Visitors walking underneath Concorde at the National Museum of Flight © Ruth Armstrong Photography
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National Museum of Flight Edinburgh

4.7
·4k reviews·East Fortune, United Kingdom

Step aboard the legendary Concorde and explore a vast collection of aircraft, from supersonic jets to historic WW2 planes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
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Visitors walking underneath Concorde at the National Museum of Flight © Ruth Armstrong Photography

National Museum of Flight Edinburgh

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step aboard the legendary Concorde and explore a vast collection of aircraft, from supersonic jets to historic WW2 planes.

4.7
(4k reviews)

"The Concorde still took my breath away, even after seeing the Saturn V rocket."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Aircraft Access Times

Boarding for some planes like Concorde has specific times. Arrive early or check the schedule! 🎟️

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Lots of walking between hangars and outdoor exhibits. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 3,625 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Concorde Experience

Concorde Experience

Main Hangar

Step aboard the iconic supersonic jet and feel the history of supersonic travel. A truly breathtaking sight.

NASA Space Shuttle Trainer

NASA Space Shuttle Trainer

Main Hangar

See where astronauts trained for shuttle missions and experience a piece of space exploration history.

Interactive Science Exhibits

Interactive Science Exhibits

Interactive Hangar

Engaging displays perfect for all ages, making aviation science fun and accessible for families.

WW2 Buildings

WW2 Buildings

Outdoor Area

Explore preserved World War 2 buildings, offering a glimpse into RAF history and wartime aviation.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Aircraft Access

Some aircraft, like the Concorde, have limited access times or may not be open for boarding. Check the schedule upon arrival to avoid disappointment. Fine days are best for exploring the outdoor exhibits and walking between hangars.

Plan for a Full Day of Aviation

With multiple hangars and outdoor exhibits, the National Museum of Flight Edinburgh offers a comprehensive aviation experience. Consider booking a flight experience nearby for an even more immersive day.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Good for outdoor exhibits
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @everyonehatesmuffin #ChallengeAccepted #SeattleTikTok #Seattle #MuseumTok #MuseumOfFlight #AvGeek
@museumofflight
69.2K likes • 847.2K views

Check Aircraft Access Times

Boarding for some planes like Concorde has specific times. Arrive early or check the schedule! 🎟️

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Lots of walking between hangars and outdoor exhibits. :athletic_shoe:

Can’t afford silverstone tickets so this is by far the next best thing #formula1 #f1 #mercedesf1 #redbullracing #silverstone #edinburg #nationalmuseumofscotland
@shark_bateman
66.3K likes • 487.6K views
Looking for something to do over the holidays? The National Museum of Scotland is definitely worth a visit. You can explore everything from Scottish history to science and world cultures, all in one place. 🏗️ Be sure to check out the Grand Gallery with its Window on the World display featuring over 800 objects, and the Discoveries gallery, which ties the collection to Scotland and its people! #N...
thisisedinburgh
2.3K likes • 0 views

Interactive Fun for Kids

The science hangar is a hit with children, offering hands-on learning. :child:

Consider a Flight Experience

Nearby East of Scotland Microlights offers flight vouchers. ✈️

Que la pluie se mette à tomber ou non, c'est toujours une bonne idée d'aller flâner dans les beaux musées d'Edimbourg 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 #nationalmuseumofscotland #edinburgh #Edimbourg #ecosse #scotlandiscalling #scotland #scotlandexplore #scotlandsbeauty #scotlandtravel #scotland_greatshots #scotlandlover #scotlandisnow #onlyinscotland #visitscotland #scotlandscenery #scotland_insta #simplyscotland #Hidde...
akissfromuk
124 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Aircraft Access Times

Boarding for some planes like Concorde has specific times. Arrive early or check the schedule! 🎟️

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Lots of walking between hangars and outdoor exhibits. :athletic_shoe:

Interactive Fun for Kids

The science hangar is a hit with children, offering hands-on learning. :child:

Consider a Flight Experience

Nearby East of Scotland Microlights offers flight vouchers. ✈️

Wet Day Savior

A great indoor option when the Scottish weather isn't cooperating. ☂️

What Travellers Say

4.7
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the National Museum of Flight Edinburgh for its impressive collection, especially the iconic Concorde, which offers a unique boarding experience. The interactive exhibits are a hit with families, and the historical WW2 buildings add another layer of interest. While the cafe food is decent, some found access to certain aircraft limited during their visit.

"Fantastic day out!

Lots to see and do across the various buildings at the site that to see everything, you will need the best part of the whole day. Obvious main attraction is Concorde which is well presented and has loads and loads of interesting information to digest if you like to read all the info boards (me!)

I was particularly impressed with the video presentations and the hands on interactive elements which are well designed and appealing to both kids and adults alike.

I wanted to visit for quite a while but never got around to it until now. So glad we spontaneously decided to jump across and visit when we did as it really is a great day out with so much to see and do. Highly recommended for a visit."

David Marandola

"This place really surprised me. So, so much more than a museum. Spread over a full airfield in many different aircraft hangars, there are more aircraft here than you can imagine. Get up close, see inside and imagine. Main attraction, Concorde is here. Stand below, touch the wheels, walk through the cabin, look inside the cockpit (scary that this could do over 1400 mph). All the history and details of all the aircraft are all here. We also loved the additional very informative talk on the restoration projects team. (Well worth adding) That hanger had everything...a random landrover, a girocopter, huge propeller aircraft engines to the engines off a nuclear bomb 😵...Very informative talk live on site explaining everything. I cannot recomend enough...100% recomend a visit. Don't go too late in the day though, you wont manage round it all before close. We were there at least 4-5 hrs and it went by in a flash. Loved it."

Alan Brookbanks

"Amazing experience with a large variety of planes from every era and purpose. The concorde is an absolute rarity and precious piece of the aviation's history. Very worthy!!
Shout out to the staff for their dedication and passion."

Matteo Bortolotti

What People Like

Boarding the Concorde
Interactive exhibits for kids
Impressive aircraft collection

What People Dislike

Limited aircraft access
Cafe prices (minor)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in East Lothian, about a 40-minute drive from Edinburgh. Public transport options include buses that run from the city center. Taxis or ride-sharing services are also available. Reddit

Yes, there is ample parking available at the National Museum of Flight Edinburgh for visitors arriving by car.

Yes, you can take a bus from Edinburgh city center, which is easily accessible from Waverley station. The journey typically takes around 40 minutes. Reddit

Driving is often the most convenient way to reach the museum, offering flexibility. Alternatively, public buses provide a good option for those relying on public transport. Reddit

Yes, the museum is located near North Berwick and Edinburgh, making it a good base for exploring the surrounding areas. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official National Museum of Flight website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and any special closures. Reddit

Admission fees apply, but the museum is generally considered good value for money, especially considering the extensive collection. Check their website for current ticket prices. Reddit

It is often recommended to purchase tickets online in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your entry and potentially save time. TikTok

Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or families. It's advisable to check the museum's website or inquire at the ticket counter for any applicable concessions.

The museum strives to be accessible. The site is generally flat, but access to the inside of some aircraft involves stairs. Contact the museum directly for specific accessibility information. Reddit

🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience

The Concorde is a major highlight, offering a chance to step aboard. Other impressive aircraft include the Vulcan bomber, Harrier, and Jaguar fighter jet. Reddit

Absolutely! The interactive science hangar is particularly popular with children, offering hands-on activities that make learning about aviation fun. Reddit

Yes, visitors can board the Concorde and some other passenger planes. Access to the cockpit of some aircraft, like the SR-71 Blackbird, may also be available. TikTok

Guided tours may be offered, including tours of the conservation hangar. It's recommended to check the daily schedule upon arrival to see what's available. Reddit

To fully explore the hangars and exhibits, plan for at least 3-4 hours. Some visitors spend a full day, especially if they engage with the interactive displays or take a tour. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is an onsite cafe that serves food and drinks. It's a convenient option for refueling during your visit. Reddit

The cafe offers typical museum fare, which has been described as decent quality and not overly expensive compared to similar attractions. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned, it's always a good idea to check with the museum directly regarding picnic policies if you prefer to bring your own food.

Generally, museums allow visitors to bring their own water bottles. For outside food, it's best to confirm the museum's policy.

The museum is located in a rural area, so dining options immediately surrounding it might be limited. The nearby towns of North Berwick offer more choices. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally permitted for personal use inside the museum. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits. Instagram

The Concorde, especially when boarded, offers unique photo opportunities. The exterior shots of the various aircraft against the sky are also very popular. Reddit

While you can go inside some aircraft, access to cockpits for photography might be restricted or depend on specific aircraft. Reddit

Drone photography is typically not allowed inside museums or on their grounds due to safety and privacy concerns. Always check the museum's specific policy.

A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm or a wide-angle lens, would be useful for capturing both the scale of the aircraft and interior details. Instagram

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