Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Solway Aviation Museum - Explore Aviation Heritage in Carlisle
Established in 1961, we have dedicated over 60 years to preserving aviation heritage through hands-on restoration and public education. Our volunteer team maintains an extensive collection of over 20 historic aircraft, including the UK's only airworthy De-Havilland Vampire and the iconic Avro Vulcan bomber. Our mission focuses on showcasing Britain's aviation achievements from WWII to the Cold War through interactive exhibits and cockpit experiences. We operate Carlisle Airport's museum complex with seasonal public access, guided tours, and educational programs. Our award-winning collections include rare artifacts from RAF Spadeadam's Blue Streak missile project and authentic wartime memorabilia.As a registered charity, we rely on visitor support, donations, and volunteer contributions to maintain our exhibits. Our facilities feature accessible viewing areas, gift shops, and aviation-themed refreshments. We offer unique opportunities for aircraft restoration participation, event hosting, and educational outreach programs. Our historical records document Cumbria's significant role in aviation development through wartime operations and Cold War technology. Through strategic preservation efforts, we ensure future generations can experience these engineering milestones firsthand.
Services
Aircraft Exhibits
Guided Tours
Cockpit Access
Educational Programs
Gift Shop
Refreshments
Volunteer Opportunities
Event Hosting
Aircraft Restoration
Museum Rentals
Details
- Year established: 1961
Highlights and features
- We operate the UK's only airworthy De-Havilland Vampire aircraft
- Our volunteer team includes experienced aviation restoration specialists
- We offer cockpit access to historic aircraft including the Avro Vulcan
- Our museum houses Cold War-era Blue Streak missile development artifacts
- We provide educational programs aligned with aviation history curricula
Associations and certifications
- Museum of the Year 2023
- Best Small Tourist Attraction 2023
- Company Registration No. 2731967
- Registered Charity No. 1034715
What people say
Museum of the Year 2023
Top 3 Carlisle attraction
Interactive cockpit access
Excellent family value
Knowledgeable volunteers
Services
Aircraft Exhibits
Our collection features over 20 historic aircraft spanning WWII to Cold War eras. Visitors view rare aircraft like the Avro Vulcan bomber and English Electric Lightning. Exhibits include engines, ejection seats, and aviation memorabilia from Cumbria's wartime contributions.
Guided Tours
Experience cockpit tours of iconic aircraft with expert guidance. Tours cover operational history, technical specifications, and restoration stories. Staff-led access available for Avro Vulcan and English Electric Canberra aircraft during operating hours.
Educational Programs
School and group programs cover aviation history from wartime production to Cold War technology. Curriculum-linked materials focus on engineering achievements and local contributions. Resources include wartime documents and technical records from RAF Spadeadam.
Event Hosting
Our aviation-themed venue hosts weddings, corporate events, and special occasions. Facilities include hangar spaces and aircraft displays. Equipment hire available for outside events at partner locations. Catering and event planning support provided.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers contribute to aircraft preservation through mechanical work and historical research. Training provided for roles including museum guides, maintenance technicians, and restoration specialists. Flexible scheduling available with minimum commitment of two days monthly.
Questions
When does the museum open for the season?
We open seasonally from March to November with specific 2025 dates: 21 Mar-4 May, 5 May-1 Sep, and 2 Sep-2 Nov on Fridays through Mondays.
What aircraft can visitors access inside?
You can enter the cockpits of Avro Vulcan, English Electric Canberra, and Percival Sea Prince aircraft, though access depends on staff availability and aircraft condition.
Are there family ticket options available?
Family tickets for up to two adults and two children cost £16.00, offering discounted admission compared to individual entry fees.
How can I contribute to aircraft restoration?
Support aircraft restoration through financial donations via PayPal or by volunteering as a restoration technician with mechanical expertise.
Is the museum accessible for disabled visitors?
We provide disabled parking and offer wheelchair/mobility buggy access upon request. Most exhibits are wheelchair accessible with assistance.
Can the museum attend external events?
Our display van can attend events - contact us for details about booking mobile exhibits for educational or commemorative occasions.
Reviews (5)
Jon Hill
Sep 14, 2021
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A superb museum. I visited with a group from the Vintage Motorcycle Club and we all savoured a fascinating display of all sorts of aviation memorabilia with informative notices. Much larger that expected, so a return visit will be required!
Richard Singleton
Aug 25, 2021
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Went as a last min decision on Sun 15th August 2021, as we were staying locally in a holiday home, and was impressed, especially by the volunteers and staff who run the museam. Well worth a visit!
Geoff Pottenger
Aug 22, 2021
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An absolute gem some very different aircraft, spanning many areas of flight, Fantastic displays including, a very interesting presentations on female aviators and their role during the early days of flying and their crucial role during the wars. The aircraft look magnificent even though they are out in the open. They have an amazing collection of cold war era jets
Well worth the visit
Well worth the visit
Nathan Shore
Aug 09, 2021
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Brilliant place, staff were realy friendly, met the owner of the Vulcan and her information on the aircraft was very interesting. Definitely worth a visit
Sam Hepplewhite
May 25, 2021
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First ones into the museum following the recent lockdown closure loved our time there - the guys have a ton of knowledge on all aspects of the museum. We spent two hours there, even with a one year old and didn't get through everything. Many more hours of entertainment there!
