Description
Midland Air Museum, located beside Coventry Airport, is one of the best things to do with kids in Coventry for families who love aviation, engineering, and history. As home to the Sir Frank Whittle Jet Heritage Centre, this museum offers a welcoming, hands-on opportunity for visitors of all ages to explore Britain’s aviation heritage through iconic aircraft and interactive exhibits.
Price starts from £11.00 for Adults(18 years and over), £5.95 for Children(5-15 years) and £32.00 for Family(2 Adults and up to 3 children). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, this museum offers an immersive experience that brings flight history to life. With plenty of outdoor and indoor displays, it is a fantastic spot for a curious child to spend an afternoon.
Features
- Paid
- Host birthday parties: Yes
Features
Key Features
- Hands-on Cockpit Tours: A major highlight where children can climb into legendary aircraft like the Avro Vulcan B2 and get a pilot's-eye view.
- Interactive Galleries: Explore the Sir Frank Whittle Jet Heritage Centre, which focuses on the history of jet engine development.
- Diverse Aircraft Collection: The site houses everything from early jet fighters to massive Cold War bombers, providing an educational day out for all ages.
- Indoor & Outdoor Displays: Experience a mix of climate-controlled hangars and open-air exhibits, including a large transport plane that families can walk inside.
- Aviation Heritage Focus: Gain insight into Coventry’s rich manufacturing history and the "Father of the Jet Age," Sir Frank Whittle.
What to See: Top 5 Highlights
- Avro Vulcan B. 2: This iconic Cold War bomber is a must-see. The cockpit is often open for visitors to climb into, giving children a thrilling, up-close look at the flight controls.
- Mil Mi-24 Hind Helicopter: Known as the "flying tank," this Soviet-era helicopter is a rare treat. Kids usually love sitting in the captain’s seat of such a powerful piece of machinery.
- Armstrong-Whitworth Argosy: You can walk through the cargo area of this transport plane. It is a fantastic way to grasp the scale of the aircraft built right here in Coventry.
- Gloster Meteor F. 8: Sit inside Britain’s first jet fighter located in the main hangar. It is a perfect way to show children just how compact early fighter jet cockpits were.
- BAe Harrier II: This famous "jump jet" showcases advanced engineering. It is a firm favourite for kids interested in how planes hover and take off vertically.
Detailed Inventory
- 10 Aircraft & Cockpits: Avro Vulcan B. 2, Armstrong-Whitworth Argosy, Gloster Meteor F. 8, BAe Harrier II, Lockheed Electra, Mil Mi-24D Hind, de Havilland Vampire F. 1, Lockheed T-33, English Electric Lightning T55, and the Vickers Viscount airliner.
- Engines & Parts: Piston engines like the Alvis Leonides, gas turbine engines like the Rolls-Royce Avon, and various rocket engine components.
- Educational Materials: Displays on jet propulsion and regional manufacturing history.
Beyond the Main Attraction
- Coventry Airport: Watch local aviation activity from the museum's perimeter.
- Lunt Roman Fort: Located just a short distance away, this is a great secondary stop for history-loving families.
- War Memorial Park: A lovely green space in Coventry perfect for picnics if the weather is fine.
New for 2026: Updates at the Midland Air Museum
- The Midland Air Museum continues to evolve through 2026 with new community events and ongoing restoration projects:
- 2026 IPMS Summer Model Show: On Sunday, 28th June 2026, the museum will host a special event dedicated to aviation modelling. Visitors can view intricate model aircraft built by the Coventry & Warwickshire IPMS, browse stalls selling kits and tools, and enjoy full access to the museum's aircraft collection.
- Ongoing Restoration Updates: The museum’s team is actively working on several high-profile restoration projects this year, including significant progress on the Sea Hawk and the De Havilland Dove, offering aviation enthusiasts a glimpse into the technical side of heritage preservation.
- Coventry Airport Redevelopment Awareness: The museum has been proactively providing updates to visitors regarding the planned redevelopment of the adjacent Coventry Airport, ensuring guests remain informed about site access and local changes throughout the summer season.
Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.
4.15 miles
