About the Collection
Boscombe Down Aviation Collection is a volunteer-run aviation museum based at Old Sarum Airfield, near Salisbury, Wiltshire. We preserve and showcase aircraft, cockpits, and aviation artefacts connected to the history of British flight testing and military aviation — with a strong focus on hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages.
Our collection is unusual in that many of our aircraft cockpits and flight decks can be sat in, touched, and explored, giving visitors a genuine sense of what it was like to fly everything from fast jets to transport aircraft and helicopters.
We welcome families, aviation enthusiasts, schools, and visitors of all backgrounds, whether you’re deeply interested in aviation history or simply looking for a memorable day out in Wiltshire.
Our Mission
Restoring the past – Educating for the future
Our mission is to preserve Britain’s aviation heritage, share the unique history of flight testing at Boscombe Down, and inspire future generations through education, exploration, and hands-on learning.
By restoring aircraft, conserving historical artefacts, and allowing visitors to experience aviation up close, we aim to make aviation history accessible, engaging, and relevant — especially for younger visitors who may never have visited an aircraft museum before.
Boscombe Down and Flight Testing
Boscombe Down has played a major role in the independent testing of aircraft, weapons, and related systems for the UK’s armed forces.
Until the early 1990s, this work was carried out primarily by the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE), which assessed manufacturers’ claims and made recommendations for operational use.
Testing included the assessment and evaluation of:
Aircraft performance
Weapons, sensors, and systems
Handling and integration
Safety, airworthiness, and flight limitations
Human factors and operational evaluation
Today, Boscombe Down remains an important centre for aircraft testing, systems evaluation, and flight-test training.
The History of Boscombe Down
Boscombe Down has played a vital role in British aviation history for over a century. Closely associated with aircraft development, testing, and evaluation, the site became internationally recognised for its contribution to military and experimental aviation.
From early aircraft through to Cold War jets and modern test programmes, Boscombe Down has been at the forefront of aviation innovation. Many of the aircraft represented within our collection are directly linked to this history, making the museum a unique record of British flight testing.
The Collection Today
The Boscombe Down Aviation Collection features a wide range of aircraft cockpits, flight decks, simulators, and aviation artefacts, including examples from fast jets, training aircraft, transport aircraft, and helicopters.
Historic Aircraft Cockpits
Explore Cold War and post-war jet cockpits, training aircraft, transport aircraft, and helicopters — many with interiors preserved for close-up viewing.
Hands-On Aviation
Unlike many museums, visitors are encouraged to get close to the exhibits, with selected cockpits open to sit in, touch, and explore.
Simulators & Displays
Experience aviation from the pilot’s perspective using our flight simulators and interactive technical displays.
Restoration in Action
Restoration work takes place on site, allowing visitors to see aircraft conservation and engineering skills in action.
Old Sarum Airfield
Old Sarum Airfield is one of the most historic airfields in the UK and forms an important part of the story we tell at the museum. Located just north of Salisbury, the airfield has been associated with aviation since the early days of powered flight.
Today, Old Sarum remains an active and vibrant aviation site, making it a fitting home for the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection. Visitors can explore the museum while also experiencing the atmosphere of a working historic airfield.
Our Volunteer Guides
Our guides are a group of volunteers who aim to make every visitor feel welcome while sharing detailed information about the exhibits and the wider story behind them. Some are former pilots, some are ex-Boscombe Down or service personnel, and all are aviation enthusiasts with a real passion for telling these stories.
They bring a wealth of knowledge and offer insight into the lives of pilots, aircrew, and ground crew. Some guides are also trained to operate the flight simulators, including a wide-body simulator and an early 1950s LINK Trainer.
Among our volunteers are former helicopter pilots, navigators, test pilots, commercial pilots, crew chiefs, and technicians. Their experience includes flying and supporting a wide range of aircraft, taking part in trials work, fitting specialist test equipment and cameras, and supporting aircraft on test programmes at home and abroad.
Together, they help bring the Collection to life by sharing the people, experiences, and stories behind the aircraft.
Get in Touch
Have a question about visiting, group bookings, volunteering, or the collection itself? Our friendly volunteer team is always happy to help.
Boscombe Down Aviation Collection
Hangar 1 South, Old Sarum Airfield
Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 6DZ
A Volunteer-Run Charity
The Boscombe Down Aviation Collection is a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation, run entirely by dedicated volunteers with a passion for aviation history.
Our volunteers bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, and many are happy to share stories, answer questions, and help bring the exhibits to life for visitors. Every visit, donation, and word of support helps us continue preserving the Collection for future generations.
