Sit inside 28 real aircraft cockpits including Cold War jets, helicopters, and trainers, plus try interactive flight simulators at the UK's largest hands-on aviation museum.

Boscombe Down Aviation Collection is a unique hands-on aviation museum located at Old Sarum Airfield in Salisbury, home to one of the largest fast-jet cockpit collections in the UK. Visitors can sit inside 28 different aircraft cockpits and flight decks, touch the controls, and experience aviation history firsthand. The collection features legendary RAF aircraft including the Jaguar, Tornado, Harrier jump jet, Jet Provost and Chipmunk trainers, Scout and Wasp helicopters, plus transport aircraft like the Comet and BAC 1-11, alongside meticulously restored exhibits such as a Lancaster Bomber cockpit. Beyond the static cockpits, the museum offers four state-of-the-art interactive flight simulators where visitors can test their flying skills and experience the thrill of aviation hands-on. The Collection caters to families of all ages, from children climbing into cockpits to teenagers fascinated by the detail of restored aircraft, as well as serious aviation historians and enthusiasts. With highly trained volunteer guides providing knowledgeable tours and accessible, engaging exhibits, the museum combines education with interactive entertainment. Rated #2 of 72 attractions in Salisbury on TripAdvisor with a 4.8-star Google rating from over 1,100 reviews, Boscombe Down Aviation Collection is praised for its warm welcome, knowledgeable staff, and unique opportunity to get up close to and inside real historic aircraft. The venue is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–17:00, with last entry at 16:00, making it an ideal destination for families seeking an educational and memorable aviation experience.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

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Rob Stewart (Sherpa Bear Coaching)

3 weeks ago

A rather excellent experience curated by enthusiastic, interesting and interested individuals that help bring personal stories about the aircraft to life. Highly recommended.

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steve wares

2 months ago

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.

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Jaroslaw Dulnik

3 months ago

Another great aviation museum. It's more concentrated on cold war era but still has something to offer from WWI and WWII times. WW2 Lancaster Spacial cabin tour is a must see. The staff is exceptional. We spent 1.5 hours but if not in rash, easily could spend a day there. Such an interesting bunch... they don't make gents like these anymore... shame. Please come, see, chat and support this great place and people running it. Thanks.

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Mark Kahny Jr

3 months ago

This place was a hidden gem. Love me a good museum and it was a rainy day surprise. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable on the history of the exhibits. It was a treat to actually be able to look into the cockpits and to touch the equipment. Was definitely worth my time. I highly recommend this museum.

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Jon Moore

5 months ago

What an incredible museum! A very warm welcome on arrival, lots of information about the displays and accessible aircraft/cockpits. A superb guided tour of the Lancaster reproduction cockpit section, our guide was extremely knowledgeable. Lots of aircraft to get up close and personal with, a rare treat at an aviation museum. Friendly and knowledgeable guides available with a wealth of information and stories. We had a fantastic time and if we're in the area again we'll be back for another visit. Very highly recommend the museum, a huge well done and thank you to all the staff.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026