Article Supplied by Tangmere Military Aviation Museum
Maybe you haven’t considered Tangmere Military Aviation Museum before – we hope you soon will! It’s situated at the original RAF station at Tangmere near Chichester with a large airfield perimeter track for easy free parking!
It was operational from 1918 to 1970 and known particularly for the pivotal role it played during the Battle of Britain. What is so special now though, apart from the numerous aviation attractions inside and outside the Museum, is that visitors can enjoy all there is on offer whether rain or shine for the young or not so young with plenty to do! It’s fully accessible for those with limited mobility and all on one level which makes visiting so enjoyable for everyone!
This unique collection of military aircraft and artefacts from the Great War to the Cold War includes two past holders of the World Airspeed Record (Neville Duke’s red Hawker Hunter 1953 and Donaldson’s Meteor 1946) as well as aircraft like the English Electric Lightning, Phantom, Swift, Sea Vixen, Vampire, Harriers, Wessex helicopter and replicas of the prototype Spitfire and Mk1 Hurricane amongst others. There are aircraft cockpits including the Canberra, Hunter, Provost and a reproduction Royal Aircraft Factory SE5A cockpit (a First World War bi-plane). You can climb into some of the cockpits and there are flight simulators too (subject to availability) for visitors to try their flying skills with different types to suit all ages – and there’s no extra charge!
Events scheduled for 2016 include Tangmere’s annual ‘Classic Wheels’ day on Sunday 12th June from 10.00am-5.00pm which features distinctive motor cars and military vehicles brought along by enthusiasts for display alongside the aircraft. Standard museum admission charges apply for this event.
Then on Sunday 7th August Tangmere pays tribute to Douglas Bader in an event from 10.00am-5.00pm to honour this remarkable man. The legless Second World War air ace and Tangmere Spitfire Wing Leader was ‘downed’ over occupied France and captured by the Germans. Exactly how this happened to Bader remains a mystery to this day. There will be talks and other attractions exploring his fascinating story. Admission charges for this event are on our website at www.tangmere-museum.org.uk.
The Museum is open daily at 10.00am from 1st February to 30th November each year so you can plan regular visits with your customers. It has a NAAFI Tea Room with hot and cold refreshments at reasonable prices, a gift shop, accessible toilets, a picnic area and memorial garden. Groups can be shown around by knowledgeable volunteers or can self-guide at their own pace. You should allow at least two hours for your visit.
Full details of the Museum and special events are on our website and Facebook too. Follow the brown tourist signs to the Museum or SatNav PO20 2ES. Tel: 01243 790090. Admission is £9.00 Adults; £7.00 over 60’s; £3.00 children 5-16 (under 5 years free); Families (of 2 adults and 2 children) £21; Service ID admission £7.00. 10% discount for pre-booked groups of 12 or more. Further details email:- visits@tangmere-museum.org.uk
