Things to see and do at Aerospace Bristol

The Aerospace Galleries

Journey through 100 years of Aviation History

Starting in the early 1900s, your journey will take you through two world wars. Explore the vital role of aircraft in these global conflicts, through the drama and technological advances of the space race and on to the modern day, and discover the latest technologies of today’s aerospace industry. 

Find out how a small, pioneering company manufactured some of the earliest aeroplanes at Filton, evolved over the decades to influence the course of aviation history and shaped the world we see today.

With hundreds of exhibits from small model aircrafts to helicopters, rockets and missiles, explore the galleries and discover more about the local history. View a list of our main exhibits >

The Concorde Hangar

Step aboard the last Concorde

The stunning centrepiece of your visit will be Concorde Alpha Foxtrot: the last of the iconic supersonic passenger jets to be built and the last to fly.

Enjoy a spectacular projection show of three short films displayed onto the side of the aircraft telling its remarkable history before you step aboard. Explore the exhibition gallery showcasing a fascinating collection of memorabilia including a pilot’s uniform, model and a flight deck.

Capable of crossing the Atlantic in under three hours, Concorde cruised at over twice the speed of sound and reached an altitude of 60,000ft. Her passengers would marvel at the curvature of the Earth and look up at a blue-black sky, as they travelled at 1320mph and sipped Champagne on the edge of space.

Aerospace Bristol is committed to providing an exceptional experience for all visitors, and we recommend you allow at least three hours to enjoy your visit. If you have any queries about what to expect for family visits or any special access requirements, please visit Accessibility for more information.

The Conservation in Action Workshop

See the Bristol Freighter, Bolingbroke 9048 and meet Conservation Volunteers

Situated in a restored Grade II listed WWI aircraft hangar, built around 1915, the latest addition to Aerospace Bristol allows visitors to get up-close to conservation projects. Visitors can explore the Bristol Bolingbroke 9048 and now go on board the Bristol Freighter.

Watch as volunteers work on these historic Bristol aircraft.

Top 10 things to see and do

Explore the galleries and embark upon a journey of discovery. Test your reaction skills with our exciting hands-on exhibits, discover more with Spotlight Talks, step aboard the last Concorde ever to fly, and much more.

There's loads to discover at Aerospace Bristol.

Visiting with children?

Aerospace Bristol is the perfect day out for all ages. With aeroplanes, helicopters, rockets, satellites and hands-on activities, including our new time-travelling trail, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained.

Find out all you need to know about visiting with kids.

Outdoor Play Area

Let the kids run around whilst you relax with a coffee in our outdoor play and seating area, all thanks to Enovert Community Trust.

Visit the Shop 

The shop offer a range of quality souvenir and gift items inspired by our collection, including books, cards, models, toys and much more.

Re-fuel in the Cafe

Our café offers a delicious range of light meals, snacks and drinks, and a special children’s menu, served throughout the day.

Get ready for Take-off

Find out everything you need to know before your visit with our handy guide or download a Visitor Map and get set for your journey through more than a century of aviation history.

On display

While there are many smaller items in the exhibition, and interactive exhibits to enjoy, the following list details the large objects on display at Aerospace Bristol.

Admissions

• Landing gear A340-600

Aerospace Galleries

• Bristol Tram

• Bristol Boxkite (flying model)

• Bristol Scout (replica)

• Bristol F2.B Fighter (replica)

• Bristol Fighter Frame

• Bristol Babe (replica)

• Bristol lorry

• Jupiter VI engine

• Bulldog wing

• Hercules Mk 100 engine

• Pegasus Mk II engine wreck

• Centaurus Mk IV engine

• Beaufighter Mk IIF forward fuselage (sectioned)

• Bristol Brabazon tyre

• Bristol Brabazon (flying model)

• Bristol Plastics Division ‘Alpha’ glass fibre sailing dinghy

• Bristol Type 171 HR.14 XL824 Sycamore helicopter

• Bristol Type 173 XF785 twin rotor helicopter

• AIROH roof truss

• Bristol 403 car (cutaway)

• Bristol Britannia G-ALRX forward fuselage

• Bristol Britannia model

• Proteus engine

• Orpheus engine

• Bristol Bloodhound Mk II Surface to Air Missile

• Thor ramjet engine

• Towed Rapier

• Sea Wolf

• Vertical launch Sea Wolf

• Sea Skua

• Sea Dart

• Chevaline nuclear system

• Olympus 593 (sectioned)

• Sea Harrier

• Pegasus engine

• Concorde wind tunnel model

• Bristol Type 188 wind tunnel model

• Bristol Type 221 wind tunnel model

• Skylark 12 sounding rocket

• Intelsat IV (model)

• Ariel IV (model)

• GEOS (model)

• Giotto (model)

• Hubble Space Telescope (model)

• Envisat (model)

• BAC Consub 1

• 146 fuselage barrels furnished and unfurnished

• Airbus A320 cockpit simulation (supported by JetEx)

• Airbus A320 model

• Airbus A319 wing

• Renishaw equator

• BAE Systems Demon Drone

• Eurofighter Typhoon Weapons Simulator

• Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 fan

Conservation in Action Workshop

• Bristol Bolingbroke 9048 (under restoration)

• Bristol Mercury engines

• Bristol Freighter Mk 31M NZ5911 (under conservation)

• Bristol Hercules engines

Concorde Hangar

• Concorde G-BOAF (Alpha Foxtrot)

• Olympus 593

• Concorde wind tunnel models

• Concorde fatigue test specimens

• Concorde crew training panels

• Concorde flight deck, early version

Gift shop

• Prospero (model)