around and will happily discuss any of the aeroplanes on display, tell you about what there is to do at the museum, and even inform you when the next flight will land at the airport so you can make your way to the look-out booth.

You are encouraged to get interactive and get involved with the displays, whether that’s getting in the driver’s seat of the bus, sitting in the cockpit or trying on a life jacket.

Children will love sitting in the cockpits, pulling the levers, flicking the switches and pushing all the buttons.

Even adults can’t resist the need to play when sitting in their seats.

It opens your eyes to what it must be like to be able to fly a plane and what it must take to do so.

Numerous informative boards provide details about each plane, its history and purpose.

Immerse yourself in a flying experience by sitting onboard the Boeing 737-229.

Strap yourself in and relax, or role-play by dressing up as an air hostess and serving drinks to the passengers onboard, ‘fly’ to far-off lands or learn all about the aircraft by exploring the displays.

If your child loves all things to do with transportation, then a ride in the yellow buses’ double-decker bus will be a real treat.

Step on board, grab a blazer and drive the public around Bournemouth or become a passenger and hang out upstairs.

There are several huts to explore, showcasing model aeroplanes, second-hand books, and informative displays.

You can learn all about ejector seats, the red arrows and all the various types of planes.

Explore vintage rescue vehicles, play make-believe or learn all about them.

Children can climb on board and really be part of the crew by sitting in the driver’s seat, pressing the buttons and role-playing a rescue mission.

Picnic tables are positioned throughout the museum, offering numerous opportunities to bring a picnic or enjoy a hot drink or snack from the onsite cafe.

It’s the perfect spot to relax and refresh before exploring the air museum further.

The onsite shop offers a wide selection of interesting toys and souvenirs, along with a well-stocked fridge for cold drinks and a hot drinks machine.

The Aviation Museum is a fantastic place for all ages, with lots to do and for a reasonable price. It’s an excellent day out.

From watching aeroplanes in action at the airport to learning about all things aviation and immersing yourself in the exhibits, it’s a unique and interesting spot.

To find out more about the Aviation Museum, visit the website here.

Opening Times

📍 B3073 Merritown Ln, Christchurch BH23 6BA