What to do and see in England, United Kingdom: The Best Military Museums

October 19, 2021 Joeann Galban

– in Europe  (green & dark grey) – in the United Kingdom  (green)
Restaurants in England

1. Battle of Britain Bunker

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5.0 based on 514 reviews

Battle of Britain Bunker

The only original Battle of Britain RAF Fighter Group Operations Room open to the public. The Operations Room, in reality a series of rooms on 2 levels some 60 feet (18m) underground, is reached via 76 steps. The plotting room with its large map table, squadron display boards, balloon and weather states, is exactly how it was when Winston Churchill visited on 15 September 1940

2. Boscombe Down Aviation Collection

Hangar 1 South Old Sarum Airfield Old Sarum Airfield, Salisbury SP4 6DZ England +44 1722 323636 http://www.boscombedownaviationcollection.co.uk
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5.0 based on 582 reviews

Boscombe Down Aviation Collection

Whether you're a serious aviation enthusiast or a kid who wants to sit in fast jet cockpits, this is for you! Please note - We are at Old Sarum Airfield - NOT at the Boscombe Down airfield.

Reviewed By thorpoticus - Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom

What a fantastic place to get up close to a large part of Britain’s military aviation history Most of the cockpits are open and you are allowed to climb inside and use the controls The staff are very friendly and informative with anything you may want to know Recommended for kids of all ages(I’m 59) If you’re near Salisbury this is a must!

3. The Museum of Military Medicine

Keogh Barracks Ash Vale, Aldershot GU12 5RQ England +44 1252 868612 [email protected] http://www.museumofmilitarymedicine.org.uk
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5.0 based on 41 reviews

The Museum of Military Medicine

The museum tells the story of army medicine and healthcare, human and animal, from the English Civil War to the current day as Army Medical Services personnel continue to serve across the globe as part of the British Army.The collections on display include uniforms and insignia, medical, dental and veterinary equipment, ambulances and much more besides. We are also open the first Saturday of each month, 9.30 am to 3.30 pm. Group and special tours can be arranged. Please phone to check.

Reviewed By GreenGetaways - Hampshire, United Kingdom

My partner and I visited this wonderful museum earlier this year for his birthday. It is a real gem because it charts the history of military museum from the ancient Greek and Egyptian civilisations, up to the modern day. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. The only thing that is vaguely disappointing is the obvious lack of visitors. We visited on a Heritage Open Day, so it was slightly busier than usual. The collection itself is very extensive and interesting. We were particularly enthralled by the displays from the First World War, as well as the wooden Birthing Chair – which looks about as comfortable as a park bench!! It is a hidden gem and a must-see for those who are interested in history, medicine, dentistry, nursing the Army and much more!!

4. Parham Airfield Museum

Parham Airfield, Woodbridge IP13 9AF England +44 1728 621373 [email protected] http://www.parhamairfieldmuseum.co.uk
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5.0 based on 102 reviews

Parham Airfield Museum

DUE TO THE CURRENT SITUATION WE ARE SORRY BUT WE WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. Please check the website for further information. The 390th Bomb Group Memorial Air Museum and the Museum of the British Resistance Organisation are housed in the original war time control tower, associated quanset (nissan) huts, and include the Percy Kindred Library and cafe. Situated on open fields the museum is signposted from the A12 North of Woodbridge after passing through Little Glemham. We are open on Sundays and Bank Holiday Monday’s from the first Sunday in April to last Sunday in October and also on Wednesdays during June, July and August. FREE Kids activites:- Ink Stamper Trail, Lego Table, Activity Sheet FREE parking, FREE Admission DONATIONS GRATEFULLY RECEIVED

Reviewed By Y6088JNchriss

This is an incredible museum and memorial to the bomber crews that flew from here during the war. Lots of interesting stories and artifacts and the volunteers that work there are enthusiastic and have an extraordinary knowledge of the history of the base. Couldn't recommend more highly. I've been multiple times and have a jumper too!

5. Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre

Aero Hub 2, Newquay TR8 4JN England +44 1637 861962 http://www.cornwallaviationhc.co.uk
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5.0 based on 616 reviews

Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre

A great family tourist attraction. Informative - and interesting aviation heritage and activity museum. Ideal for young and old. Indoor and outdoor exhibits. Sit inside the cockpits of some fantastic aircraft...

Reviewed By glyn84 - Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom

Excellent place to spend a few hours looking at the aviation exhibition with very knowledgeable and friendly volunteers to explain the aircraft, even able to sit in the cockpits of quite a few even an amazing cold war Lightning to see .

6. Spitfire Visitor Centre - Hangar 42

Squires Gate Lane Hangar 42, Blackpool Airport, Blackpool FY4 2QY England +44 1253 341902 [email protected] http://www.spitfiredisplayteam.co.uk/
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5.0 based on 111 reviews

Spitfire Visitor Centre - Hangar 42

Open from the 18th May on Tuesdays & Thursdays and the first Sunday of the Month from 10am - 4pm only. Our WW2 Hangar is, as it was, during WW2. Hangar 42 was a key Hangar at RAF Squires Gate, housing Hawker Hurricanes and Boulton Paul Defiants. Operated by Volunteers the exhibits include Mark II & IX Spitfire's and a Hawker Hurricane MKII as well as original and operational RAF airfield vehicles. Please note that this Visitor attraction is best suited to children 10 years or older. Entry fees are Adults £5.00 Children 10-16 £3.00, under 10's Free. Veterans and serving members of the Armed half price with ID Card. If you are interested in sitting in the cockpit of one of our Spitfire Aircraft, there is a fee of £5 for this on top of the entrance fee. Free Car park, NO PETS. Advance ticket sales only via www.ticketsource.co.uk until 21st June, whilst covid restrictions apply. H42 is Covid Secure, follow Social Media for new updates

Reviewed By SmallTownGirlinDrag - Brighton, United Kingdom

Fascinating look at World War Two Pilates from yesteryear Had a wonderful time even sat in cockpit of a Hurricane

7. Castletown D-Day Centre

Admiralty Buildings Admiralty Buildings Castletown, DT5 1BB England +44 1305 443444 [email protected] https://www.castletownddaycentre.com/
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5.0 based on 354 reviews

Castletown D-Day Centre

The Castletown D-Day Centre is a family friendly, interactive WWII museum that tells the story of the thousands of US military personnel who in June 1944 sailed from Dorset to the beaches of Normandy.

Reviewed By FamilyManWessex

A great WW2 museum where you are invited to touch guns and sit in and on the vehicles including a jeep, motorbike and sidecar troop carriers anti-aircraft gun and Sherman tank. Really friendly and helpful staff. A great family experience for our children aged between 5 and 15.

8. International Bomber Command Centre

Canwick Avenue B1131, Lincoln LN4 2HQ England +44 1522 514755 [email protected] https://internationalbcc.co.uk/about-ibcc/
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5.0 based on 737 reviews

International Bomber Command Centre

The award winning IBCC opened to the public for the first time on the 30th January 2018. The site includes the one of the UK's tallest War Memorials, The Spire, which stands out on Lincoln's skyline at 31.09m tall, the same height as the wingspan of a Lancaster Bomber. The Spire is surrounded by curved walls which carry the names of 57,871 men and women who gave their lives whilst in the service of Bomber Command during WW2. The Spire is set in 10 acres of landscaped peace gardens, one which represents Lincolnshire's contribution to the war and one that recognizes the involvement of 62 nations in Bomber Command. The Chadwick Centre provides all our visitor facilities and hosts three exhibition galleries covering our core themes of Recognition, Remembrance and Reconciliation. There is also an education suite and facilities for corporate hospitality. Children's trails and craft sessions available. The site is free to visit but tickets are needed to gain access to the Exhibition.

Reviewed By earthtravelller

Spent nearly the whole day here exploring the excellent interactive displays which really brought history to life and walking in the peace garden and up to the memorial spire and walls with a fabulous view over Lincoln. Staff were so friendly and knowledgeable Lovely café with excellent food High quality gift shop Very well set out site A very fitting tribute to all those who served in Bomber Command in any role

9. HMS Belfast

The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2JH England +44 20 7416 5000 [email protected] http://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast
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4.5 based on 3,807 reviews

HMS Belfast

London’s warship experience. Climb on board and explore all 9 decks. Permanently moored on the Thames.

Reviewed By jobyjugs

Well worth a visit if your in the area, fascinating to actually step onboard a war ship you can practically walk round the whole ship, very interesting facts to be learned.

10. Imperial War Museums

Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ England +44 20 7416 5000 [email protected] http://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-london
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4.5 based on 10,428 reviews

Imperial War Museums

Founded during the First World War, IWM London gives voice to the extraordinary experiences of ordinary people forced to live in a world torn apart by conflict. From the wonder of its world-famous atrium to the countless discoveries on each of its six floors, it is a place filled with the power to move, surprise and inspire.

Reviewed By MaleneSC - Copenhagen, Denmark

As a museology and English student (with a great interest in WW1) I love this museum! Their World War One gallery is incredible and so interesting! The museum is free and the guided tours (which I really recommend) are very fairly priced too, and very professional! I've seen their 'Making A New World' special commemorative exhibition and I was so moved and inspired. It was beautifully made. I really recommend this museum to anyone interested in military history (especially WW1) and to anyone in general, it really is worth a visit!

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