Army Flying Museum

About

Immerse yourself in the fascinating story of British Army flying by visiting a local gem. The Army Flying Museum sits adjacent to the Army Air Corps Airfield at Middle Wallop, just 20 minutes from Salisbury, and offers access and affordability to visitors; pay for admission once, and you will receive free entry to the Museum for a whole year.

Two large hangars house the impressive journey of British soldiers in the air from the pioneering days of balloons and kites to the Glider Pilot Regiment landing at Arnhem, right through to modern helicopter operations. Often likened to the Tardis, visitors are frequently met with surprise at the volume of artefacts, medals and over thirty fixed wing and rotary aircraft. Imaginative displays with a clever use of interactives and video provide for fascinating insight into the history of British Army flying. Exhibits range from a First World War biplane to an Apache AH Mk.1, which is the only one on permanent public display in the UK. The 1940’s house is also a popular feature, taking many visitors on a trip down memory lane.

The ‘Explore the Apache’ interactive display offers visitors the chance to find out everything about this iconic aircraft through films, images, and audio recordings. A special touchscreen allows them to ‘ask’ three soldiers questions about their training and first-hand experiences of flying and working on the Apache.

There's plenty to keep families entertained, including fun trails, dressing up stations, jigsaws, simulators, play tables, and indoor and outdoor play areas. Free creative activities for children are available during all the school holidays, making the Army Flying Museum the perfect destination for a fun family day out on the Hampshire/Wiltshire border.

For front row seats of these aircraft in action, look no further than the Museum’s Apache Café. Overlooking the active airfield, and open daily, this is an excellent spot to enjoy a bite to eat or drink, whilst admiring all manner of aircraft. Whether it be an Apache thundering overhead or the Historic Army Aircraft Flight waving at the café and children in the play park, this is where the action is! Good food, friendly staff, and a great view make this a popular haunt. The café has a balcony with outdoor seating. Picnic areas and benches are also available for those wanting to enjoy the Museum’s grounds.

Do take a wander down to the Army Flying Memorial which commemorates those who have died in the service of British Army flying. Its circular panels list over 5,000 personnel from The Royal Engineers, The Royal Flying Corps, Air Observation Post Squadrons, the Glider Pilot Regiment, and the current Army Air Corps. This dignified memorial is wrapped by a grass bank echoing the ancient tumuli of the local Salisbury Plain landscape and its burial-mound form pays tribute to the circular earth revetments used to protect planes on the perimeter of military airfields. It is approached along a pathway adjacent to the airfield lined with a series of smaller memorials commemorating those involved in different branches of Army aviation.

The Museum offers a packed event programme throughout the year, including lectures, concerts, and family friendly events. Keep an eye out for the Museum’s annual flagship fundraising event Wallop Wheels & Wings which takes place in July, a great day out for the whole family.

There is plenty of free parking available on site and a shop packed with gifts and souvenirs. Information about accessibility can be found on the Museum’s website. The Army Flying Museum is open daily from 9am to 4pm. Located on the A343 between Andover and Salisbury - the Museum is easily accessible from the M3 and A303. The Apache Café is also open daily from 9.00am to 3.30pm. Museum entry is not required to access the café.

Awards
Silver Award in the Small Attraction of the Year category at the Beautiful South Awards organised by Tourism South East.
The Museum also won ‘Best Aviation Museum’ for the second year running in the Airscene Awards 2023 
Highly Commended in the Rural Business of the Year category at the Test Valley Business Awards.