Welcome to the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection
Home to one of the largest fast-jet cockpit collections in the UK
Sit inside 28 real aircraft cockpits — including historic fast jets, helicopters and training aircraft — and experience aviation history first-hand.
Located at Old Sarum Airfield, Salisbury
28 real aircraft cockpits
4 flight simulators
Hands-on aviation museum
4.8 ★ Google Rating
1,100+ reviews
#2 of 72 Attractions in Salisbury
750+ reviews
Welcome to the Boscombe Down Aviation collection where we have 28 different aircraft cockpits and flight decks you can actually sit in, touch the controls, and imagine you’re flying supersonic, or at low level just feet from the ground. From cold war jets; Jaguar Tornado and Harrier, Jet Provost and Chipmunk trainers, Scout, and Wasp helicopters, Comet and BAC 1-11 transport aircraft. Sit in them all and let your imagination take you to the skies.
We have 4 simulators to hone your flying skills and impress your mother, boyfriend, or daughter.
The Collection is not just for families, but a hive of historical aviation artifacts for historians and aviation enthusiasts.
Start Your Visit
Opening Times & Pricing
Plan your visit and find out when we’re open, ticket prices, and what to expect on the day.
Events & Talks
Discover upcoming events, presentations, and special activities taking place at the Collection.
Aircraft & Exhibits
Explore our unique collection of historic aircraft, cockpits, and aviation exhibits.
Support the Museum
Help Preserve Aviation History
Boscombe Down Aviation Collection is cared for and preserved by a dedicated team of volunteers who are passionate about protecting Britain’s aviation heritage. Every aircraft, cockpit, and exhibit requires ongoing maintenance, conservation, and restoration to ensure it can be enjoyed safely by visitors today and for generations to come.
Your donation directly supports this work — helping us restore historic aircraft, maintain interactive exhibits, and continue sharing the stories of the people, innovation, and achievements that shaped aviation history. Whether large or small, every contribution plays a vital role in keeping the Collection alive.
What Visitors Say
Highly rated by visitors on Google and TripAdvisor
with hundreds of 5-star reviews.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“Splendid museum with knowledgeable volunteers and most unusually hands on is encouraged, if a cockpit has a ladder you can climb in.”
Google Review
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“We went back today and WOW, it has got even better! More aeroplanes and helicopters, in fact both hangars are effectively full. The exhibit my eldest (15) and I liked the most was the Lancaster Bomber cockpit. The detail is stunning, the radio operator’s table, the navigators map table and the bomb guidance “cradle” below the pilot. Just brilliantly re-built.”
TripAdvisor Review
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“What an incredible museum! A very warm welcome on arrival, lots of information about the displays and accessible aircraft/cockpits. A superb guided tour of the Lancaster reproduction cockpit section, our guide was extremely knowledgeable. Lots of aircraft to get up close and personal with, a rare treat at an aviation museum”
Google Review
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“Visited recently, and enjoyed a wonderful morning exploring and talking with the very knowledgeable and friendly volunteers. Great place to get up close and sit in cockpits or simply explore each aircraft and enjoy looking around. Definitely recommend a visit.”
TripAdvisor Review
