tangmere military aviation museum

The museum exists to show the history of aircraft and personnel involved in military aviation with particular reference to RAF Tangmere and its unique place in that history.Tangmere figured highly during the Battle of Britain where it played an important role during those tense months from July to September 1940. It serves as a memorial to those allied airmen and airwomen who gave their lives in the service of this country. lies approximately three miles East of Chichester in West Sussex and is clearly signposted from the A27.By CarApproximately 3miles east of Chichester the museum is clearly signposted from the A27. The Museum lies just outside Tangmere village and there is ample free parking.The 55 bus from Chichester Bus Station runs every half hour ( at ten past and twenty to the hour ) and terminates at the Museum door. Journey time is around 25 minutes.The museum is open every day between February 1st and November 30th.March to October: 10.00am to 5.00pmFebruary and November: 10.00am to 4.30pm(last admissions are one hour before closing each day)http://www.tangmere-museum.org.uk/accessibility is the starting point if anyone has accessibility issues and it seems most key areas are covered.Admission is (as of March 2015)Adults: £9.00*Over 60s: £7.00Children between 5 and 16: £3.00Children under 5: FREEFamily ticket (2 adults and 2 children): £21.00* £7 on production of Service ID.This isn't the largest museum nor does it have a huge number of aircraft, What it does have is a huge wealth of personal stories ,accounts and artefacts which provide a rich informative texture to the people who lived , served and regrettably often made the ultimate sacrifice defending this country.Taking the time to check out the various exhibition spaces will be rewarding to both the enthusiast and the the casual visitor alike . There are many interactive elements including cockpits that can be accessed and simulators including a hugely impressive Lightning cockpit / simulator built by the museum.Younger visitors are well catered for with plenty aimed at providing them with an enjoyable visit .Worth mentioning at this point is that apart from the aircraft in the car park all of the museum is undercover which makes it a good rainy day option.The small cafe is pleasant , clean and reasonably priced , offering both hot and cold food as well as the usual cakes drinks etc.Run by pleasant welcoming well informed helpful volunteers Tangmere Military Aviation Museum is well worth a visit . It might not have a huge number of aircraft but you can be assured you will come away knowing more than you did when you entered.

I have been a visitor to this musieum over quite a few years and never cease to be amazed at the knowledge, industry and pride of everyone involved in the operation. There is so much to see - much much more than you would imagine when you first walk in. I was there yesterday and there's always something you haven't really paid attention to before. Particularly poignant is to see the wreckage of a Hurricane in which a young lad died after being shot down over Worthing. A very worthwhile day out and, as other people have said, best described as a "gem".I notice someone else wasn't happy with the cafe. I was surprised to see this. One of the reasons people like me pay repeat visits to Tangmere is the value, quality of the food and welcome you get in the cafe. It's a welcome treat after a few hours browsing this excellent museum. I think the prices are very fair and I've never had a complaint on any of my visits - and I'm fussy! As regards politely asking people not to bring in their own food as a former caterer myself I've got to say am not surprised - they need the tables for the satisfied customers. Museum and Cafe- both high lyrecommended!

Called in here on the way home from Portsmouth, as I'd heard it was an interesting place. It was more than that, it was fascinating, with beautifully preserved and nicely presented aviation artefacts and some old aircraft, all described and explained in detail, and the museum also has a very well informed and dedicated team to answer any questions.I would have given a top rating except for the food in the cafe, which, we felt, let the place down a bit.The lady cooking and serving was pleasant, and it didn't take her long to rustle up 2 sausage sandwiches and 2 mugs of coffee, but frankly, for £3.50 each, the sausage sandwiches were poor value for money.I know that catering receipts are a valuable income stream for such charitable trust run venues, and I understand that, so we looked upon the cafe spend more as a donation to the museum than as payment in return for some not-very nice-at-all food!Nevertheless, if you are in the area, go along and spend a couple of hours there. You can take your own picnic if you wish, although there are rather stern signs in the cafe telling you to eat your own food outside!

This is a gem of museum. It looks like someone's private collection that has got out of hand! There are several planes and a helicopter outside to look at as well as an air raid shelter that you can go into. Inside there are more aircraft and plenty of exhibits, including cockpits that you can sit in. I had a go in the Lightning simulator but I was hopeless! I was very interested in the Royal Observer Corps exhibition, having recently found an redundant ROC nuclear monitoring post on the outskirts of my village.The staff at the museum are friendly and knowledgable. There is a fairly basic tea shop but who wants a three-course meal when there is so much else to do here? We spent about two hours here but I think we'll be back to see what we missed.

Wonderful museum small but very interesting and very friend, lovely little on site cafe serving really nice homemade food that's reasonably priced thoroughly enjoyable visit

2 to 4 times a month, my 3 year old grandson and I go on an adventure. Last week we chose to go and visit the the Tangmere Military Aviation museum, we both loved it! I love history and Tyler loves discovering new things like only a 3 year old can. The staff and the retired RAF members that work there were all wonderful, friendly and informative. There was so much to see and do for both of us. I will be going back again shortly as my husband is keen to visit.

Despite the relatively small size of the Tangmere Museum, it would be a shame to miss it if you are in the area. The aircraft and displays are generally well thought out and there is plenty to see and do. Having flown the real machine, it was fun to have a go in the Lightning simulator, only a computer game in reality but what the heck. Overall, a tribute to the volunteers who run the place.

This is a real gem of a museum-crammed with interest, it reflects real enthusiasm on the part of all concerned. Went in just after 1030, expecting to stay a couple of hours- left at closing time. Particular likes - well everything really. Anything I didn't like - no.

If you have any interest whatsoever in RAF,Battle of Britain andmilitary aviation as a whole this is the place for you.Staffed by very knowledgeable and helpful volunteers it would interestmost intelligent kids as well as adults.

Masses of information on all things to do with aviation. Flightsimulation opportunities good. Somehands on for children. Several largeaircraft. Plenty of volunteer guides to answer questions.

Small but crammed full of interesting exhibits showing Tangmere's history in particular. Band of volunteers keen to assist with any questions especially from younger folk. Worth a few hours visit.

We spent a very wet half term holiday Wednesday at this fantastic gem of a museum run by volunteers who are dedicated to ensuring the legend of RAF Tangmere will live on. The information and displays are just outstanding for such a small museum, this is a must for anyone interested in Tangmere from its outset to the final closure in 1970.

i took my 88 yrs old aunt to Tangmere. She found the exhibits fascinating especially with her vivid memories of WW2. It was easy to walk around with lots of interactive displays. I found the SOE history and stories poignant and gripping. My hard to please brother loved his flight simulator experience. Staff are friendly and delighted by your visit. There is a simple cafe serving good quality snacks at great prices. Highly recommended and good value.

Due to the windy weather we decide to visit the museum. It is a very interesting and full of artefacts and planes with lots of helpful volunteers who are willing to answer any questions.The only downside of the visit was the tea room closed at 3pm so we did not get to try .... what sounded like some nice cakes.

Great museum, it may be small in size but it is filled to bursting with content. Every wall is plastered with information and stories, so many heroic actions by brave men and women during WW2. The staff were excellent and always on hand to talk and explain items in the musem, they really brought the history to life. The cafe was small and quiant but the food was lovely and service quick. I thought it was great value for money as well, could have spent all day there. Lots of interaction with the many flight simulators and cockpits on show. TIP: Take cash for the cafe.