About this museum
The Boscombe Down Aviation Collection at Old Sarum runs on a single glorious doctrine, quoted verbatim in its own literature: 'if it's got a ladder or steps — jump in.' Twenty-eight cockpits are open, from trainers to fast jets, staffed by volunteers largely drawn from the test-flying world of Boscombe Down itself, who will strap your eight-year-old into an ejection seat and fit the helmet properly.
Listed inventory: 9 airframes.
The Lancaster cockpit reproduction tour, and a test-and-evaluation pedigree collection you can physically inhabit rather than admire through rope.
- The Lancaster cockpit reproduction, toured daily
- Hunter, Jaguar & Harvard cockpits to occupy
Old Sarum airfield next door supplies live circuits. Reviewers report planning 90 minutes and surfacing at closing time. Possibly Britain's best museum-per-square-metre.
- “A rather excellent experience curated by enthusiastic, interesting and interested individuals that help bring personal stories about the aircraft to life. Highly recommended.”— Rob Stewart (Sherpa Bear Coaching)
- “This is a great place to visit, you can get hands on with most of the exhibits, volunteers are very knowledgeable, there is a cafe at hanger 3 with a discount if you visited museum”— Katie Andrews
- “Fantastic collection with the benefit of being able to get up close and Inside the cockpits of British legends. Very relaxed atmosphere and very friendly, knowledgeable staff happy to talk over any subject. Release your inner Maverick, Bader, Gibson or Brown.”— steve wares
Public map reports · excerpted for reference · not reviews collected by this gazetteer
Frequently asked
What are the opening times for Boscombe Down Aviation Collection?
Tue–Sun 10am–5pm (Feb–Oct). Verify current opening times with the museum before travelling.
How much does Boscombe Down Aviation Collection cost?
Adult admission is listed as £13.50. Check the museum's current prices before travelling.
Which aircraft can you see at Boscombe Down Aviation Collection?
The listed collection includes Lancaster cockpit reproduction (guided tours), Hawker Hunter cockpits, English Electric Lightning cockpit, EE Canberra cockpit, SEPECAT Jaguar. Aircraft move between displays, so confirm current holdings before travelling.
Does Boscombe Down Aviation Collection have parking or a cafe?
Parking is recorded on site; a cafe or restaurant is recorded. Check current facilities with the museum before travelling.
Airframe checklist
Tick them off as you go. Identities are as held in the gazetteer survey — verify against the museum’s own labels if something has moved.
| Type | Identity | |
|---|---|---|
| …and twenty more open cockpits, trainers to fast jets | — | |
| BAC Jet Provost fleet | — | |
| EE Canberra cockpit | — | |
| English Electric Lightning cockpit | — | |
| Folland Gnat | — | |
| Hawker Hunter cockpits | — | |
| Hawker Siddeley Harrier | — | |
| Lancaster cockpit reproduction (guided tours) | — | |
| SEPECAT Jaguar | — |
Inventory verification pending — figures from the gazetteer survey; confirm against the museum’s own labels before travel.
Location & contact
- Address
- Hangar 1 South, Old Sarum Airfield, Old Sarum, Salisbury SP4 6DZ
- Phone
- 01722 323636
- Website
- boscombedownaviationcollection.co.uk/
- Hours
- Tue–Sun 10am–5pm (Feb–Oct)
(from your local clock — verify before travel) - Gazetteer
- SW-03 on the situation map