Photo Credit - Roland Turner

Overview

The Fleet Air Arm Museum, located in Yeovilton, Somerset, is one of Europe’s leading aviation museums and the largest dedicated to naval aviation in the United Kingdom. Part of the National Museum of the Royal Navy, the museum offers a captivating journey through more than a century of British naval aviation history, bringing to life the stories of aircraft, aircraft carriers, and the people who flew and maintained them.

Home to over 100 aircraft and thousands of historic artifacts, the museum spans four large exhibition halls and offers an immersive experience that appeals to all ages. One of the museum’s standout attractions is the full-size replica of the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal’s flight deck, complete with dramatic lighting, sound effects, and real aircraft positioned as if in mid-operation. Visitors can explore iconic British aircraft such as the Sea Harrier, Swordfish, and Phantom, as well as international examples like the American F-4K and the unique Concorde 002—one of only two pre-production Concordes ever built.

The museum doesn’t just showcase machines—it tells the human stories behind naval aviation, from the pioneering pilots of World War I to the complex carrier operations of the modern Royal Navy. Interactive displays, flight simulators, and short films provide a deeper understanding of life at sea and in the skies.

Located adjacent to RNAS Yeovilton, one of the Royal Navy’s busiest air stations, the museum also offers the chance to see modern naval aircraft in action during certain times of the year.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, aviation buff, or family seeking an inspiring and educational day out, the Fleet Air Arm Museum delivers a rich and engaging experience that honors the legacy and ongoing evolution of naval air power.

Visitor Information

DISCLAIMER: The information below is believed to be correct, however please check the museum website prior to visiting.

Website
www.fleetairarm.com

Location
Fleet Air Arm Museum
Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton
Ilchester
Somerset
BA22 8HT
United Kingdom

Opening Hours

Open daily: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Last entry: 3:30 PM

Closed on 24–26 December and occasionally for special events or maintenance

Admission Prices

Adults: £17.00

Children (5–15 years): £13.00

Under 5s: Free

Family tickets and concessions available

Tickets are valid for 12 months of unlimited return visits

Getting There

By Car: Located off the A303, with free on-site parking available

By Train: Nearest stations are Yeovil Pen Mill and Yeovil Junction (a taxi or bus ride is required from either)

By Bus: Local buses from Yeovil and surrounding areas serve Ilchester and nearby stops

Facilities

Free parking including disabled spaces

On-site café serving hot meals, snacks, and drinks

Gift shop with aviation-themed merchandise

Accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities

Wheelchair access throughout most areas of the museum

Interactive displays and flight simulators

Indoor and outdoor picnic areas

Group visit services and guided tours available by arrangement

Fleet Air Arm Museum

Video Tour

Aircraft on Display at the Fleet Air Arm Museum

Hall 1: Early Naval Aviation

This hall focuses on the pioneers of naval flight, featuring early aircraft and seaplanes:

Short S.27 (Replica)

Sopwith Pup (Replica)

Supermarine Walrus

Fairey Flycatcher (Replica)

BAe Sea Harrier

Westland Dragonfly

Westland Whirlwind HAR.3

Westland Lynx

Westland Sea King


 

Hall 2: World War II and the Korean War

Dedicated to aircraft from the Second World War and the Korean War, this hall includes:

Fairey Albacore

Fairey Fulmar

North American Harvard (T-6 Texan)

Grumman Hellcat

Grumman Avenger

Supermarine Seafire F.17

Hawker Sea Fury FB.11

Vought F4U Corsair

Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka II

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15


 

Hall 3: Aircraft Carrier Experience

This immersive exhibit replicates the flight deck of HMS Ark Royal, showcasing:

Fairey Gannet AEW.3

Fairey Gannet COD.4

Vickers Supermarine Scimitar F.1

Vickers Supermarine Attacker F.1

de Havilland Sea Vixen FAW.2

de Havilland Sea Vampire

McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom FG.1

Hawker Sea Hawk

Blackburn Buccaneer S.1

Blackburn Buccaneer S.2B

Westland Wessex HU.5


 

Hall 4: Modern Aviation and Prototypes

Focusing on experimental and modern aircraft, this hall features:

BAC Concorde 002 (Prototype)

Hawker P.1127

Hawker Hunter T.8M

Bristol Scout D

de Havilland Vampire T.22

Westland Wyvern TF.1

Handley Page HP.115

BAC 221

BAe Sea Harrier FRS.1