The Boscombe Down Aviation Collection features various aircraft and aviation equipment from the jet age. Opened in 2012, the museum is located 3 miles away from Salisbury, England. The exhibit contains cockpits, nose sections and complete planes from the WWII era as well as more recent planes like a Meteor NF11 jet fighter. You can get a real feel for flying these planes by taking a ride in their respective cockpits.
Absolutely worth a visit. The place is full of enthusiastic guides. You can get up close and sit in cockpits of planes and helicopters. The place is full of historic and interesting information about all kinds of aircraft and weaponry. My partner and I only visited because we were in the area and not because we're aircraft enthusiasts, but we would highly recommend this to anyone and would happily visit again.
Gareth Cox — Google review
What a hidden gem. My girlfriend took me here on my birthday, and we had a fantastic time. A great collection of aircraft from over the years. The Tornado being my personal favourite. On arrival we were greeted by a lovely gentleman called David, who was our guide. He walked around with us, telling us all about various aircraft, what they did and how they flew. He also told a us few stories of his own from his years as a pilot and trainer. It was an absolute pleasure. Highly recommend this place.
Andy Brooks — Google review
Simply fantastic!!
It was fun for kids to know hands-on, how complex these flying birds are (specifically in that war era).
Great experience for kids to explore the tech and very wonderfully explained by guide (quite knowledge, approachable) as how these were operated in the Era when GPS was not there yet precision was still exercised!
Utkarsh Malik — Google review
So worth a visit....more airframes arriving friendly volunteers who are a hive of information. Kids (and big kids alike) can sit in the cockpits.... and one of the only few places in the UK that can say they have a Lancaster in their collection (cockpit section under construction).
Pete Hyde — Google review
This is an absolute must! An incredible collection of aircraft and memorabilia with such a rich history. Anyone who is remotely interested in aviation will love it here. The ability to climb and sit in some of the cockpits made me feel like a kid in a candy shop. Very few places will let you be as hands on as this. The absolute best part of this museum is the staff, they’re so knowledgeable and enthusiastic in sharing, that it totally made the experience. We expected this to be a short visit and stayed for a few hours, learning and exploring. Loved it.
Tyla Sharp — Google review
First visit here, which coincided with a model show held by the IPMS (International plastic modellers society)
Entrance fee was just the regular price for entry to the aviation collection.
I had no issues parking
A great collection of aircraft, walking around and under them! (..the wings and nose cones!)
Lots of cockpits that you can sit in! watch your step though! (Harrier, Hawker Hunter, Jaguar, Tornado to name a few!)
Staff were very friendly, happy to answer any questions.
In the 2nd hanger, a large display about the Royal flying corps, with artifacts, documents, and models of the aircraft flown.
The model show was excellent (if it's your thing!) brilliantly made kits and trade stands awaiting to empty your bank account!!!
A great museum, definitely 'hands on'
Definitely recommend this, if you've an interest in aviation...for the price, you can't go wrong!
Steve Yorkshire — Google review
What a great historical gem to be found at Old Sarum. My kids loved it and enjoyed getting into all the cockpits. The guides were so friendly and knowledgeable - thanks for a great day.
Laura Jones — Google review
Highly recommend this museum especially for children. All the curators are approachable friendly and knowledgeable. What is refreshing about this museum unlike others is that instead of shouting at children not to touch the exhibits they actively encourage them to sit in the aircraft and they take time to impart their knowledge to the children. A large range of aviation history is exhibited in the original WW1 RFC Hangars containing all sorts of well presented and interesting artifacts. Well worth the visit cannot recommend highly enough. The parachute club has a cafe for refreshments and on the way out alas to late there is a microbrewery also offering food and refreshments, I must go back!
Peter Treadaway — Google review
This is a must visit museum , as it has so much local history documented here and a collection of 1st world war memorabillia that has to be seen. Plenty of aircraft to see and cockpits to climb into. Great stuff.
Gary Burton — Google review
Hidden gem. Full of plenty of aircraft with the vast majority free to climb in and out of. 2 children (5&8) had a great time as well. The staff are all so friendly and knowledgeable giving stories of all the aircraft. We spent 4 hours and there was more than enough to keep us entertained.
Anthony Carrier — Google review
We visited after going to Stonehenge, and we were gratefully able to get in for a quick look just as they were closing up. Being able to see the aircraft up close and sit inside the cockpits while listening to the fascinating information of the staff here. Absolutely 100% recommend for any aviation enthusiast!!
Phillip Andrews — Google review
An excellent little museum with some really impressive exhibits which have been restored or replicated. The volunteer guides are very knowledgable and you are actively encouraged to climb into the cockpits of many of the exhibits. The lady in the shop was super friendly and made us all feel really welcome.
Simon Giles — Google review
Amazing place. Suitable for kids as well as adults. There are lots of different types of aircraft to see up close and most of them you can climb into the cockpits of! Just be careful as some are a tight squeeze! You are able and welcome to touch pretty much everything. A lot of the cockpit controls are still movable such as switches, pedals, control wheels and levers. It’s incredible to witness the history that the aircrafts represent. There is also a monitor and mouse with Flight Radar software on so you can sit down and enjoy tracking live real-life flights in real-time, including a satellite view of the surrounding area courtesy of Bing maps. I recommend the Flightradar24 app for your phone if you enjoy. There is a gift shop upon entry. For £10.50 (adult) this place is totally worth a visit if you like aviation
Luke — Google review
Fantastic collection of planes and cockpits stored in 2 hangers at Old Sarum Airfield. Many of these you can sit in and experience a pilots view. It makes you appreciate how skilled they are. There are also a couple of helicopters and many exhibits of uniforms, engines, missiles and all things associated with life at an airfield. There is also an amazing collection of memorabilia dedicated to the Royal Flying Corps and a shop for souvenirs. With helpful volunteers on hand to answer any questions it was a great way to spend 3 to 4 hours.
Keith Sherwood — Google review
Never heard of this museum before and stopped off on the way down to the tank museum. Not sure what to expect and outside gave few clues but... So, so much crammed into 2 large hangers. Spent over 2hrs looking around and sitting in a good variety of cockpits. Could have spent longer. Highly recommended if you have an interest in planes.
C Tooth — Google review
Wow!
I had the most surprising and fascinating visit to the Aviation Collection today. The collection is housed in two large aircraft hangers full of historical aircraft. There are friendly and knowledgeable volunteers who are happy to explain in further detail, features of each of the aircraft.
One of the exciting parts of the visit is that you are allowed to sit in the flight decks of the aircraft and so I suggest shoes and clothing suitable for climbing up and into fighter and bomber aircraft. The opportunity to sit in the seat that pilots have fought battles in is sobering, exciting and tickles the curiosity.
There is also a collection of memorabilia from the wars including aviation uniforms.
Follow the signs behind the hangers to the museum and there is a free carpark alongside the airfield.
I thought I would 'pop in' to the museum for an hour but left 2.5hrs later. Well worth a visit!
Tiffany Sharp — Google review
What a wonderful hidden gem of a place this is! We have just spent a brilliant afternoon here exploring the different planes and chatting to the experienced, knowledgeable and friendly guides. Such an experience to actually be able to sit in the cockpits. Highly recommended 😃
Jen Gardner — Google review
Came here for an AGM but had a bit of time to look around as well. What was lovely was the interactive, hands on approach here. You are allowed to touch, climb into & generally enjoy the aircraft in a way that is usually forbidden! It made my day to sit in the cockpit of a Chipmunk, brought back all of the memories from when I was an air cadet & did air experience flights in the same type of aeroplane. Will need to get back for more. Staff were brilliant & knowledgeable as well. Many thanks 💕
Julia DarkRAGE — Google review
Excellent Museum, small but very well organised and with lots of information on their exhibits. The staff are also very knowledgeable and very generous with their time. Well worth a visit, & especially if you like sitting in cockpits.
The Anglican church of St Thomas’s in New Sarum is a beautiful and historic building, frequently used for religious services. The church features an amazing doom painting above the chancel arch, which depicts Christ on the road to Calvary.
St Thomas's church in the centre of Salisbury is well worth a visit. It has a remarkable " Doom Painting" over the archway separating the choir from the nave.
Tim Tiley — Google review
Beautiful medieval church with gorgeous doom painting.
Reda Karpavi?ien? — Google review
The Parish Church of St. Thomas and St Edmund has the largest Doom Screen in the United Kingdom. These medieval works of art were intended to remind the congregation of the judgement that would befall them when the end came. Painted around 1470, it was covered with lime whitewash during the Reformation and not seen again until 1819. Following its most recent restoration in 2019 it is back to its medieval, vibrant glory.
On Saturday and Tuesday mornings there is an informal cafe serving hot drinks, cakes and chrese scones at very reasonable prices.
Christopher Watkins — Google review
While not at the scale of the nearby cathedral, St. Thomas's Church is still well worth the 10 minute walk from the former. It's a great space, with brilliant windows and - as with many churches - has a lot of historical details. Plus, it has the definite advantage of being less visited by Russian assassins than the cathedral!
Andrew Yool — Google review
Personally I think church is far superior to the cathedral and recommend donating money to this church rather than paying £11 entrance to the cathedral. The church is quiet and very special, with the wall art, especially the painting of Doom. Well worth a visit. Its an amazing historic building, run by volunteers who are lovely.
Pamela Hayward-Sampson — Google review
Pop in here on Saturday. Was a beautiful church but it was a joy to see it also being used as coffee gathering place. It had such a happy vibe.
And to Kelvin the vicar....you were a joy to meet.
From Jo in Glastonbury
joanne niinemae — Google review
The christmas tree festival was what first enticed us in but this church is stunning. Well worth a visit such a stunning little church sat in the shadows of its famous neighbour.
Terry Husher — Google review
This is the city church of Salisbury, same foundation date as the Cathedral but smaller and cosy. The doom painting is magnificent and the ceiling superb. Recently refurbished with new furniture that is very well designed.
The churchyard can be accessed via an alleyway off Silver St. and is a warm and quiet spot to drink your coffee or sandwiches on a sunny afternoon.
The church has a full peal of bells and quarterjacks best experienced from a seat in the churchyard.
Ian Wheeler — Google review
This historic church may be overlooked with cathedral so prominent though it is older. It was built for cathedral builders in 13th century and is still a parish church. The doom painting over chancel arch a striking attraction with its heaven and hell depictions on judgement day. There to influence people who couldn't read. The coat of arms of Elizabeth 1 with Tudor dragon displayed and, in a side chapel, monuments to wealthy merchants with numerous children. Interesting detail in nave pillar capitals. The churchyard, accessed from the street, has headstones and Tudor quarterjacks on the tower striking the quarter hours.
Josie Dainton — Google review
Truly beautiful experience seeing all those gorgeous trees. Such a lot of hard work had gone into making the trees look so festive. We'll done to all those who had participated.
Lorraine Penny — Google review
We were there for the Christmas concert, the kids really enjoyed it. The musicians were amazing. Extra praise to the young man singing Walking in the Air he was truly amazing!
Selina Thompson-Jones — Google review
Hi, I visited last year this time in one evening and was an amazing experience, very festive and also we listened the brass band singing many carols, I wonder if this year it would be something similar?!
mihaita gheorghe — Google review
A lovely church that seems to be always bypassed due to the Cathedral drawing away visitors. First started in 1219 and made of wood for the use by the builders of the cathedral, a stone structure was built in 1226. Consequent rebuilds and additions notably in 13th, 15th and 16th centuries provides the church you see today. Inside there are memorials to the Eyre family including Jane Eyre who died in 1695 likely the namesake for Charlotte Bronte's character of the same name. There are other memorials but I liked the one of a carving of a memorial done by the 'By his own hand' of Humphrey Beckham in 1671. Worth a visit!
A magnificent Grade II-listed house on Cathedral Close that was the former home of Edward Heath is now open to the public as a museum covering his incredible political career. There is much to see, including many personal items from Heath's time in office, as well as artifacts from his time in Brussels negotiating Britain's entry into what is now the European Union. A wonderful 2 acre garden surrounds the house, perfect for exploration.
Arundells is the home of Sir Edward Heath, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He lived here for some 20 years after his retirement. The house is full of mementoes of this important politician and reflects not only his political career, but also his interest in music and overseas travel, especially China. The grand piano he used is still there and one is even allowed to try it. There is a large and lovely garden at the back of the house, ending at the bank of the River Avon (or should I say one of the Rivers Avon, as there are several of that name in England). The staff were wonderful, full of interesting stories about the life of the former PM, and some of the staff even knew him personally. Edward Heath died in 2005 and left this house to the nation.
T Hartberg — Google review
Interesting house full of Ted Heath's life.
Good tour with extremely knowledgeable guide.
Keith Douglas — Google review
Former Prime Minister Ted Heath's house. Fascinating personal items, lovely gardens and very good guides. Highly recommend.
Matt Reef — Google review
This beautiful house is almost the same as it was when Sir Edward Heath passed. There's a host of wonderful paintings and an amazing mural on the walls of staircase. The beautiful landscaped gardens reach down to the river. I would highly recommend a visit.
Susan Billing — Google review
We had a lovely time visiting this charming and idiosyncratic house. A real insight into Edward Heath's cultured life despite relatively humble beginnings- his father was a carpenter and mother was a lady in waiting. The volunteer staff were a gem! So personable, relaxed and ready with information. A tranquil and interesting afternoon.
christine stephens — Google review
Very enjoyable visit and very knowledgeable guides. We will be back as we didn't manage to read all the information and of course for another wander in that beautiful garden!
C F — Google review
The last owner of Arundells was Sir Edward Heath. He lived here, and all of his collections (arts, books, personal things) are in the original place, as he used it.
It was really interesting, everyone in the house was really knowledgeable about him and his life.
Garden is just simple amazing.
Worth to visit!
Viktoria Varga — Google review
The only home owned by Ted Heath. He lived at Arundells for 20 years until he died. A keen sailor and musician and collector of Japanese Art, the home reflects his taste. Even if you're not a fan of his politics, still a fascinating insight
Julia — Google review
Absolutely fascinating house with wonderful volunteers. Steeped in history and as Ted Heath left it full of his possessions including paintings, photos, books, his piano and gifts from all the dignitaries that he met. The garden is beautiful. It was a privilege being able to visit this house and gardens.
Jo K — Google review
This is a really enjoyable visit. The thing that we noticed is that it isn't like a national trust property with items and artifacts from lots of different periods, this was Edward Heath's home, unchanged since he lived there. As such it is definitely a home with so many interesting things to look at. The guides were informative and helpful and the garden fabulous. A lovely afternoon.
Garon Willis — Google review
One of the two visits you should not miss when in Salisbury (the other being the room where the Magna Carta is kept). A beautiful house full of history and art. All rooms have guides, some of them very knowledgeable. If you are keen in British politics or art, or simply like nice old houses with great views, I can’t recommend this visit enough.
W Bagehot — Google review
Really worth a visit. You see exactly how the house was lived in all furniture etc was as left. The items and photos on show were really interesting. The gardens were a riot of colour. The staff were informative, friendly and welcoming. Seeing how someone lived who I remembered from not too long ago made the visit well worth while. Excellent value for money.
pat turner — Google review
Wonderful evening spent at Arundells, watched local young people perform after one to one piano lessons on the beautiful Steinway Piano in the music room.
Afterwards drinks and buffet in the amazing gardens .
Truly a jewel in Salisbury’s crown !
A must visit .
Alexandra Boyd — Google review
Really lovely house museum of Edward Heath, former PM. Much better than I thought it was going to be, room guides and staff were super knowledgeable. The house felt warm and inviting, just like a lived in home. The garden is lovely and looks out onto the confluence of the Nadder and Avon rivers.
Ground floor and garden accessible by wheelchair. Toilet available.
Paul Barnett — Google review
Really interesting - especially the paintings, photos and other collections. Lovely house left just as it was on Heath's death. There is also an interesting exhibition on the Ugandan Asian refugee crisis of 1972. Guides were lovely. Worth a visit for anyone, regardless of personal politics!
The Rifles Museum in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England is a museum dedicated to the history of military life in the county. It contains exhibits on both the history and training of two local infantry regiments as well as temporary exhibitions on a variety of military-related topics.
I took my nephew here on Saturday he has adhd so got bit excited but the soldier that took us on a mini game tour was really good with him answered any questions he had about grenades or gun side of things really engaged with him and even let him take photo of him and pictures of my nephew holding the equipment they use for history purposes explaining what they were used for etc. The displays were really great to look at and had intreasting items from wars of past to modern. The gift shop is very good too I got a few things at great prices in there. The gentleman that took payments was really helpful and friendly. Would recommend for a nice day out.
Stewart Arnold — Google review
This is a small but well organised museum telling the fascinating history of the Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiments. The information is clear and not too extensive, and the display takes us through the various conflicts where these regiments have been engaged over the last couple of centuries. There is always something new to learn from the various war museums, and this place is no exception.
T Hartberg — Google review
If you've got a keen interest in military history then there's enough to keep you busy here for hours if necessary. We have more of a passing interest so it felt a little like information and memorabilia overload at times given how much was crammed into the maze-like route through the building but don't let that put you off paying this place a visit. Close to the museum and cheap entry, and worth a peruse even if only a brief one.
Mark & Marie's Travels — Google review
Small museum. Not expensive. But some really good history about the service men and women
ben marcus — Google review
Interesting museum but smaller display of regimental history than I expected but good. Nice cappuccino next door cafe
Kevin L. — Google review
Well maintained military museum, lots of interesting artifacts and service friendly staff. Lovely gardens at the rear.
Martin Talling — Google review
A fantastic place to visit.my great great great grandfather was in the 1st Wiltshire regiment and I donated a lot of his military service paper work and photos of him and his military mates.it was on my list of things to do and what a stunning museum very friendly staff and very knowledgeable.from the wardrobe over to the Salisbury cathedral to see the chapel of the,1st Wiltshire regiment.a stunning day out on every thing and a lovely town..
Paul Tarry — Google review
Had a great morning here. The children loved the displays and lots of interesting real life stories. Beautiful and relaxing garden also.
caroline owen — Google review
Friendly staff, the story of the rifles lots to see worthy of a second visit. They have a tranquil memorial garden and a lovely cafe.
Robert Hemmings — Google review
Some very interesting artifacts. But, we didn't go there for just that, we did a paranormal investigation there. No aggressive spirits, but we did get a lot of direct answers from intelligent spirits. Other equipment also activating.
Dee Pani — Google review
Really worth of visit if one likes history.
Lots of see and the personnel is extra friendly and helpful. Must place to go!
Toivo Hujanen — Google review
A well laid out museum, helpful curator, an interesting experience. Liked the garden, even in the rain.
Mark Teadham — Google review
Nicely displayed. Clean too. Very Helpful staff.The garden at the back was lovely &well cared for.Walked around it.Unfortunately it had been pouring with rain but still the garden was good to walk around. A wooden castle for children to climb on.
elsa nemeth — Google review
A very interesting place to visit, I went last Friday and lots to see and read. Really well looked after and clean. The garden was very pretty and lavender for the bees.
Sally Jane Macmillan — Google review
Great military museum, thoughtfully presented history and stories from the Regiment. Beautiful gardens. Worth a visit
The Salisbury Museum is a cultural highlight in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England. The museum houses exhibitions on the various periods of history of Salisbury. In addition to Stonehenge and prehistoric artefacts, the Wessex Gallery opened in 2014 which features one of Europe's most expansive collections of archaeological artifacts.
I came here to see the Amesbury Archer and ended up spending nearly three hours in the Wessex gallery. This museum holds incredible treasures from the nearby ancient landscape, I don't understand why was it so empty (though I was also relieved I didn't need to share it with crowds). I love that the exhibition focuses not only on the incredible finds, but also places them into context, and also adds valuable information about early antiquarians who uncovered many of the objects on display. Wonderful and very helpful staff. 10/10, even though I live across the country I will probably come back at some point when the museum fully reopens.
D Kovacova — Google review
Good amount of information, some part of the area has modern design but parts of it are quite old and an odd odour. Happy with the price as paid with student and NHS discount. Interesting gift shop too.
Sharmaine Cheung — Google review
If you like smaller and more intimate museums with strong links to the area you are visiting, this museum is perfect for you. We spent a good couple of hours here and I know my brother could have spent more.
Emma — Google review
Amazing exhibition highlighting the globally-significant finds in the Wessex area (Stonehenge included). The Amesbury Archer can be found here. The museum staff were very friendly and helpful. The building is itself very special.
D. Greenwood — Google review
Great museum with over 2000 items displayed for the public. It is very modern and well organised. The staff is very friendly and will provide a lot of useful information. The museum is just across the Christchurch Cathedral. Therefore, it will be a pity not to visit this beautiful place.
cristi cristian — Google review
The people were so super nice, especially to our boy! He loved the activities and engaged with them for ages, enabling us to enjoy the museum for a long period of time. Thank you! At times, the activities didn't align clearly with the content on the displays - something small to work on for future. We will be back!
Nora McIntyre — Google review
This museum is truly awe-inspiring with its vast array of exhibits. It is home to some of the world's most ancient artifacts. The volunteers, namely Nigel and Rob, were well-informed and offered comprehensive insights into the collections. It is highly recommended to visit this museum following your trip to the cathedral.
Jack Clement — Google review
Great displays on several levels in a beautiful old building. Very nice shop and cafe with optional outdoor seating. Staff are very helpful. Highly recommended.
Sarah Oates — Google review
Enjoyed a delicious cup of coffee on Sunday morning lovely surroundings overlooking cathedral and crisp blue sky, trees in full autumn colours,
Fran-Kitty Ayers (RazzleDazzle) — Google review
Full of history and interesting things this museum! I like it
Ciobanu Catalin — Google review
Excellent museum with plenty to look at.
I have to say this is one of the best museums we have been to (we go to a lot).
Its so clean and the staff are really friendly.
We couldn't see it all because they was having work done but will be back later in the year to see the rest of it.
Craig Porter — Google review
Although part of the museum was closed for refurbishment, the entry price reflected this.
The archaeological area was what we wanted to see and was a worthwhile experience, especially the Stonehenge area.
Our only down point was that we are interested in King Alfred and the period of history around the 9th 10th century, and there is only a small amount of artefacts and little related to Alfred.
keith garner — Google review
Salisbury museum is an amazing place, and so interesting. The history of the surrounding area and all the finds. Then the draws and doors to open with more finds in, so much to look at you have to keep going back. I was like a kid in a sweet shop. Can't wait till we come back again. And all the staff are so friendly and knowledgeable, it's an absolute must to visit
Jan Burnett — Google review
I am delighted to share my positive experience at Salisbury Museum! As the mother of a wheelchair-using teenager, I was thrilled with the excellent accessibility they offered. The staff went above and beyond to ensure our visit was enjoyable and comfortable. My child learned so much about history and archaeology during our time there, thanks to the interactive exhibits and engaging presentations. We were truly impressed by the museum's dedication to inclusivity and the warm and welcoming atmosphere they provided for all visitors. Highly recommend!
Vicky Elliott — Google review
A wonderful museum, even though some galleries were closed for refurbishment when I visited. Highlights included superb displays of archaeological ceramics and wonderfully knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers in the galleries. Look forward to visiting again when the refurbishments are completed.
Mandy Garratt — Google review
I went to see the Sir Terry Pratchett exhibition and loved every moment of it. It is an absolute MUST for all Terry fans. It was beautiful, witty and embracing. I wanted to see the rest of the museum but due to my disabilities and the fact that I spent over 3 hours just gazing and regazing at all the Terry Pratchett gems that we wouldn't fit it all in. The staff are fabulous and I am looking forward to going back to see the rest of the museum. This is the nicest museum, with the nicest people, that I have ever been to.
Batty Mouse — Google review
Prett amazing museum. Staff are very knowledgable and helpful. Art and fashion exhibit is pretty cool. Pottery and ceramic area is nice and has a nice view of the Salisbury cathedral. Cafe was prebook only, but the food and drinks looked and sounded delightful.