Gatwick Aviation Museum

About the museum

The Gatwick Aviation Museum began in 1987 as a private collection assembled by the Surrey businessman Peter Vallance. In 1990 he decided to make it a registered charity and to open it to the public, and it is now run by a team of volunteers working with staff and trustees.

The collection concentrates on British aircraft and engines from the years after the Second World War up to the 1970s, a period when British designers produced many innovative aircraft. Visitors can climb inside an Avro Shackleton and, via a tour, board the aircraft and meet former crew, and they can climb into the nose section of a Canberra and sit in the cockpits of an Islander and a full-size Robinson R22 helicopter.

A separate exhibition follows the history of Gatwick Airport decade by decade, from its early years to its growth into the second-largest international airport in the UK, with airline memorabilia, uniforms and models. The site covers about 30 acres of parkland with picnic areas, a nature trail, a coffee shop and a viewing area overlooking the airport.

Highlights

• Avro Shackleton Mk 3 with walk-on tours
• Canberra nose section visitors can climb into
• Cockpits of an Islander and a Robinson R22 helicopter
• Exhibition on the history of Gatwick Airport
• Runway viewing area and 30 acres of parkland

Permanent exhibitions

• British aircraft collection – Aircraft and engines from the post-war years to the 1970s, including a walk-on Avro Shackleton and a Canberra nose section.
• Gatwick Airport exhibition – The history of the airport decade by decade, with airline memorabilia, uniforms and models.

Founded

1987

Operated by

Gatwick Aviation Museum (registered charity 1075858)

Admission & discounts

The adult price is for ages 13 to 64. Members and registered carers are admitted free, and dogs on a lead are free. The visit page also says entry is by donation.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Disabled parking is available, and the site has easy access for wheelchair users and pushchairs, but some exhibits may not be accessible to wheelchair users and the grass areas may be unsuitable in places. There is one accessible toilet.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly

Children can sit in the cockpits of a helicopter and an Islander, and the museum runs a kids’ competition and offers a family ticket. The Shackleton tour is not open to under-5s. Pushchairs are catered for and there is a picnic area.

Getting there & parking

Address for navigation: Lowfield Heath Road, Charlwood, Gatwick, RH6 0BT.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Galley Coffee Shop serves hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, snacks, cakes and ice cream. The gift shop sells aviation-themed toys, books and gifts, and proceeds support the charity. There is a picnic area with tables, and toilets are inside the main entrance. Dogs on leads are welcome.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit