Royal Navy Museums: Naval Aviation

RNAS Yeovilton, Ilchester, Yeovil BA22 8HT, United Kingdom
1-99 Years
Paid

Description

The Fleet Air Arm Museum is Europe’s largest naval aviation collection located at RNAS Yeovilton near Yeovil, standing out as one of the best things to do with kids in Yeovil. Operating as an interactive aviation museum, it offers families an up-close look at military aircraft, naval history, and carrier-deck aviation.

Prices start from £0.00 for infants under 3 years old, while standard adult admission is £19.00 and child entry is £14.00 when booked online in advance. With flexible ticket options and free parking included on-site, it serves as an educational and action-packed family day out.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, this multi-hangar museum offers an immersive trip through British naval flying history. Children can walk aboard Concorde 002, experience the dramatic Aircraft Carrier exhibition, step inside real helicopter cockpits, and watch live active military flights right outside. It makes for an exciting, hands-on day out in Somerset.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: No

Features

What are the key features for families?

  • Interactive Exhibits: Simulated carrier deck take-offs, real cockpit access, and hands-on control panels encourage children to step into pilot and crew roles.
  • Educational Day Out: Families explore British naval aviation history, Cold War aircraft technology, aircraft carrier operations, and aviation innovation.
  • Sensory Play and Nature: The roar of jet engine simulators, flashing runway deck lights, tactile metallic aircraft fuselages, and spacious hangar halls engage young senses.
  • Outdoor Exploration: An outdoor viewing platform overlooks the active airfield of RNAS Yeovilton, allowing visitors to see modern naval helicopters in action.

What are the main highlights kids will love?

  • Concorde 002 Prototype: Stepping inside the supersonic British prototype aircraft to walk through its narrow cabin and view the cockpit.
  • The Aircraft Carrier Experience: Taking a flight simulation helicopter ride onto a recreated flight deck complete with landing jets and deck crew visuals.
  • Westland Search and Rescue Helicopters: Getting up close to massive Sea King helicopters used in real-life sea rescue missions.
  • Interactive Flying Controls: Trying hands-on simulator units to learn how aircraft wings, dials, and landing gear work.
  • Live Airfield Viewing Balcony: Watching real Royal Navy Wildcat and Merlin helicopters land and take off from the active military runway.

Beyond the Main Attraction

  • Haynes Motor Museum: Located 5 miles north in Sparkford, featuring over 400 classic cars and interactive play areas.
  • Montacute House (National Trust): Situated 8 miles southwest, offering historic Elizabethan gardens and wide parkland walks.
  • Tintinhull Garden: Positioned 6 miles west, featuring peaceful formal gardens and countryside footpaths.
  • Ninesprings Country Park (Yeovil): Located 7 miles south, offering woodland trails, waterfalls, and a large playground.

Facilities

  • Food Options: The on-site Warneford Cafe serves hot lunches, sandwiches, cold drinks, cakes, and kids' meal boxes; picnic areas are also available.
  • Toilets: Clean public toilet facilities, accessible toilets, and baby-changing stations are situated throughout the main exhibition halls.
  • Buggy Parking: Smooth concrete floors, ramps, and wide hangar corridors make pushing strollers simple and accessible.

What to see

What Visitors Love

  • The Aircraft Carrier Experience is a massive hit with kids due to its immersive sound and projection effects.
  • Walking through Concorde 002 provides a memorable experience for both parents and children.
  • Vast indoor spaces make it an ideal, high-quality all-weather outing on rainy days.
  • Helpful, informative museum staff and volunteers who share military history stories.

What Visitors Don't Like

  • Standard ticket prices are higher than smaller regional museums, though valid as annual passes.
  • The carrier deck experience features loud engine noises that can startle toddlers sensitive to sound.
  • Public bus routes right to the base gates are limited, so driving is recommended.

Top Tips for Your Visit

  • Allow Plenty of Time: The site is vast with four massive hangars, so plan for at least 3 to 4 hours to see everything without rushing.
  • Check Airfield Operations: RNAS Yeovilton is an active military base, so look out the viewing windows on weekdays for live military flight practice.
  • Book Online to Save: Advance online tickets offer a discount compared to on-the-day walk-up rates at reception.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

  • Individual: Online Price £21 / Box Office Price £24
  • Child: Online Price £17 / Box Office Price £17.50
  • Family 1 (1 adult and up to 3 children): Online Price £45 / Box Office Price £49
  • Family 2 (2 adults and up to 3 children): Online Price £56 / Box Office Price £63

Pricing URL: https://www.royalnavymuseums.org.uk/visit-us/fleet-air-arm-museum

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Wednesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Open daily during Somerset school holidays; last entry is typically 3:00 PM)

Address: RNAS Yeovilton, Ilchester, Yeovil BA22 8HT, United Kingdom

Post Code: BA22 8HT

Council: Somerset

County: Somerset

  • By Car: Drive via the A303 toward Ilchester / RNAS Yeovilton. Follow brown tourist signs directly to the museum entrance off the B3151.
  • Car Parking: Free customer parking is provided directly on-site in front of the main museum hall.
  • By Train / Bus: Train stations are located at Yeovil Pen Mill or Castle Cary, followed by a short taxi ride to RNAS Yeovilton.

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