Gatwick Aviation Museum Reviews Summary

Exhibits and Aircraft

Pros:

• "A fascinating collection of civil and military planes, engines, memorabilia, maps, plans and photographs."
• "Superb little museum with some great exhibits of post war fighter jets."
• "The stars of the show however are the military aircraft, a Venom, Vampire, Sea Vixen, Lightning & Harrier amongst others."
• "The Lightning, Harrier and Sea Vixen looked amazing."
• "Can enter some cockpits and see all the fascinating instruments."
• "They've also got a few legends like the Harrier, Lightning, Hunter and Meteor."
• "Good collection of aircraft, radar, aircrew outfits and different seat sections - including some with ashtrays!"

Cons:

• "Small and very shabby looking exhibits... expensive admission price of 7.50 for adults."
• "It’s a good place to visit and know the history of war planes but expected more planes, there are very less fighter aircraft’s."
• "Some of the other exhibits are not ageing well."
• "Information is comparatively thin on the ground."
• "It's a small museum with not a great deal to see."

Staff and Volunteers

Pros:

• "The staff and volunteers are really what made my visit so wonderful they all have real passion for the museum."
• "Karen and the team of volunteers really did give us a VIP welcome."
• "The volunteers who showed us around were brilliant."
• "The team who work there were friendly and extremely knowledgeable."
• "Best bit is the volunteers showing you around the Shackleton."
• "The volunteers commitment and enthusiasm is apparent."
• "Very welcoming volunteers usually on hand to answer questions and talk to visitors."

Cons:

• "The entrance was manned by one person who was also taking/making coffee orders so it took an age to actually get in."
• "Shocked at being charged £30 for an 'event day' that wasn't advertised clearly, to me at least on their website."
• "Only complaint was that the viewing point didn't give a view of planes taking off."
• "Unfortunately due to Coronavirus we were not allowed to climb on some of the displays, which made it a little boring for the kids."

Value and Pricing

Pros:

• "Ice creams were around the £1.50 mark really reasonably priced."
• "Great value for money and we spent much longer here than we anticipated."
• "Gift shop prices are actually affordable, normally you'll find in touristy places they'd normally hike up the prices but no, I bought something for 30p! which is unheard of in London."
• "All very reasonably priced too."
• "Entry is £7.50 for anyone over the age of 14. The entry fee includes a tour of the Shackleton plane and a go on the flight simulator."
• "Really interesting place with lots of history, staff were really informative and told us a lot about the planes airport and the museum, I would definitely recommend this to anyone interested, and a very fair entry price too."
• "Adult admission a bargain £7.50."

Cons:

• "Went to the museum today as a family after reading it was free with an option for voluntary donations... we were made to pay as if we had just tried to dodge entry."
• "Its a good museum with a small shop selling overpriced goods such as a can of coke for £1.10 or so just like at most museums."