About
The Museum of Army Flying at Middle Wallop in Hampshire is one of Britain's finest aviation museums, telling the remarkable story of Army aviation from its earliest beginnings in the Victorian era through to the cutting-edge Apache attack helicopter of today. Located on an active Army Air Corps station that has been at the heart of British military aviation since the Second World War, the museum occupies a uniquely authentic setting that brings its collections to vivid life.
The story of Army flying begins long before aeroplanes, with the use of observation balloons during the Boer War and the First World War, and the museum traces this often overlooked history with compelling artefacts and displays. From balloons to box-kite aeroplanes, from the gliders of the Second World War to the jet-powered helicopters of today, the museum presents a continuous narrative of ingenuity, courage and technological development.
The collection of historic aircraft is outstanding, with more than 30 aircraft and helicopters on display spanning over a century of military aviation. Highlights include examples of the iconic Auster, the Westland Lynx, the Gazelle and the Bell Sioux, alongside static displays showing the evolution of the Army helicopter from its origins in the 1950s to the present day. A superb replica of a Second World War Horsa glider recalls one of the most dramatic and dangerous military operations in history.
The museum is particularly strong on the human stories of Army aviation — the courage of glider pilots who flew unarmed into enemy territory at Arnhem and on D-Day, the helicopter crews who served in the Falklands and Gulf conflicts, and the Air Corps pilots maintaining operations in Afghanistan and beyond. Personal accounts, medals, uniforms and personal equipment bring these stories to life with emotional directness.
The museum was established in 1947 and has grown through donations of aircraft and memorabilia from veterans and serving personnel. It occupies purpose-built galleries that make excellent use of the collection, complemented by archival film footage, flight simulators and interactive displays that engage visitors of all ages.
Situated in the beautiful Hampshire countryside near Andover, the Museum of Army Flying is an unmissable destination for military history enthusiasts, aviation fans and families seeking an engaging and educational day out beyond the usual tourist trail.
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Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
📅 Best Times to Visit
💡 Visitor Tips
- Allow at least 3 hours — most visitors find they need longer than expected to do justice to the collection, especially if using the interactive simulators.
- Arrive by car — Middle Wallop is in the Hampshire countryside and public transport is very limited. Free parking makes this straightforward.
- Check the museum's events calendar before visiting — airshow days, special demonstrations and living history events transform the experience.
- The Apache simulator is extremely popular with younger visitors and can have queues on busy days — head there first on peak days.
- The cafe on site is the only realistic food option for miles around — make use of it for lunch as driving into Andover adds considerable time to your day.
- Ask volunteer guides about the Arnhem collection — their knowledge and passion for this subject is exceptional and the stories are deeply moving.
- The museum shop has excellent die-cast models and specialist military aviation books at reasonable prices.
- On fine days, spend time outside where you may be able to observe military helicopters operating from the adjacent airfield — a real bonus.
Highlights
Discover the unique exhibits and collections at this museum.
Collections
Over 30 historic aircraft and helicopters spanning more than a century of Army aviation; personal equipment, uniforms and medals from First World War to present day; significant archive of film footage, photographs and documents; collection of material relating to glider operations at D-Day and Arnhem.
The History of Army Flying
Chronological display tracing Army aviation from observation balloons and box-kite aeroplanes in the early 20th century through to the Apache helicopter of today.
The Glider Collection
Display honouring the Glider Pilot Regiment, with replica Horsa glider and exhibits covering D-Day, Arnhem, the Rhine Crossing and other major airborne operations.
The Helicopter Story
The complete story of Army helicopter aviation from the earliest piston-engined machines of the 1950s through to modern turbine-powered attack and utility helicopters.
Operations Gallery
Galleries dedicated to specific operations and conflicts in which the Army Air Corps has served, including the Falklands, Gulf, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Apache Experience
Interactive display on the Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, with flight simulator, weapons systems displays and operational accounts from Apache pilots.
Themes
Time Periods
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.