Midland Air Museum

About the museum

The museum began in 1967, when a group of local aircraft enthusiasts formed the Midland Aircraft Preservation Society and started collecting books, photographs and aircraft parts. Without a permanent home, the society showed its collection at air displays and fetes to raise money. In 1975 it secured a lease on a small plot north of Coventry Airport, and in 1977 it renamed itself the Midland Air Museum. The museum opened to the public on 2 April 1978 with five aircraft.

The arrival of an Avro Vulcan bomber in 1983 and an Armstrong-Whitworth Argosy freighter in 1987 led to a move to the present site and the founding of the Sir Frank Whittle Jet Heritage Centre. The museum became one of the first independent aviation museums to be registered with the national museums body in 1990, and it gained Accreditation in 2008. A Second World War Robin hangar, acquired in 1995, gave covered space for displays and restoration, and a new hangar opened in 2024.

The collection concentrates on the development of the jet and on aircraft and engines made in the Coventry area, including products of Armstrong-Whitworth, Armstrong-Siddeley, Rolls-Royce and others. It is run as a charity, largely by volunteers, with a small paid staff. The neighbouring Coventry Airport was announced to close for redevelopment in 2026; the museum has said it is not affected and remains open.

Highlights

• Avro Vulcan B2 bomber with free guided cockpit tours
• Jet fighters including Meteor, Hunter, Javelin, Lightning, Sea Harrier and F-4C Phantom II
• Mil Mi-24 Hind helicopter and Panavia Tornado GR4
• Armstrong-Whitworth Argosy freighter and Vickers Viscount airliner
• Wings Over Coventry gallery on local aircraft and engine makers
• Collection of aircraft engines from Jumo 004 to Rolls-Royce Spey

Permanent exhibitions

• Jet aircraft collection – Jet fighters, bombers and trainers from Britain, the United States, the Soviet Union and elsewhere, led by the Avro Vulcan and the F-4C Phantom II.
• Wings Over Coventry – A gallery on the mezzanine of the main hangar showing the aircraft, engines and other products of local manufacturers.
• Cockpit tours – Free volunteer-led visits inside the Vulcan, Argosy and other aircraft, plus an open Meteor cockpit to sit in.

Founded

1978

Operated by

Midland Air Museum (registered charity)

Admission & discounts

Adult admission (aged 16 and over) is £11. Tickets are bought at reception on the day, and there is no need to book in advance. Cockpit tours are free.

Accessibility

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

Several spaces closest to the entrance are reserved for Disabled Badge holders. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. The Vulcan and Argosy cockpits are reached by ladder, and the cargo area of the Argosy and several other cockpits are reached by stairs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

The museum describes itself as welcoming to visitors of all ages, and there is a family ticket for two adults and three children. Children can sit inside the Meteor cockpit and try the instruments in the Electra cockpit. Worksheet packs are available for school and group visits.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on Rowley Road near Baginton village, beside the northern boundary of Coventry Airport and south of the A45, and is signposted from the A45 (sat-nav postcode CV3 4FR).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

The Argosy Tea Room serves hot and cold drinks, toasted sandwiches, cakes and light snacks, with areas for visitors with dogs. Picnic tables are spread around the outdoor display area. The museum shop sells model kits, diecast models, toys, books, prints, posters and souvenirs.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 80 guests.

The Argosy Centre next to the main hangar holds up to 80 people for meetings, conferences, talks and product launches, with a projector, screen and catering available. Group visits and commercial filming can also be arranged.

Plan your visit