About Us

Nestled on a corner of the historic former RAF Tangmere airfield, Tangmere Military Aviation Museum stands on one of Britain’s most famous fighter station sites. From its opening in 1918 until RAF Fighter Command departed in 1958, RAF Tangmere played a pivotal role in defending the nation through two World Wars and the early years of the Cold War.

Established in 1982 by a dedicated group of aviation enthusiasts, the Museum exists to preserve and share the remarkable story of Britain’s military aviation heritage. Our mission is to inspire and educate present and future generations, while honouring the courage, sacrifice and achievements of the airmen and airwomen who served their country. Operated primarily by an exceptional team of volunteers, the Museum was proudly recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2017, the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK.

Today, Tangmere Military Aviation Museum is regarded as one of the UK’s leading military aviation museums. Our extensive collection includes historic aircraft, engines, uniforms, medals, personal artefacts and thousands of photographs and documents, telling the story of military aviation from the First World War through to the Cold War. Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of interactive exhibits, climb into authentic aircraft cockpits and experience our popular flight simulators, bringing aviation history vividly to life.

During your visit, you can relax in our welcoming Cockpit Café, serving light refreshments, drinks and snacks, before browsing our well-stocked gift shop for aviation-themed souvenirs and books.

Whether you’re a lifelong aviation enthusiast, a history lover or simply looking for an enjoyable family day out, Tangmere Military Aviation Museum offers a fascinating and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.