Gliding Heritage Centre

About the museum

The Gliding Heritage Centre grew out of the Vintage Glider Club, founded in 1973 by Christopher Wills, son of the gliding pioneer Philip Wills. When Wills died in 2011 he left a bequest that paid for a hangar for vintage gliders, and enthusiasts then set up the centre as a charity so that the public could see them.

The first hangar, the Chris Wills Memorial Hangar, opened in August 2013, and a second hangar followed in 2018. A later bequest funded a workshop where some gliders are kept airworthy, others are restored and the skills of repairing wooden gliders are taught. The centre is run entirely by volunteers and aims to preserve British gliding heritage and to make it accessible to the public.

The collection describes itself as the largest of historic gliders in the UK. It includes early types such as the Abbott-Baynes Scud and the Grunau Baby, post-war designs such as the Slingsby Skylark and the Olympia, and a replica of the Colditz Cock. Some of the gliders are still flown. Visitors learn about them on guided tours and can try a glider simulator built from a real 1953 glider fuselage.

Highlights

• Largest collection of historic gliders in the UK
• Gliders including the Scud, Grunau Baby, Olympia and Slingsby Skylark
• Replica of the Colditz Cock
• Glider simulator built from a 1953 fuselage
• Free guided tours every Sunday afternoon

Permanent exhibitions

• Historic gliders – The largest collection of historic gliders in the UK, kept in two hangars and viewed on a guided tour.
• Glider simulator – A flight simulator built from a real 1953 glider fuselage, popular with children.

Founded

2013

Operated by

Gliding Heritage Centre (volunteer-run charity)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Tours are free; the centre is a charity and asks for a donation, which can be paid by cash or card. Annual membership costs £24.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• 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 access is provided to all buildings, although the gravel paths may require assistance for wheelchair users. Toilet facilities are available.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

A glider simulator made from a real 1953 glider fuselage is popular with children, and the centre aims to introduce young people to gliding and aviation.

Getting there & parking

Use the postcode GU34 5SS or search for “Lasham Gliding” in a satnav; entering “Gliding Heritage Centre” may lead to the wrong airfield entrance. The centre is on the south side of the airfield and usually provides a people carrier to transport visitors.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Snacks, drinks and Sunday lunch are available in the clubhouse of the Lasham Gliding Society, which also has a viewing area for glider activity.

Events & venue rental

A visitors’ room for up to 30 people can be used for illustrated talks.

Plan your visit