Wight Aviation Museum

About the museum

Wight Aviation Museum is run by volunteers as a registered charity and tells the story of more than 100 years of flying on the Isle of Wight. It is based at Sandown Airport on the east of the island.

Many aircraft and rockets were built on the island, and the displays reflect this. Visitors see a full-size Black Arrow rocket and learn how the island developed British space rockets. Other large exhibits include an original 1950s Skeeter helicopter, an original 1960s CC7 Cushioncraft hovercraft and material about the Princess, described as the world's biggest all-metal flying boat. A large collection of model aircraft completes the picture.

People are central to the museum. One exhibition follows Mary Ellis, a wartime Air Transport Auxiliary pilot who flew more than 1,000 aircraft of 76 types. A second exhibition, War over the Wight, looks at the Second World War on the island. Private collections of aviation memorabilia, including early airline timetables, photographs and aircraft parts, are on loan, and a library of aviation books is being built up with donations.

The museum is currently raising money to bring a Spartan biplane back from New Zealand so that it can be displayed at the museum. School and youth groups can book hands-on sessions linked to the National Curriculum.

Highlights

• Full-size Black Arrow rocket replica and the story of the island's space rocket industry
• The Mary Ellis Story about a wartime Air Transport Auxiliary pilot
• Original Skeeter helicopter and CC7 Cushioncraft hovercraft
• Largest model aircraft collection on the Isle of Wight
• Virtual reality flight simulator over the island

Permanent exhibitions

• The Mary Ellis Story – Exhibition about Mary Ellis, an Air Transport Auxiliary pilot who delivered more than 1,000 aircraft of 76 types during the Second World War.
• Black Arrow and the island's space rockets – A full-size Black Arrow replica and displays on the rockets and satellite launchers developed on the Isle of Wight.
• War over the Wight – Exhibition about the Second World War on the Isle of Wight.

Founded

2019

Operated by

Wight Aviation Museum (registered charity 1175948)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free and donations are welcome. Special talks, such as the Mary Ellis talk on 25 September 2026 (£5), are ticketed separately. Annual membership costs £4 per month.

Accessibility

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

Pet dogs are not allowed inside the museum; trained assistance dogs are welcome. The website gives no information about step-free access.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

The museum describes itself as a family day out. Children must be accompanied by an adult. School and youth groups can book workshops on aviation, rockets, hovercraft and the Second World War on the island.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The museum shop sells model aircraft, aviation books, souvenirs and gifts. There is an outdoor seating area for dog owners. No visitor wifi is mentioned.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Up to 50 guests.

The Ops Room is available for meetings of up to 20 people for a small donation. The events space holds up to 50 guests.

Plan your visit