Pre-booking:
Pre-booking is essential for all age groups to guarantee a pre-booking entrance rate. Please click here for pre-booked Museum admission charges.
To book please phone the Museum's Education Department on 01935 842620 or email us at education@fleetairarm.com. Your contacts are Julia Morris (Head of Visitor Services), Tim Creegan (Education Officer), Stu Rainsbury RN Rtd (Military & Youth Group Liaison) or Hilary Harper (Visitor Services.). We will try to accommodate your group's needs subject to prior notice agreements.
Opening Hours
Between November and the end of March - 10.00 until 16.30
Between April and the end of October - 10.00 until 17.30
During the winter months, November to the end of March, the Museum is closed to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays. We are also closed on the 24th, 25th and 26th of December.
Please contact us for definitive dates.
Payment
Payment can be made in cash, by cheque, credit card or invoice. If the latter, please ensure that the ticket box staff have FULL details of the institution to be invoiced. If cash payment is to be made it greatly speeds up entry if groups pool their entrance fees before arriving at the ticket box.
Accessibility / Disabled Visitors
We have successfully hosted many visits by groups with specific needs and will do what we can to accommodate your group's needs. The main entrance to the Museum is up a flight of stairs. There is a ground level entrance for those who cannot easily manage these stairs. This is signposted and entrance is gained via a buzzer that alerts Museum staff. Most of the Museum is accessible to wheelchairs. We have a limited number of wheelchairs available for visitors' use. Visitors with visual impairments may have close, tactile access to the aircraft. For more details on the facilities and programmes available for your group please contact us.
Group size & supervision of groups
Whilst we do not wish to restrict the size of visiting groups we may need to make special arrangements to accommodate them. Please contact us as early as possible to secure and plan your visit. Supervision of groups is the responsibility of the teachers, group leaders or other nominated adults in the party. Please ensure that such persons are aware of what is expected of them. Close supervision is especially relevant in the Museum shop and during the ‘Carrier Experience' and no one under 16 is permitted in the latter unless accompanied by an adult. Above all it must be impressed on groups that NO RUNNING is allowed in the Museum. Aircraft have a surprising number of sharp edges and an impact can result in injury.
Location of site
The Museum is located on the B3151 just south of the A303 in Somerset near Ilchester. The Museum is well signposted from the A303.
The Museum covers a site about 3.5 hectares (4 aircraft hangers) so you will need a minimum of 2-3 hours to see all the exhibitions.
Risk assessment
We recommend that leaders of visiting groups prepare a risk assessment before the visit. Guidelines to assist you are available on request. We offer all group leaders the chance to make a free preliminary visit to the Museum.
Free staff admission
One member of staff may come in free for every 10 pupils. If you have pupils with special needs more free places may be allocated as appropriate. Please ask for details.
Lunch facilities and vehicle parking
During the summer months groups are invited to use the large grassed area at the front of the museum where they may eat packed lunches. Primary pupils may use the adventure playground. During the cold or wet weather groups may use the Swordfish Centre adjacent to the museums restaurant, if it is available. If it is not, we will make every effort to find a dry and warm room. We ask your co-operation in leaving these areas tidy and free of litter.
There are spaces for up to 9 coaches in the main car park. If you are using minibuses please park in the car parking area if possible. All vehicle parking at the Museum is free.