Gatwick Aviation Museum

A Little gem of a museum with great friendly staff and knowledgeable volunteers ,very good selection of aircraft and aircraft engines as well as interesting memorabilia about the history and development of Gatwick airport, Included in the price of entry is a tour of the Shackleton by aircrew that flew it, special mention must go to Squadron Leader Mike Rankin my guide on the day he flew this type of aircraft amongst others and had plenty of information and stories during his time in the RAF. All in all this museum is well worth a visit. Check out with them as from time to time they run the engines on the Shackleton and Lightning.

Haven’t been since 2019, museum is looking amazing with its new hanger. Staff member also showed us the Virgin A350 training pod which we didn’t know was there. Brilliant day out and a good charity. ✈️

Visited here today with my 11 year old son. Wasn't sure what i was expecting but it was great! The staff (all volunteers and retired from the aviation industry) were amazing. They gave us a fabulous tour of the exhibits, explaining lots of details and were not in any way rushed, even though there were only 3 of them working and several people visiting. We spent a couple of hours here crawling through aircraft, sitting in cockpits and getting a feel for the sights and smells of the aircraft. We particularly enjoyed the 1st class Virgin Atlantic cabin experience (how the other half live!) Well I particularly enjoyed it anyway!
If you're in the area it's definitely worth a visit, you can even wander down through the field to a viewing area of Gatwicks runway and watch the planes take off and land.

Thanks to the great staff who make this little museum a pleasure to visit.

Nice little museum. Mostly military aircraft on display. Has a gift shop, toilets, free parking, you can buy drinks and ice creams.
Pros: ticket prices are good. Gift shop prices are actually affordable, normally you'll find in touristy places they'd normally hike up the prices but no, I bought something for 30p! which is unheard of in London. A few planes kids are able to go in to pretend to be pilots. The viewing area for Gatwick Airport.
Cons (minor): the road in is very small, in fact I drove past it and had to do a loop round. Doesn't have a cafe but you can bring your own food.

This is a great place to go with kids (and adults) who are interested in planes. The volunteers are retired service men with lots of knowledge and a willingness to share their knowledge. It's an unexpected little gem. Also you are able to view the airplanes take off and land at the end of the field...

Lots to see and very informal so you can get up close enough to most of the exhibits to smell the oil. Plenty of planes and engines, mostly with panels and pieces removed to show the workings so ideal for a casual viewer or the (self-confessed) engineering nerd!

We went on a Friday afternoon and the volunteers were amazing; very knowledgable, explained everything to us when we asked, generally had a good laugh and a chat, and made the visit very enjoyable! Also really nice to meet Squadron Leader Mike Rankin who talked us around the Shackleton - hearing stories and views from someone who used to fly one was a pleasure.

Fantastic few hours spent here today. So great aircraft along with lots of other aviation related items. Definitely work looking at the Gatwick Room too. Staff have great knowledge of the aircraft and are very helpful. Can't wait till the next engine runs of the Shackleton and Lightning which they hope will be next year,so keep an eye on the website for updates. I will definitely be going back soon.

A humble but wonderful collection of military (mainly jet) aircraft from 1940s through to late 60’s, also engines on display to match. Beautifully hangared and restored. Attended on Friday and met the wonderful ‘Friday’ volunteers team (thanks guys). Was treated to a wonderful tour inside the Shackleton by an ex serving Shackleton crew member. Superb afternoon. If you’re an aviation enthusiast, don’t miss it.