The museum has been open to the public for more than forty years and holds a diverse collection of 76 (seventy-six) aircraft and cockpit sections that cover the history of aviation. The types displayed range from a Tiger Moth biplane to the mighty Vulcan bomber; star attractions include Russian MiG fighters and the Swedish Saab Viggen fighter / bomber. Amongst the aircraft on display are 10 (ten) National Benchmark aircraft; 29 (twenty-nine) Significant aircraft and 18 (eighteen) Noteworthy aircraft as listed in the National Aviation Heritage Register.

Specialist area

The diversity of the museum collection means it is an ideal educational resource for a range of curriculum topics. The most regularly delivered topics are World War II, and Science related activities connected with flight and transportation; these topics are supported with worksheets and supplementary information guides for post-visit follow-up activities

Under World War II the facilitated visits look at evacuation, rationing and life on the home front; wherever possible relating these topics to modern day issues like healthy lifestyles and recycling.

With the Principles of Flight visits the various forces and basic scientific principles are investigated, along with the shapes associated with aircraft; and how these relate to basic aircraft designs. This topic is normally supplemented with a paper plane making and flying activity in Hangar 2. Follow-up activities such as kite making can be provided.

For transportation the activities involve guided tours of the exhibits, looking at the various designs of aircraft and helicopters; and touch on diverse roles such as aerial warfare right through to air ambulance functions.

Ideal age range for visits

Newark Air Museum attracts aviation enthusiasts from the UK and overseas, ex-service personnel and families, but it is an inspirational venue for educational visits with children of all ages; from reception year, through to Year 6 and beyond.

School visits are always welcome and any facilitated visits need to be pre-booked well in advance, as the museum attracts regular repeat educational visits. Individual topic areas can be amended by prior arrangement to cover topics related to a visiting school’s individual subject requirements. Our overriding aim is to try and ensure that a facilitated visit to the museum will enhance the teaching of Science, History, Citizenship, PSHE and English, plus offer stimulating ideas for subsequent work themes and subject areas back at school. Advice can also be offered for schools participating in the Artsaward scheme.

What is unique about this venue?

Newark Air Museum is one of the largest volunteer managed aviation collections in the UK and it is home to 76 aircraft and cockpits, and it is open 361 days a year.

Four under cover display areas allow visits to be accommodated whatever the weather.

World War II activities are delivered in the Dambusters Hut, which is a period wooden building that helps provide a wartime ‘school-room’ feel to the day.

The Principles of Flight activities are normally delivered in an area of Display Hangar 2, which has the inspirational setting of being amongst the aircraft and helicopters being talked about.

Visits can be made to look inside some of the museum’s former military aircraft and helicopters including: Varsity, Hastings; Wessex and Whirlwind. Other aircraft visits can be provided by special arrangement, but these must be booked in advance of any planned visit.

On site

• Display Hangar 1 – 29 airframes
• Display Hangar 2 – 18 airframes
• Small Objects Display – personal aspects of aviation
• Engine Display Hall – 30 aero engines
• Outdoor displays – 20 plus airframes including favourites like the Vulcan, Shackleton, MiGs & Hastings
• Museum Café – toasties, sandwiches & drinks
• Museum Shop – “… an aviation enthusiasts dream!”
• Specialist Displays – Lancaster Corner; UAV display
• RAF Winthorpe Memorial area & garden
• Regular programme of special events & children’s activities, including open cockpit days
• Museum admission fee payable for all visits
• Toilet facilities
• Free pre-visit familiarisation trips for visiting teachers
• Free on-site car & coach parking

Visitor information

Newark Air Museum
Drove Lane
Winthorpe
Newark
Notts
NG24 2NY
Phone: (01636) 707170
Website: http://www.newarkairmuseum.org

Other information

Directions: The museum is easy to find from the A1, A46, A17, A1133 roads and the Newark bypass, with ample free on-site car and coach parking.

For people travelling from the A1 and A46 routes we recommend that you follow the A46 signs north towards Lincoln and then take the right turn off the dual carriageway at the A1133 / Drove Lane roundabout – following the brown and white air museum signs.

Times: Every day except December 24th, 25th, 26th and January 1st:
November to February daily 1000 – 1600 hours (last admission 1500 hours);
March to October daily 1000 – 1700 hours (last admission 1600 hours); These times include weekends & Bank Holidays.

Admission: charges made