When we went glamping at Cheddar Gorge our first full day was pretty wet and horrible. Not to be deterred we looked for things to do inside. And came across the Helicopter Museum in Weston-Super-Mare. After a quick look, it seemed that they had an impressive collection of helicopters on display. Since Harry loves anything that flies, especially real helicopters, I hoped it would be the perfect activity for them. The helicopter museum in Somerset has everything from vintage military helicopters to modern civilian aircraft, with something every aviation enthusiast. Here is how we got on when visiting the Air Museum in Somerset. 

The museum is a true testament to the history of helicopters, with exhibits dating back to the early days of aviation. Visitors can learn about the evolution of helicopter technology and the important role these aircraft have played in military and civilian operations. It’s a fascinating look at the past, present, and future of aviation, and a must-see for anyone with an interest in helicopters or aviation in general. It is also a great destination for families, as there is lots to do and knowledgeable staff on hand to answer questions and plenty of interactive exhibits, it’s a fun and educational day out for all ages.

History of the Helicopter Museum in Weston-Super-Mare

The museum was founded in 1958 by historian Elfan Ap Rees, a local businessman who had a passion for aviation. At the time, it was the only museum of its kind in the world, dedicated solely to the history of rotary-wing aircraft. 

The museum started with just a handful of exhibits, but it quickly grew in popularity. In the early days, visitors could see helicopters like the Westland Dragonfly and the Sikorsky S-51. These early models were simple machines, with basic controls and limited capabilities. However, they paved the way for the more advanced helicopters of today.

Today it is still the largest collection of helicopters in the world. The museum actively donated helicopters from all around the world. Some of which need a lot of work to bring them back to something recognisable. When we visited they were working on a banana helicopter which the boys thought was hilarious. It is interesting being able to see this in the workshop. 

Exhibits you can see at the Air Museum Somerset

Over the years, the museum has acquired a vast collection of helicopters from all over the world. One of the most impressive exhibits is the Hind helicopter, which was used by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. This massive machine is a testament to the engineering prowess of the Soviet Union, and it is a popular attraction for visitors of all ages.

Another notable exhibit is the G-Lynx helicopter, which set the world speed record in 1986. This sleek machine is a marvel of modern engineering, and it is a testament to the ingenuity of the designers who created it. The boys were particularly interested in the Russian Hind gunship. 

Collections to see at the Helicopter Museum in Somerset

The museum also has a large collection of civilian helicopters, which are used for a variety of purposes. Visitors can see helicopters that are used for medical transport, firefighting, and search and rescue missions. These machines are a testament to the versatility of helicopters, and they demonstrate the many ways in which they can be used to help people. We came across one of the helicopters used to transport people to oil rigs. The boys were fascinated by the fact you could catch a helicopter to work! One of the volunteers explained how they ended up with the aircraft and some of its history to us. 

Visiting the Helicopter Museum in Weston-Super-Mare

Location and Parking

The helicopter museum in Somerset can be found on the Weston-Super-Mare airfield, which is steeped in aviation history and is listed on the National Aviation Heritage Register. It is easily accessible by car. If you are coming from afar then you can leave the M5 at Junction 21. Or if like us you are already in the local area it is located just off the A371, and there is ample free parking available on-site.

The museum is about a forty minute walk from the centre of Weston-Super-Mare. However it is possible to reach it by public transport. It is located on several bus routes including the X1 Excel towards Bristol. It is a mile away or twenty minute walk from the nearest train station located at Weston Milton.

Admission Fees and Gift Aid

Entrance to the museum for a family of four costs £30. We also signed up for their gift aid option. This does not add anything more to the admission prices. But it does allow visitors to return free of charge for the next twelve months. Excluding certain events they hold throughout the year such as Dinosaur Day or Darlik Day. It is also a great way to support the museum’s efforts in preserving helicopter history.

How Long do you need at the Air Museum Somerset

When we visited the helicopter museum which has the largest dedicated rotorcraft collection in the world I did wonder if we would need all day. However, we found that half a day was ample. Arriving around 10.30 am and leaving about 1 pm to head into the seaside town of Weston-Super-Mare. If it is a special day even then you may want to stay longer to see all the extra activities. There is also the possibility of booking helicopter flights. If you do this then entry to the museum is included with the price of your helicopter experience flight.  Prices start at a very reasonable £49.

Facilities at the Museum

Once inside the museum, I was impressed by the range of facilities available. The museum is well laid out, with clear signage and informative displays. There are also knowledgeable guides on hand to answer any questions visitors may have about the exhibits. Due to the size of many of the helicopters, the museum is in effect a larger hangar. And although the majority of it is inside it can get a little cold. So remember a jumper!

In addition to the  museum itself, there is also a gift shop, which offers a range of helicopter-related souvenirs and gifts. You need to walk through this to get to the main part of the museum. They do have a selection of pocket money toys and we found their prices very reasonable. Next to the entrance, there is also a cafe, which serves a variety of hot and cold drinks and snacks. So you can easily stay for several hours. 

Helicopters on Display at the Helicopter Museum Somerset

As we walked through the Helicopter Museum in Weston-Super-Mare, we were amazed by the impressive collection of helicopters on display. Here are some of the notable helicopters, rare aircraft, and prototypes that caught my attention.

Notable Helicopters

One of the most impressive helicopters on display at the air museum in Somerset is the Westland Lynx G-Lynx. Which held the world speed record of 249.1 mph for helicopters from 1986 to 2006. The Lynx is a British multi-purpose military helicopter that was used for a variety of roles, including anti-submarine warfare and troop transport. Now the current world speed record holder is the Eurocopter X3, with a maximum speed of 302 mph or 487 kph.

Another noteworthy helicopter is the Aerospatiale Dauphin, a French twin-engine helicopter that was used by the United States Coast Guard for search and rescue missions. The Dauphin is known for its distinctive dolphin-shaped nose and is still in use by many military and civilian organisations around the world.

Visiting over Coronation weekend the boys were also particularly interested in the Queen’s Royal Flight Helicopters. There is one on the show in the museum which was an aircraft of the Queen, although the royal family no longer has its fleet. 

Rare Aircraft

The museum also has several rare aircraft on display, including the Elfyn Ap Rees autogyro, the founder of the museum. This unique aircraft was designed by the Welshman and is a cross between a helicopter and an aeroplane. The autogyro uses a rotor to generate lift, but unlike a helicopter, the rotor is not powered by an engine.

Another rare aircraft on display is the Sud Aviation SA321F Super Frelon, a French military helicopter that was used for troop transport and anti-submarine warfare. The Super Frelon is known for its large size and impressive lifting capacity.

Prototypes

The Helicopter Museum also has several helicopter prototypes on display, including the Mil Mi-24D, a Russian gunship that was designed for both troop transport and attack missions. The Mi-24D is known for its distinctive shape, which resembles a flying tank.

Another prototype on display is the Black Widow, a British experimental helicopter that was designed to be stealthy and reduce its radar signature. The Black Widow was never put into production, but it remains an interesting example of experimental helicopter design.

Overall, the Helicopter Museum in Weston Super Mare is a fascinating place to visit for anyone interested in aviation history. The museum has an impressive collection of helicopters, including many rare and unique aircraft.

Interactive Zone at the Air Museum Somerset

For younger visitors, outside there is a small play area with a helicopter-themed climbing frame and slide. There is also a couple of picnic benches.

As we explored the Helicopter Museum in Weston Super Mare the boys were excited to check out the Interactive Zone. This area of the museum is dedicated to providing visitors with a hands-on experience, allowing them to learn more about helicopters and aviation in a fun and engaging way. One of the exhibits is the helicopter maintenance display. Here, visitors can learn about the different parts of a helicopter and how they work together to keep the aircraft in top condition. The exhibit includes a variety of tools and equipment used by mechanics to maintain and repair helicopters.

Another highlight is the flight simulators. The simulator is equipped with realistic controls and a screen that displays the view from the cockpit. Designed to be a thrilling experience, to feel like a real pilot as you manoeuvre the helicopter through the virtual skies. There is also a spitfire one. These are located in the outside building next to the play area. Not to mention dress up, buttons to push, telephone handsets to listen into and Morse code machines to try out. There is also a film theatre at the back which shows how the airbase helped the war effort. 

Event Days

One of the most popular events at the air museum in Somerset is the open cockpit days, where visitors can climb into the cockpit of a helicopter and experience what it’s like to be a pilot. These events are a great way to get up close and personal with these amazing machines. This was not running on the day we visited. Although it was still possible for us to see inside the cockpit of some of the aircraft, as they had steps up. 

Conclusion

We really enjoyed our visit to the  Helicopter Museum in Weston-Super-Mare. The museum houses an impressive collection of helicopters. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in aviation history or technology. The exhibits are well-curated and informative, and the staff are knowledgeable and friendly. Making a great day out for all the family. You can also combine your visit like we did with a trip to Weston-Super-Mare and the seaside. Both of which are only a couple of miles away from the museum. 

Have you visited the Helicopter Museum in Somerset? I would love to hear about your experiences in the comments below. 

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