Name: National Museum of Flight
Rating: 5.0

National Museum of Flight

National Museum Of Flight, East Fortune Airfield, B1347, East Fortune, North Berwick, East Lothian EH39 5LF, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

The National Museum of Flight is one of the best things to do with kids in East Lothian. Located on the historic site of East Fortune Airfield, this premier aviation museum offers a sprawling outdoor and indoor experience for families. From supersonic jets to wartime aircraft, it is an ideal day out for young pilots and history enthusiasts alike.

Ticket prices start from £10.00 for children and £15.00 for adults when booked in advance. Families can save 15% on admission by booking in advance through the official museum website.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, the National Museum of Flight offers an immersive journey through the skies. With hands-on galleries and iconic aircraft, it provides a unique educational experience in the heart of the Scottish countryside.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Concorde Experience: Step inside the world's only preserved supersonic airliner for a rare look at luxury air travel.
Hands-on Science: Explore three interactive galleries that explain the physics of flight and the skills required by pilots.
Military & Civil Hangars: Walk through massive historic hangars housing an extensive collection of propeller planes, gliders, and jets.
Fortunes of War: Immerse yourself in local history through personal accounts and artefacts from the airfield’s wartime past.
Airfield Grounds: Explore the vast outdoor space of one of the UK’s best-preserved Second World War airfields.

What to See

G-BOAA Concorde: See "Alpha Alpha," Scotland's only Concorde, and learn why it was the king of supersonic passenger flight.
Supermarine Spitfire XVI: A must-see for history fans, this iconic Second World War fighter is a centrepiece of the military collection.
Hawker Siddeley Harrier: View the oldest surviving Harrier, a jet famous for its vertical take-off and landing capabilities.
Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet: Discover the fastest aircraft of World War II, a unique rocket-powered fighter.
Boeing 707 (Jet Age Gallery): Explore the forward fuselage of this iconic airliner, which serves as the heart of the museum's commercial aviation exhibit.

Facilities

Parking: Free parking is available on-site (charges may apply during special events).
Aviator Café: Serves hot and cold meals, snacks, and refreshments.
Picnic Areas: Indoor and outdoor spaces are available for families who bring their own food.
Toilets: Available throughout the site, including accessible facilities and baby changing rooms.
Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible, though boarding some aircraft may not be possible. Free wheelchair loans are available.

Pro-Tips

Book Online: Always book tickets in advance to save money and ensure entry.
Timing: Visit during the warmer months (April to October) to enjoy the outdoor airfield exhibits fully.
Travel: The 121 bus service provides a convenient link between Haddington and North Berwick for those not travelling by car.

Targeted FAQs

Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, the museum is highly recommended for families. Children under 5 enter for free, and the vast outdoor spaces provide plenty of room for toddlers to move around while exploring the impressive scale of the aircraft.
How long does a visit take? Most families spend between 3 to 4 hours exploring the various hangars, the Concorde experience, and the outdoor airfield.
Where is the best place to park? Free parking is provided directly on-site at East Fortune Airfield, making it incredibly convenient for families arriving by car.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The scale of the aircraft hangars is impressive, making it an excellent space for children to explore without feeling cramped.
The Concorde exhibition is consistently rated as a highlight, particularly for its ability to bring history to life for children.
The balance of indoor and outdoor space is praised as a perfect setup for high-energy kids.

What Visitors Don't Like

The site is large, so comfortable walking shoes are essential.
During colder months, the hangars can be chilly, so dressing in layers is recommended.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The museum’s collection is extensive. Key highlights include:
Aircraft: Aero S-103 (MiG-15 licence-built), Avro Vulcan B.2A, de Havilland Tiger Moth, BAE Systems Hawk T.1A (Red Arrows livery), and the SEPECAT Jaguar.
Engines: A vast array of piston, turbojet, and turbofan aircraft engines.
Historical Artefacts: Military uniforms, wartime medals, Ferranti-built radar systems, and original airfield documents.
Gallery Displays: Interactive "How things fly" exhibits, pilot training simulators, and aircraft models.

Beyond the Main Attraction

East Lothian is rich with history and family-friendly adventures. Consider these nearby spots to complete your local heritage and nature tour:
Scottish Seabird Centre: Located in North Berwick, this centre offers interactive discovery zones and live cameras that allow you to zoom in on puffins and gannets at the nearby Bass Rock.
Tantallon Castle: Explore the dramatic ruins of this 14th-century fortress, which sits on towering cliffs overlooking the North Sea and offers spectacular coastal views.
East Links Family Park: A perfect stop for younger children, featuring a 1km train safari, trampolines, go-karts, crazy golf, and friendly farm animals.
John Muir Country Park: Ideal for nature lovers, this park features beautiful coastal paths, a beach, and an excellent playground, perfect for a picnic or a brisk walk.
Archerfield Walled Garden: Home to the enchanting "Fairy Trail," where children can search for hidden fairy houses tucked away in the trees.
North Berwick Beach: A classic seaside destination perfect for building sandcastles, exploring rock pools, or enjoying local ice cream by the harbour.

New for 2026: Highlights at the National Museum of Flight

The museum has an exciting calendar of events and activities planned throughout the 2026 season. Whether you are a fan of hands-on building or historical discovery, there is something new to enjoy:
Awesome Bricks (20–21 June): Join the museum for an immersive, hands-on weekend dedicated to LEGO® building activities for all ages.
Escape From France Puzzle Room (13 July – 7 August): Master the skills that Second World War RAF pilots needed to navigate enemy territory in this unique family-friendly puzzle challenge.
Moth Hunters (18 July): Explore the diverse local moth population within the museum grounds with expert-led, moth-themed activities for the whole family.
360 Fest (29 August): Celebrate everything circular and sustainable during this all-round family fun event featuring workshops and interactive displays.
Conservation Hangar Talks: Throughout the year (until 31 March 2027), gain a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the technical work carried out by the conservation team to preserve the museum's historic fleet.
Expert Talks: Running until 16 October 2026, join museum experts for bite-sized, informative presentations on aviation history, all included with your standard admission.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult: £15.00 (advance) & £16.00 (on the day).
Over 65s: £13.00 (advance) & £14.00 (on the day).
Student/Unemployed/Disabled/Young Scot: £12.00 (advance) & £13.00 (on the day).
Child (5–15): £10.00 (advance) & £11.00 (on the day).
Child (under 5): Free.

Pricing URL: https://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-flight/plan-your-visit

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

For private events or venue hire inquiries, please contact the museum directly at 0300 123 6789.

Apr - Oct: Open daily, 10:00 - 17:00
Nov - Mar: Weekends only, 10:00 - 16:00
Closed: 25 Dec, 26 Dec, 1 Jan, 2 Jan.

Address: National Museum Of Flight, East Fortune Airfield, B1347, East Fortune, North Berwick, East Lothian EH39 5LF, UK

Post Code: EH39 5LF

Council: North Berwick

County: Edinburgh and Lothia

By bus: There is a bus drop off and pick up point within the grounds of the museum. The 121 service runs between Haddington and North Berwick via the National Museum of Flight. A regular bus service runs from Edinburgh to North Berwick and an express bus service runs from Edinburgh to Haddington.
By train: Scotrail runs regular services from Edinburgh to North Berwick. Please note, we do not recommend alighting at Drem station due to limited onward bus connections to the museum.
By bike: Free bicycle parking. There is a secure cycle rack available to park your bike. From Edinburgh-Travelling east out of Edinburgh, take Cycle Route 76 for approx 23 miles to Haddington. Continue on Route 76 from Haddington, turn left towards A199, next turn right onto A199. After approximately 2.5 miles, turn left onto B1347 and follow the signs for the National Museum of Flight.
By car: From Edinburgh-Follow the A1 south exit at Abbotsview Junction. Take second exit from roundabout onto A199 for East Linton. After approximately 1.5 miles, turn left onto B1347 and follow the signs for the National Museum of Flight.
Parking: Parking at the museum is free, but there may be a charge during special events.