The National Museum of Flight in East Lothian, Scotland is a world-renowned museum dedicated to the history of aviation. With a collection of over 50 aircraft, including military and civilian planes, helicopters, and missiles, the museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of flight.
Located on the historic site of the former RAF East Fortune airfield, the museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of aviation in Scotland and beyond. Visitors can explore the interactive exhibits and displays, which cover everything from early aviation pioneers to modern-day commercial airlines.
As one of Scotland’s most popular museums, the National Museum of Flight is a must-visit destination for anyone with an interest in aviation. With its comprehensive collection of aircraft and engaging exhibits, the museum provides a unique and informative experience for visitors of all ages.
History
The National Museum of Flight East Lothian is a world-renowned aviation museum that showcases the rich history of aviation in Scotland and beyond. The museum is located on the site of the former East Fortune Airfield, which played a significant role in the development of aviation during the First World War.
East Fortune Airfield
The East Fortune Airfield was established in 1915 as a training base for pilots during the First World War. It was home to a number of squadrons and played a crucial role in the defence of the Scottish coastline. After the war, the airfield was used for various purposes, including as a base for airship flights and as a testing ground for new aircraft.
Fortunes of War Gallery
The Fortunes of War Gallery at the National Museum of Flight East Lothian is dedicated to the role of aviation in conflict. The gallery features a range of exhibits that explore the history of military aviation, including aircraft, weapons, and personal stories of pilots and crew members. Visitors can learn about the development of aviation technology and the impact of war on aviation.
Transatlantic Flight
The National Museum of Flight East Lothian is home to a number of exhibits that celebrate the achievements of aviation pioneers, including the first transatlantic flight. The museum features a replica of the Vickers Vimy, the aircraft that made the historic flight from Newfoundland to Ireland in 1919. Visitors can learn about the challenges faced by the pilots and the significance of this achievement in the history of aviation.
Collections
The National Museum of Flight in East Lothian has an extensive collection of aircraft and aviation artifacts. The museum’s collections are divided into three main categories: Aircraft, Aircraft Parts, and the Strathallan Collection.
Aircrafts
The museum has a diverse collection of aircraft, ranging from early biplanes to modern fighter jets. Some of the notable aircraft on display include:
- Concorde: One of only two Concorde aircraft on display in Scotland, this supersonic plane was used by British Airways for commercial flights between London and New York.
- Hawker Siddeley Harrier: A British fighter jet that was capable of vertical takeoff and landing, the Harrier was used by the Royal Air Force during the Falklands War.
- Messerschmitt Bf 109: A German fighter plane used during World War II, the Bf 109 was one of the most produced fighter aircraft in history.
Aircraft Parts
In addition to complete aircraft, the museum also has a large collection of aircraft parts and engines. These include:
- Rolls-Royce Merlin Engine: The Merlin engine was used in many famous aircraft, including the Spitfire and Hurricane.
- Blackburn Buccaneer Nose: The Buccaneer was a British naval strike aircraft that was in service from the 1960s to the 1990s.
- De Havilland Comet Cockpit: The Comet was the world’s first commercial jet airliner, and the cockpit on display at the museum gives visitors a sense of what it was like to fly in this groundbreaking aircraft.
Strathallan Collection
The Strathallan Collection is a group of aircraft and vehicles that were collected by Sir William Roberts and displayed at his estate in Perthshire. After his death, the collection was sold to the museum and is now on display for visitors to see. Some of the highlights of the Strathallan Collection include:
- Supermarine Spitfire: One of the most iconic aircraft of World War II, the Spitfire was a British fighter plane that played a crucial role in the Battle of Britain.
- North American P-51 Mustang: A long-range fighter used by the United States during World War II, the Mustang was known for its speed and range.
- Focke-Wulf Fw 190: A German fighter plane used during World War II, the Fw 190 was known for its firepower and agility.
Exhibits
The National Museum of Flight in East Lothian is home to a vast collection of aircraft and aviation-related exhibits. Visitors can explore the museum’s hangars, experience the thrill of supersonic flight with the Concorde Experience, and discover the history of aviation in the Fantastic Flight Gallery.
Hangars
The museum’s hangars are home to a range of aircraft, from early biplanes to modern military jets. The exhibits are arranged chronologically, allowing visitors to trace the development of aviation over the past century.
Some of the highlights include:
- The Spitfire Mk.XVI, a legendary fighter plane that played a crucial role in the Battle of Britain
- The Vulcan bomber, a Cold War-era aircraft that could fly at supersonic speeds
- The Boeing 707, a pioneering jet airliner that revolutionized air travel in the 1950s and 60s
The Concorde Experience
The Concorde Experience is a must-see exhibit for aviation enthusiasts. Visitors can step aboard the world’s only accessible Concorde and experience what it was like to fly at twice the speed of sound.
The exhibit includes a range of interactive displays and exhibits, including:
- A replica of the Concorde cockpit, complete with authentic controls and instruments
- A multimedia display that explores the history of supersonic flight and the development of the Concorde
- A collection of artifacts and memorabilia, including uniforms, crockery, and other items used on Concorde flights
Fantastic Flight Gallery
The Fantastic Flight Gallery is a fascinating exploration of the history of aviation. The exhibit includes a range of interactive displays and exhibits, designed to engage visitors of all ages.
Some of the highlights include:
- A replica of the Wright Brothers’ Flyer, the world’s first powered aircraft
- A collection of early biplanes, including the Avro 504 and the Sopwith Pup
- A display of modern military aircraft, including the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Harrier jump jet
Visitor Experience
The National Museum of Flight in East Lothian offers an engaging and informative visitor experience. With interactive galleries, hands-on interactives, a café, and picnic area, visitors can enjoy a full day exploring the museum.
Interactive Galleries
The museum’s interactive galleries offer an immersive experience that brings aviation history to life. Visitors can explore the history of flight, learn about the development of aircraft, and discover the stories of the people who made aviation history. The galleries are designed to engage visitors of all ages and provide a fascinating insight into the world of aviation.
Hands-On Interactives
The museum’s hands-on interactives offer visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with aircraft and aviation technology. Visitors can climb into the cockpit of a fighter jet, try their hand at flying a plane in a flight simulator, and explore the inner workings of engines and other aircraft components. The hands-on interactives provide a unique and engaging experience that is both educational and fun.
Café and Picnic Area
The museum’s café offers a range of refreshments and snacks, including hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, and cakes. The café is the perfect place to take a break and refuel during a visit to the museum. For those who prefer to bring their own food, the museum also has a picnic area where visitors can enjoy a packed lunch or picnic.
The visitor experience team at the National Museum of Flight is knowledgeable and friendly, providing visitors with all the information they need to make the most of their visit. With a range of facilities and activities on offer, the museum offers a fascinating and enjoyable day out for all the family.
Events and Activities
Family Day Out
The National Museum of Flight in East Lothian is an excellent destination for a family day out. With plenty of activities and events, there is something for everyone.
One of the most popular events is the annual Airshow, which takes place in July. This event features a variety of aircraft, from vintage planes to modern jets, and includes flying displays, ground exhibitions, and activities for children.
In addition to the Airshow, the museum also hosts a range of family-friendly activities throughout the year. These include interactive exhibits, workshops, and guided tours.
Things to See and Do
There are plenty of things to see and do at the National Museum of Flight. One of the highlights is the Concorde Experience, which allows visitors to step aboard the iconic supersonic jet and learn about its history and technology.
Other popular exhibits include the Military Aviation Hangar, which showcases a range of military aircraft from World War I to the present day, and the Civil Aviation Hangar, which features a collection of commercial planes and helicopters.
For those interested in the history of aviation, the museum also has a collection of engines, instruments, and other artifacts, as well as a library and archive.
Admission and Membership
Ticket Prices
The National Museum of Flight East Lothian offers admission to visitors of all ages. There are different ticket prices for adults, concessions, and children. Admission is free for National Museums Scotland members and children under 5 years old.
Here are the current ticket prices as of July 2023:
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | £15 |
| Concession | £12 |
| Child (5-15 years old) | £8 |
Membership Benefits
Becoming a member of the National Museum of Flight East Lothian is a great way to support the museum and gain access to exclusive benefits. There are different levels of membership, including individual, joint, and family memberships.
Here are some of the benefits of becoming a National Museums Scotland member:
- Free admission to all National Museums Scotland sites, including the National Museum of Flight East Lothian
- Invitations to exclusive members-only events and previews
- Discounts on museum shops and cafes
- Subscription to the member magazine
Individual memberships start at £50 per year, while joint and family memberships are also available. For more information on membership benefits and pricing, visit the National Museums Scotland website.
Accessibility and Parking
The National Museum of Flight East Lothian is committed to making the museum accessible to all visitors, regardless of their abilities. Here’s what you need to know about accessibility and parking:
Accessibility
The museum offers a range of facilities to ensure that visitors with disabilities can enjoy their visit. These facilities include:
- Wheelchair access: The museum is fully accessible for wheelchair users, with lifts and ramps throughout the site.
- Disabled parking: There are designated disabled parking spaces close to the museum entrance.
- Assistance dogs: Assistance dogs are welcome at the museum.
- Accessible toilets: There are accessible toilets located throughout the museum.
If you have any specific requirements, please contact the museum in advance of your visit to discuss your needs.
Parking
The National Museum of Flight East Lothian has ample parking available for visitors. The car park is located close to the museum entrance and is free of charge for all visitors.
Please note that during peak times, such as school holidays and weekends, the car park can become busy. The museum recommends arriving early to ensure that you can find a parking space.
If you are travelling to the museum by public transport, there is a bus stop located outside the museum entrance. The nearest train station is North Berwick, which is approximately 8 miles away from the museum.
Location and Directions
By Road
The National Museum of Flight is located in East Fortune, East Lothian, which is approximately 22 miles east of Edinburgh. Visitors can reach the museum by car via the A1, which is the main road that runs from London to Edinburgh. The museum is well signposted from the A1, and there is ample parking available on site.
If you are using a sat-nav to navigate to the museum, the postcode to use is EH39 5LF. However, it is worth noting that some sat-navs may direct you to the wrong entrance, so it is advisable to follow the brown tourist signs for the National Museum of Flight once you are in the vicinity.
By Rail
The nearest train station to the National Museum of Flight is Drem, which is approximately 6 miles from the museum. From Drem, visitors can take a taxi or a bus to the museum. Alternatively, visitors can take a train to Edinburgh Waverley station and then take a bus or taxi from there.
The bus service that runs from Edinburgh to the museum is the Lothian Country Buses service number 121. The bus journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the bus stops at the museum entrance.
To plan your journey using public transport, you can use the Traveline Scotland website or app.
Visitors can also use Google Maps to plan their journey to the National Museum of Flight. Simply enter your starting location and the museum’s postcode (EH39 5LF) into the search bar, and Google Maps will provide you with directions for driving, walking, or using public transport.
Shop
The National Museum of Flight has a gift shop that offers a wide range of aviation-themed products. Whether you’re looking for a souvenir or a gift for someone special, the shop has something for everyone.
The shop has a variety of products ranging from model planes, books, clothing, and toys. They also have a selection of unique products that you won’t find anywhere else. The shop is a great place to find gifts for aviation enthusiasts of all ages.
If you’re looking for something specific, the friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to help you find what you’re looking for. They can also provide you with information on the exhibits and answer any questions you may have.
The shop is conveniently located near the entrance of the museum, so you can easily browse before or after your visit. Don’t forget to stop by and check out the great selection of aviation-themed products.
News
The National Museum of Flight in East Lothian has recently announced several exciting developments.
Firstly, the museum has acquired a rare Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR3 jump jet, which is now on display in the museum’s hangar. This iconic aircraft was used by the Royal Air Force during the Falklands War and is sure to be a popular attraction for visitors.
In addition to the new exhibit, the museum has also launched a new virtual reality experience. Visitors can now take a virtual flight in a Spitfire, experiencing the thrill of flying one of the most iconic planes in history.
The museum has also announced plans to expand its facilities, with a new hangar set to be built to house the museum’s growing collection of aircraft. This expansion will allow the museum to display even more of its impressive collection to visitors.
Finally, the museum has partnered with local schools to offer a range of educational programs. These programs aim to inspire the next generation of aviation enthusiasts and provide young people with the opportunity to learn about the history of flight and the science behind it.