South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum presents a great jumble of flying machines in a spacious shed. These historic aircraft hang from the ceiling, flank the walls and plaster the floors of a refurbished World War II hangar and two wooden edifices. Inspect the myriad insignia decorating your favorite planes and helicopters.
The museum’s collection comprises various complete aircraft beside an eclectic assortment of parts. Admire the first Royal Navy helicopter to go the Falklands and the replica of a Bleriot IX plane from the early 1900s. Another intriguing attraction is the Sea King helicopter that rescued celebrity entrepreneur Richard Branson on his failed balloon voyage in 1987.
See engines dating back as far as World War I. Note how these machines range greatly in size, from jet engines to microlight devices. Some remain in working condition today.
For a feel of the history of aviation, scan the photos and artifacts lining the displays. These shed light on wars and momentous occasions in the history of flying, such as the U.K.’s first air show, which was held at Doncaster Racecourse in 1909. Find out about daily life in the 1940s in the Home Front exhibit and examine the uniforms for men and women. These stand beside models of aircraft and other vehicles.
The museum’s buildings are the last surviving remnants of the former Doncaster Airport. A memorial outside the museum pays tribute to the hundreds of Brits who perished in the Falklands War. Explore the exhibits tracing the key moments in this 1982 war with Argentina.
The site opens daily from morning until late afternoon, with a later closing time in summer. There is an admission fee with discounted rates for kids and seniors.
Find South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum in southeastern Doncaster in South Yorkshire. Buses take passengers from the town center to the museum in about 25 minutes. See other nearby sights, including Doncaster Racecourse, Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery and The Dome.