Boscombe Down Aviation Collection Reviews Summary

Interactive Exhibits

Pros:

• "You can climb into the cockpit of most of them which makes the experience all the more exciting."
• "The whole museum is very much interactive and perfect for young children, older children and adults."
• "More than anything it's nice to be able to get up close and touch/get into the exhibits."
• "Kids (and adults) can sit in lots of real cockpits - no 'please don't touch' signs like in other places."
• "You can be hands on with all the aircraft and can sit in nearly all of them and even got to fly on the simulator."
• "There's plenty of opportunities to sit in the pilot's seat in all sorts of aircraft, it's very hands-on."
• "You are allowed to sit in most cockpits, push all the buttons, and pull all the pivots."

Cons:

• "Family tickets are not cheap."
• "A bit chilly in January with no heating!"
• "A bit of a side note, there isn't a café, which I feel would be a great addition."
• "Would be nice if the shop had more in it though?"
• "Unfortunately the museum lacks interactive, modern technology to make the history living and interesting."
• "Presentation is quite basic, which is not an issue, but many of the fact sheets are quite difficult to read for those with less good eyesight and having to wear a face mask."
• "The only downside is that it's in a very cold warehouse, so I recommend not going on a cold day."

Staff and Volunteers

Pros:

• "The staff are also very knowledgeable and very generous with their time."
• "The people that work there are beyond lovely and have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share."
• "The volunteers who look after the exhibits are enthusiastic, friendly and knowledgeable."
• "Staff were really friendly, helpful and knowledgeable."
• "The staff were all wonderful, all so keen to share their knowledge and make us feel welcome and have a unique experience."
• "Knowledgeable friendly staff, very obliging."
• "The volunteers are amazing, and all have their stories to tell and time to spare to add to the amazing experience."

Cons:

• "Staff very engaging even if one in the ww1 room was keen to tell me her views on the EU and that it was in mind, the Germans third attempt at world power. Not remotely amusing."
• "Some of the volunteers are very knowledgeable others quite quiet."
• "The gift shop could be better and the catering needs to be a lot better but nevertheless a good overall experience."
• "Unfortunately the museum lacks interactive, modern technology to make the history living and interesting."
• "The museum consists of two old hangers full of broken mixed aircraft with scattered boring information."
• "There are toilets on site and a small shop but no cafe."
• "Flight simulator working would have been fantastic though wasn't at time of our visit."

Facilities and Accessibility

Pros:

• "Café (separate organisation) adjacent to the airfield and usually open."
• "There was plenty of seating outside where you could enjoy a picnic and parking was easy."
• "Easy to get to. Plenty of parking."
• "Café nearby at the airfield for a cappuccino."
• "There's a good cafe on the airfield just two minutes walk away and free parking."
• "Good on-site cafe, plenty of parking and lots of picnic benches."
• "A fantastic and often overlooked museum situated at Old Sarum airfield."

Cons:

• "Family tickets are not cheap."
• "A bit of a side note, there isn't a café, which I feel would be a great addition."
• "Would be nice if the shop had more in it though?"
• "There are no picnicking facilities, but there is a small cafe nearby, where you can buy food from."
• "Unfortunately the museum lacks interactive, modern technology to make the history living and interesting."
• "The museum consists of two old hangers full of broken mixed aircraft with scattered boring information."
• "There are toilets on site and a small shop but no cafe."