Hangar 42 Spitfire Visitor Centre
Step back in time at Hangar 42, a WWII visitor centre with passionate volunteers and an iconic Spitfire experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More volunteers, lively atmosphere
Hangar 42 Spitfire Visitor Centre
Best Time
More volunteers, lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Hangar 42, a WWII visitor centre with passionate volunteers and an iconic Spitfire experience. +1
"The staff are incredibly helpful, and their knowledge is out of this world – they bring the whole place to life. "
Ask the Volunteers! :speech_balloon:
Their knowledge is incredible and brings history to life. Don't miss their talks and insights!
Book Spitfire Seat :airplane:
A small extra fee for an amazing experience. Photos are taken, creating lasting memories.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sit in a Spitfire Cockpit
Main Hangar
Experience the iconic Spitfire cockpit firsthand. Volunteers share details and take photos for an amazing memory.
WWII Exhibits & Memorabilia
Throughout the Hangar
Explore a wealth of WWII artifacts, military hardware, and displays that transport you to another era.
Stories of Aircrew Sacrifice
Wall Displays
Moving tributes to aircrew and personnel, honoring their sacrifice and the human cost of war.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Engage with Enthusiastic Volunteers
Book Your Spitfire Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Ask the Volunteers! :speech_balloon:
Their knowledge is incredible and brings history to life. Don't miss their talks and insights! +1
Book Spitfire Seat :airplane:
A small extra fee for an amazing experience. Photos are taken, creating lasting memories.
Allow Ample Time :clock1:
You might need more time than expected to see everything and hear all the stories.
Cafe & Gift Shop :coffee:
Enjoy refreshments and find great souvenirs. The NAAFI offers food and a well-stocked shop.
Tips
from all over the internet
Ask the Volunteers! :speech_balloon:
Their knowledge is incredible and brings history to life. Don't miss their talks and insights! +1
Book Spitfire Seat :airplane:
A small extra fee for an amazing experience. Photos are taken, creating lasting memories.
Allow Ample Time :clock1:
You might need more time than expected to see everything and hear all the stories.
Cafe & Gift Shop :coffee:
Enjoy refreshments and find great souvenirs. The NAAFI offers food and a well-stocked shop.
Free Parking :car:
Convenient and free parking is available on-site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hangar 42 is a highly praised visitor centre, lauded for its incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers who bring WWII history to life. Visitors rave about the unique 'sit in a Spitfire' experience and the moving tributes to aircrew sacrifice. While small, it offers a deeply engaging and memorable visit for history buffs and families alike. +2
"This is a small but very engaging museum staffed by professional, friendly, helpful, enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers, there is plenty to see, lots of exhibits and some really interesting talks, you can sit in a spitfire and if you have a spare couple of grand you can get a flight in one.
There is a small cafe serving hot and cold drinks and snakes and cakes.
The toilets are clean and well maintained, there is good free parking.
We had a really great time here and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.
If you are in the area this is a great way to spend a few hours without sand in your toes and slots in your face so give it a go."
Alan Holt
"My wife and I had been wanting to visit here for quite some time. Anyway we went on 28th Sept with some members of Lancashire Morris Minor Owners Club. It was a very interesting few hours, even the aircraft are so well built they look real. It was so interesting we didn't have time to see everything or lean about all the staff had to tell us. So we will be re-visiting soon. It's a great shame after everything the British Forces did, (All Gave Some, Some Gave All). And look at what this country has come down to."
Terry Godbert
"Hangar 42 in Blackpool is without doubt one of the best museums I’ve ever visited. The staff are incredibly helpful, and their knowledge is out of this world – they bring the whole place to life.
For a small extra charge, you can sit in the cockpit of a Spitfire, which is an absolutely amazing experience. You get a detailed talk about all the controls and how everything worked, and it’s so fascinating that I’ll definitely be going back to do it again. While you’re in the cockpit, the staff take loads of photos from different angles, so you leave with fantastic memories to look back on.
Beyond the Spitfire experience, there’s so much more to see and do, covering many aspects of World War II. There’s also a NAAFI for food and a small but well-stocked gift shop with a great selection of merchandise.
If you’re into Spitfires, aviation history, or World War II in general, this museum is a must-visit. I’ll definitely be returning!"
Chris Larter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hangar 42 is located in Blackpool. While specific public transport details are scarce, many visitors mention the availability of good, free parking on-site, making it accessible by car.
Yes, there is good, free parking available at Hangar 42, which is a significant convenience for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, and it's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
General admission details are not widely published online, but reviews suggest it's a worthwhile experience. There's an additional charge for the 'sit in a Spitfire' experience.
While not always mandatory, booking the 'sit in a Spitfire' experience in advance is highly recommended due to its popularity.
Hangar 42 sometimes hosts events, including Spitfire fly-bys or landings, which are incredible to witness. Keep an eye on their announcements for 'hangar 42 spitfire visitor centre events'.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore numerous WWII exhibits, military hardware, and displays. The highlight for many is the chance to sit in a Spitfire cockpit, learn about its controls, and hear stories of aircrew. +2
Absolutely! Visitors rave about the Spitfire cockpit experience, describing it as amazing and unforgettable. Volunteers provide detailed talks and take photos.
Yes, the volunteers are consistently praised for being professional, friendly, enthusiastic, and incredibly knowledgeable. They are a key part of the visitor experience. +1
Photography is generally allowed, and volunteers often take photos for you during the Spitfire cockpit experience, providing great memories.
Hangar 42 is a must-visit for anyone interested in aviation history, Spitfires, or World War II. The exhibits and personal stories are deeply engaging. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a small cafe serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and cakes. They also have a NAAFI for food. +1
The cafe offers basic refreshments like drinks, snacks, and cakes, perfect for a short break during your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The Spitfire cockpit experience is a prime photo opportunity, with volunteers capturing shots from various angles. The aircraft and exhibits also make for great historical photos.
Yes, and volunteers will actively take photos for you from different angles during the Spitfire cockpit experience, ensuring you get fantastic shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Ensure you allow enough time, as there's a lot to see. The on-site cafe provides a convenient spot for snacks and drinks, and the free parking makes arrival stress-free.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
Don't miss: The detailed talks by volunteers about the aircraft and the personal stories of the aircrew. The chance to sit in the cockpit is a highlight that many aviation enthusiasts cherish.
🤔 Budget Travelers
Budget tip: Focus on the general exhibits and talks by volunteers, which are incredibly informative. The 'sit in a Spitfire' experience has an extra charge, so decide if it fits your budget for a truly special memory.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spitfire Experience: More Than Just a Seat
This experience goes beyond just a photo op; it's about connecting with aviation history. The volunteers' passion and knowledge truly enhance the moment, bringing the era to life. It's consistently described as an absolute highlight and a must-do for any visitor, especially those with an interest in WWII aviation.
Key takeaway: Book this in advance if possible, as it's a popular attraction that offers incredible value and unforgettable memories.
Volunteers: The Heartbeat of Hangar 42
These volunteers are instrumental in bringing the exhibits to life. They offer engaging talks, answer questions with depth and clarity, and share personal anecdotes that make the history feel tangible. Their dedication ensures that every visitor, whether a seasoned aviation buff or a curious newcomer, feels welcomed and informed. The community-driven nature of the museum, powered by these volunteers, is a major reason for its high praise.
Tip: Don't hesitate to strike up conversations with the volunteers. Their insights and stories are often the most memorable part of a visit.
Honoring Sacrifice: The Human Element of WWII
This aspect of the visitor centre is particularly impactful for many. It shifts the focus from the machines of war to the individuals who operated them, emphasizing concepts like honor, service, and dedication. It's a powerful commemoration of the lives lost and the freedom that was hard-won, making the visit a profound experience that resonates long after leaving.
Significance: This focus on personal stories adds a crucial emotional depth to the museum, reminding visitors of the true price of peace.
Social
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