The Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop in Hampshire has launched its first ever crowdfunding campaign!
The much-loved Museum which recently won the Silver Award for Small Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Beautiful South Awards, installed an Apache AH Mk.1 attack helicopter on permanent display last year, making it the only Museum in the UK that the public can see this formidable aircraft.
The exhibit has been a popular one at the Hampshire Museum, with record visitor numbers achieved in 2024/25 following the installation. However, the Museum now needs to update their popular ‘Helicopters in Action’ audio-visual display. They have been working with the fantastic team at Ay-Pe to create an exciting digital experience that showcases the fascinating development of the Army’s armed and attack helicopters with the Apache front and centre.
The Museum is hoping to raise the funds it needs to make the new display a reality. Half the funds have already been secured, and the Crowdfunding campaign has got off to a great start with a generous donation of £5000 from the Army Air Corps Charity.
Lucy Johnson, Chief Executive of the Army Flying Museum said: “It has taken over a decade for the Museum to install an Apache and we are delighted to have been the first museum in the UK to have done so. The next challenge of bringing our audio-visual display up to date and truly showcase the development of these amazing aircraft is really exciting and we can’t wait to see the finished product. We hope that our visitors and supporters will get behind this and help us to achieve our fundraising target and get themselves a limited-edition gift too!”
Members of the public are encouraged to donate online to access some unique rewards designed by Runway25, a business created by Army veteran and former Apache technician, Tom Newey who said: “As a former aircraft technician with 3 Regt AAC, I actually owe my business to the Apache and the opportunities that being part of the AHF gave me. A chance encounter in 2014 led to me starting the business that eventually became Runway25. As a company, we are honoured to be working with the Army Flying Museum to help them raise funds for the display of ZJ224 which is such a special aircraft in AAC history.”
LLA recreates archive photo to celebrate 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day
London Luton Airport (LLA) and Cadets from the 10F Luton Squadron Air Training Corps (ATC) have celebrated VE Day by welcoming a classic Miles Magister aircraft to the airport.
The two-seat Miles Magister, a key training aircraft for the Royal Air Force during the 1930s and 1940s, flew into LLA from nearby Shuttleworth Aerodrome.
The arrival of the Miles Magister, affectionally known as the ‘Maggie’, provided an opportunity to recreate a memorable photograph from the airport’s past*, depicting local ATC Cadets alongside the aircraft at LLA, a Royal Air Force base during the Second World War.
Neil Thompson, Chief Operations Officer at London Luton Airport, commented: “The original image of the Miles Magister at LLA captured an important period in the airport’s rich history and it was a pleasure to welcome the Cadets from 10F Luton Squadron to recreate such a magical moment. LLA has been on quite a journey since the photo was taken, from opening as a small airfield in 1938 to its position as a thriving airport, welcoming millions of passengers each year. We are extremely proud of the airport’s past and it was an honour to have this opportunity to pay tribute to the Second World War generation in this way.”
The plane was flown to the airport by Scott Butler, an easyJet pilot based at LLA, and a volunteer pilot at Shuttleworth. Scott commented: “The opportunity to fly the Miles Magister from Shuttleworth to London Luton Airport was simply too good to miss. I started my flying as an Air Cadet before serving in the Royal Air Force, so flying the Maggie has many links for me. The Cadets were a pleasure to meet and we were thrilled that they were all as enthusiastic about the aircraft as their predecessors from all those years ago.”
Charlemagne Kirk, one of the visiting Cadets, added: “We all feel immensely privileged to have been invited to get a close look at a working Miles Magister and for the opportunity to come together with London Luton Airport and Shuttleworth to recreate such an important moment from 10F Luton Squadron history.”
VE Day will also see 1940s vocal harmony trio, The Femmes, entertaining passengers at LLA with their vintage repertoire that includes songs from artists such as Vera Lynn and The Andrews Sisters.
The Miles Magister will be on display at the Shuttleworth Military Air Show on 31 May.
On the 80th anniversary of VE Day, The National Lottery Heritage Fund announces major funding to celebrate the heritage of the Royal Air Force and the Royal Marines and safeguard it for future generations
20 million people in the UK have direct connections with the RAF – RAF Museum Midlands in Cosford awarded £9.3m for a wide-ranging Engagement Programme, national exhibition, learning centre, collections hub and enhanced public realm
The Royal Marines have a history spanning 360 years – National Museum of the Royal Navy in Portsmouth awarded £4.4m to transform historic boathouse and create a dedicated Royal Marines Experience
Today, Thursday 8 May, The National Lottery Heritage Fund announces funding of £13.7m for plans to transform the RAF Museum Midlands in Cosford and to transform a historic boathouse and create a Royal Marines Experience at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
The news comes on the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, which will see events take place across the UK to commemorate those who served in the Second World War and remember how the UK marked the moment in 1945.
Royal Air Force and Royal Marines personnel played essential roles during the Second World War demonstrating extreme bravery and sacrifice as they helped deliver Allied victory. Objects and stories from the period form a key part of the two museums’ collections and displays.
The RAF Museum Midlands is home to the world’s oldest Spitfire and exhibitions exploring the Battle of Britain and Bomber Command. The National Museum of the Royal Navy’ D-Day Museum is the guardian of LCT 7074, the last surviving landing craft tank from D-Day, just one of the many sea-based operations the Royal Marines were involved in during the Second World War.
Today’s National Lottery investment will support plans to transform how the RAF’s 100+ year story is shared and to create a display telling the 360-year story of the Royal Marines.
Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“As people across the UK mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, it is evident that the legacy of the Second World War and our armed forces are a key part of our historical narrative.
“Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we are delighted to help safeguard and share the heritage of the Royal Air Force and Royal Marines for people to learn from for generations to come.
“The funding will unlock the doors to hidden collections, explore new perspectives on the history and future of the RAF and Royal Marines and create fantastic opportunities for people and tourism in Cosford, Gosport and beyond.
“Crucially, these projects will help new audiences to discover, draw inspiration from and forge connections with the stories of the RAF and Royal Marines, helping to ensure the heritage is valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future.”
The Royal Air Force Museum Midlands has been awarded £9,286,778 by the Heritage Fund for its Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme.
The RAF Museum is the guardian of a national collection that spans over a century of RAF history, capturing every aspect of RAF life. Yet, today, less than 1% of this inspiring heritage is accessible to the public. A new Collections Hub at the Museum’s Midlands site will unlock the doors to stored objects for the first time, enabling public access to artefacts of regional, national and international importance.
During the Second World War, RAF Cosford played a vital role in training engineers and delivering Spitfires built in the Midlands. The National Lottery supported programme will redevelop a 1930s hangar as a new exhibition and Learning Centre,
continuing this legacy of skills building, with a focus on STEM, geography, art and design.
A new exhibition will explore the critical role of the Royal Air Force since 1980.
Visitors will discover how the RAF’s mission continues today and imagine how the service will adapt in the future as it delivers 24/7 Air, Land, Maritime, Space and Cyber defence.
The transformation extends beyond the buildings. A new public realm will provide spaces for outdoor events, learning, rest and relaxation. A three-year multi-strand Engagement Programme will offer activities onsite, offsite and online.
It is estimated that 20 million people in the UK have direct connections with the RAF. This project will protect that heritage and enable future generations to explore and draw inspiration from the remarkable RAF story.
Maggie Appleton, CEO of the Royal Air Force Museum, said:
“Warm thanks on behalf of all our team to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and to all National Lottery players. This very generous support will enable us to engage with our communities and wider partners to care for and share our collections and their fascinating stories in new, ambitious and creative ways.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors to the RAF Museum Midlands on Saturday 31 May to celebrate the project launch and find out how to get involved in a packed day of activity with a special Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast.
“To find out more about the Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme and how you can get involved, visit rafmuseum.org/midlands.”
Sir Richard Knighton KCB ADC FREng, Chief of the Air Staff, said:
“Development of the Museum’s Midlands site is strategically important to the Royal Air Force. The opportunities to improve our STEM outreach together, improve our exposure in a very diverse community, and improve how we tell the compelling story of our recent history are vitally important. The Royal Air Force is therefore delighted to support this development.”
The National Museum of the Royal Navy has been awarded £4.4m to for its plans to establish The Royal Marines Experience Museum in Portsmouth.
The Royal Marines are the nation’s elite amphibious force who deploy at sea and on land, around the globe, in peace and in war. The new display will take visitors on a compelling journey through four centuries of Royal Marines history – from the creation of its forerunner in 1664 to today.
The amazing objects, exhibitions, galleries and hands-on experiences will inspire by showcasing remarkable personal stories, immense teamwork and qualities of resilience that can help us all navigate today’s complex and often demanding world.
Visitors will be able to follow the story across the ground floor of Boathouse 6, choosing to explore through an active immersive route and / or through an object rich multi-media exploration of the history of the Corps. The intention is that the story of the Royal Marines will be told in a truly active and engaging way, enabling visitors not only to learn about who the Royal Marines are (past and present), but also inviting them to partake in a number of tasks designed to give a taste of the level of physical and mental fitness required to do the job. Displays and their content will draw on examples past and present and will put the Royal Marines ethos at the heart of the story.
The Boathouse 6 project, which will cost c£15million in total, will also house a new dedicated Special Exhibition Gallery and Royal Marines themed Laser Quest. This new extraordinary, compelling and flexible space inside the historic former boathouse and overlooking the Scheduled Monument and Grade II* Listed Mast Pond will measure 400m2 and will be one of the biggest temporary exhibition spaces in the South of England. This will enable the Museum to stage temporary exhibitions that refresh the offer at the Historic Dockyard and can attract new and different audiences, create opportunities for wider partnership working and explore a wide range of arts, culture and heritage narratives.
Admiral Sir Ben Key KCB CBE ADC First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff said in his letter of support for the project:
“The Royal Navy places great value on the importance of tradition and preserving our heritage for future generations. The Royal Marines story of daring, duty and sacrifice deserves to be recognised and celebrated. The new museum will showcase what makes a Royal Marine, illustrating their prestigious history from their origins in 1664 to the Commando Force of the next generation. It will also be a place for celebration, commemoration, and reflection in the city of Portsmouth, a place steeped in rich naval history. I am certain that funds allocated to this project will be utilised most effectively to make a positive and lasting contribution to our local community.”
Matthew Sheldon CEO of the National Museum of the Royal Navy, said: “This generous support from the National Lottery and its players marks a major milestone in the delivery of an innovative approach to sharing the incredible stories of our service community. It is apt that we make this announcement on VE Day – as we reflect on the contribution of our veteran community 80 years ago. The idea of the ‘Commando’ was born in the dark days of 1940, and has been shaped and re-shaped by the Royal Marines Commandos in the last 80 years. Our project will have a particular focus on this recent history and seek to bring the endeavour, courage and conflict inherent in those stories to life through modern interpretative and digital techniques that enable us to speak to diverse and wide-ranging audiences.”
The RAF Museum Midlands is delighted to announce a very special weekend of celebrations on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 May 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
VE Day signifies the historic end of the Second World War in Europe, and the Museum warmly invites visitors of all ages to join a vibrant programme of music, interactive workshops, and heartfelt remembrance.
A highlight of the weekend will be a flypast by the iconic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster bomber, taking place on Saturday 10 May between 1.30pm and 1.40pm (weather permitting). This stirring tribute will honour the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of those who served during the conflict.
Visitors can soak up the spirit of the occasion with an uplifting afternoon VE Day Concert, featuring live performances from 1.00pm to 3.30pm. Proceedings will open with a welcome and commemorative poem from veterans of the National Service (RAF) Association. The RAF Voluntary Band Cosford will fill the air with rousing tunes, while The Bluebird Belles, a beloved 1940s vocal trio, will revive the joyful sounds of the wartime era with their popular swing classics.
Throughout the weekend, a host of free, family-friendly activities will be on offer. Get creative at the VE Day Bunting Workshop and help craft a Union Jack-themed display for the hangar. Step into the shoes of an RAF pilot by trying on period uniforms and capturing a memorable selfie, or relax in the Museum’s Lecture Theatre to watch original VE Day footage that captures the euphoric celebrations of 1945.
Families are encouraged to dress the part! Come along in your favourite 1940s outfit — civilian or Allied uniforms only — for the chance to win the Best Dressed Family Prize.
Mike Groves, RAF Museum Midlands Public Events Manager said:
‘We’re thrilled to welcome visitors for a weekend packed with fun, music, and shared memories as we mark 80 years since Victory in Europe Day. With flying displays, vintage tunes, hands-on workshops, and more, it’s a wonderful chance to come together, reflect, and celebrate the resilience, sacrifice, and community spirit that defined this momentous chapter in history. Bring a picnic and chair, settle in, and join us for a truly unforgettable occasion.’
Entry to the Museum and all VE Day activities is free. For a full event schedule, visit rafmuseum.org/midlands. The Museum is open daily from 10.00am, with free admission.
The Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop in Hampshire will be encouraging visitors to join them from the 8th May to commemorate VE Day 2025.
The Museum will be staging a very special temporary display which will feature Second World War highlights from the Museum’s collection. Visitors will be able to see artefacts and documents that provide a unique insight into Army aviation during the global conflict, along with excerpts from recordings of those who were there. Many of the items in the exhibition will not have been on public display before, therefore offering a unique opportunity to even the most regular of visitors to the Museum.
A stunning soundtrack of words and music will be played in the breathtaking Hayward Hall from the 8th – 10th May, giving visitors a chance to remember, commemorate and reflect whilst admiring the amazing aircraft on display.
On Friday 9th May, the Museum will host a very special talk by Military Historian – Paul Beaver – Middle Wallop in the War Years. Most people know Middle Wallop for its Battle of Britain connection, but its history during the Second World War was varied and fascinating. From flying Poles to American fighters, the airfield had many users in five years of conflict. A great opportunity for visitors to learn some things they may not have known about Wallop!
Local enthusiasts Gramofun, will also be sharing their love of gramophones on the 9th, bringing a selection of wind-up gramophones and 1940’s records to ensure visitors can hear the music exactly as it would have sounded in the day, with a very special VE80 theme.
With special VE80 activity sheets and a trail for younger visitors to learn more about the Second World War, the Museum hopes to encourage family groups to come and experience all the Museum has to offer.
To encourage visitors into the Museum to commemorate VE80, the Museum are offering a very special one-off entry fee of just £8 on the 8th May!
The Wings Aviation Museum is proud to announce the generous gifting of the original Kestrel undercarriage by the Royal Air Force Museum to support the restoration of Hawker Kestrel XS694 — a rare and iconic piece of British aviation history.
This extraordinary donation follows six years of delegation, discussions, and unwavering commitment, and marks a significant milestone in the restoration of XS694. The RAF Museum has gifted the complete main gear, nose gear, one outrigger, and two main wheels — vital components that will allow Wings Aviation Museum’s dedicated team to progress the project with greater authenticity and historical accuracy.
Manufactured by Dowty, a leading British aerospace engineering company now known as Safran Landing Systems, the Kestrel’s undercarriage was an advanced piece of design for its time — developed to withstand the demands of vertical and short takeoff trials. The survival of these original components is incredibly rare, making this gift both technically invaluable and historically significant.
The museum plans to reverse engineer the outrigger to fabricate a second one, ensuring the full set is complete. Anyone with experience in reverse engineering or fabrication of aircraft components is encouraged to get in touch and lend their expertise to this unique restoration effort.
“We are deeply honoured by the RAF Museum’s support,” said Aaron Simmons and Dave Cotton, joint project leads at Wings Aviation Museum. “The undercarriage is not just a mechanical part — it represents a major piece of British innovation and aviation development. This gift brings us one step closer to preserving a vital chapter of our aerospace heritage.”
“We are proud to support the restoration of Hawker Kestrel XS694 — an aircraft that played a vital role in the development of V/STOL flight and Britain’s aerospace leadership. The RAF Museum is fortunate to have a Kestrel on display at our Midlands site, where it continues to inspire visitors with its story of innovation and engineering excellence. By gifting these rare and original parts — which would otherwise remain in storage — to the Wings Aviation Museum, we are helping to bring another remarkable airframe back to life. It is through partnerships like this that we ensure our nation’s aviation heritage is preserved, shared, and celebrated with wider audiences for generations to come.”
— Maggie Appleton, CEO, Royal Air Force Museum
The Hawker Kestrel FGA.1 was a pioneering aircraft developed in the early 1960s to test Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing (V/STOL) technology. With only a handful ever built, each surviving component carries immense historical value. XS694 is one of only two surviving Kestrels in the UK — and the only example to have been brought back from the United States, where it served with both the United States Air Force (USAF) and NASA during its active life.
In a fitting tribute to the aircraft’s legacy, once restored, Hawker Kestrel XS694 will go on public display at Dunsfold Aerodrome — the very airfield where it first took to the skies. This future display will honour not only the aircraft’s revolutionary design but also its unique connection to British aviation history and innovation.
The Kestrel is just one part of the Wings Aviation Museum’s ambitious future at Dunsfold, where plans are progressing for a new, expanded museum site. The new facility will tell the story of Hawker Aviation and British aerospace innovation at Dunsfold, from the early jet age through to the iconic Harrier. As part of its mission, the museum will deliver engaging STEM-focused educational programmes designed to inspire young people to explore careers in engineering, science, and technology — connecting classroom learning with real-world aviation heritage. Visitors will also experience enhanced exhibition spaces and hands-on restoration workshops, bringing the remarkable legacy of British aircraft design and test flying to life. XS694 will take pride of place in this new setting, helping to inspire future generations.
The undercarriage components will be integrated into the ongoing restoration efforts at the museum’s workshop in West Sussex, where volunteers and aviation experts have been working tirelessly to return XS694 to its former glory.
Wings Aviation Museum extends its heartfelt thanks to the RAF Museum for this remarkable gift and their ongoing support of historic aircraft preservation. Their generosity ensures that future generations can continue to connect with, learn from, and be inspired by Britain’s rich aviation legacy.
Wings Aviation Museum invites supporters, historians, and enthusiasts to follow the project’s progress and contribute to this historic endeavour. Donations of tools, parts — including essential skin pins — and financial support are all welcomed to keep this unique restoration flying forward.
Newark Air Museum Outdoor Aeroboot Aviation & Avionics Sale
Saturday 12th April, 2025
The next Newark Air Museum Outdoor Aeroboot / Aerojumble Sale at the museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire takes place on Saturday 12th April, 2025. This charity fund raising event has attracted interest from a wide range of sellers across the UK and is taking place as a standalone museum event.
The funds that the museum raises from organising the event will be used to support the development of facilities at its Gateway Aviation Site, which is located in eastern Nottinghamshire close to the Lincolnshire border.
More than thirty-five (35) sellers, who come from around the UK have pre-booked selling spaces on the wide expanses of our Southfield Site, close to the aircraft display line and the museum café.
Buyers / visitors who attend this fund raising event will have the opportunity to search through a varied selection of aviation and avionic items: including books, paintings, prints, DVDs, plastic kits, die-cast models, clothing, radio equipment and a wide range of aircraft parts.
Normal museum admission rates will apply: Adults £12.00, Over 65s £11.00, Children £6.00 and Family ticket [2 adults & 3 children] £33.00.
The museum opening times will be 09.00 to 17.00 hours; with the sale taking place between 09.00 and 14.00 hours; to get the best bargains we suggest that you get there early.
Further details are available on the Events Page of the museum website www.newarkairmuseum.org or by telephoning 01636 707170.
The Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop in Hampshire are thrilled to announce local company Andover Norton International, have shown their support for the charity’s annual fundraising event Wallop Wheels and Wings, which this year will take place on Saturday 12 July.
The company, which was founded in 1977, is home to the biggest stock of Norton parts worldwide, selling more Norton factory spare parts for Norton Commandos, Dominators and other models, than anyone else in the World. The company are a perfect partnership with the Museum for their fifth Wallop Wheels and Wings event as they look to grow the display and cavalcade of motorcycles in 2025, having already achieved record numbers of car exhibitors for this year’s event.
Karl Smith, Managing Director of Andover Norton International said: “We’re incredibly proud to partner with the Army Flying Museum for their Wallop Wings and Wheels 2025 event. As a local business based in Andover, who’re connected to a classic British motorcycle brand, it felt like a perfect affiliation.
We can’t wait to attend and showcase some of our own incredible Classic Norton collection and see the vehicles on display on the day.”
The confirmation of support from Andover Norton comes as very welcome news to the Museum as they grow from strength to strength with their packed event programme and record visitor numbers, following their Silver Award for Small Visitor Attraction of the year at the Beautiful South Awards in December.
Chief Executive of the Army Flying Museum, Lucy Johnson said: “Wallop Wheels and Wings is our main fundraising event for the charity and now, in its fifth year, we hope it will be bigger and better than ever. It is fantastic to have secured Andover Norton as a sponsor this year to develop the motorcycle element of the event and we are delighted to be working with them and can’t wait to see the array of Norton bikes on display.”
The event will again feature a wide array of classic and super cars, motorcycles and aircraft, to please both aviation and motor enthusiasts, with a small number of air display elements during the day.
For non-enthusiasts, there will be the opportunity to browse the artisan trader village, with over 40 stalls selling a wide range of arts, crafts, food and drink. New to the event this year will be a speaker’s tent for visitors with an avid interest in military history.
Activities for families and children will be in abundance, with mini go-carts, circus skills, pedal planes, mini tanks, face painting and lots of craft and interactive activities to keep little ones busy throughout the day.
Shuttleworth and Aero Legends are delighted to announce a new relationship that will see Aero Legends’ flight experiences operating out of Shuttleworth Aerodrome (Old Warden) from May.
Aero Legends are a premium provider of vintage flying experiences, offering customers the chance to fly in authentically restored wartime aircraft with some of the world’s most established pilots. Their growing fleet of pleasure flight aircraft is the most diverse in the UK and includes the legendary Spitfire.
Shuttleworth is home to a live airfield, an internationally renowned Collection of aircraft from 1909-1950, as well as veteran vehicles and buses, heritage exhibits, a 9-acre Regency Garden and Shuttleworth House, a Victorian mansion. The site also operates a popular café that is free to access.
Now, the two organisations are excited to be offering a new location for flight experiences in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. Members of the public will be able to book flights in a two seater Spitfire as well as a T6 Harvard aircraft from Shuttleworth Aerodrome. Following a detailed pre-flight briefing, Aero Legends will offer guests the chance to experience a fantastic range of aerobatic manoeuvres in unrestricted airspace, with no limit on guest numbers – who can enjoy watching from the ground and make the most of Shuttleworth’s on-site facilities. Flight bookers will take home a souvenir pack complete with flight certificate and aircraft patch.
Benjamin Perkins, Managing Director of Aero Legends, said, “We can’t wait to bring our premium vintage flying experiences to Shuttleworth in this new relationship. This will be the fourth location from which we can provide thrilling experiences in our legendary aircraft.”
Jean-Michel Munn, Head of Engineering at Shuttleworth, added, “We are excited to see Shuttleworth as a new location for Aero Legends’ iconic flying experiences. This development in our relationship is a great move toward strengthening bonds in the aviation community. Long may it continue.”
To find out more or to book an Aero Legends flight experience at Shuttleworth, visit www.shuttleworth.org. Flying guests will also receive complimentary access to Shuttleworth’s Collection and Garden.
To say thank you for the £30million raised for Good Causes every week by players, hundreds of National Lottery-funded venues across the UK will be offering free entry, discounts and special offers throughout National Lottery Open Week
National Lottery Open Week runs 15-23 March and aims to encourage people to say yes to simple pleasures this spring
The RAF Museum is offering lottery players 2 for 1 on Flight Simulator and 4D Theatre rides, plus 10% off in the Museum shop and restaurant
To say thank you for the £30 million raised for good causes every week by players, there is free entry and special offers at a range of National Lottery funded venues across the UK as part of National Lottery Open Week.
From Saturday 15 – Sunday 23 March 2025, anyone with a valid online or retail National Lottery ticket, Scratchcard or Instant Win Game can enjoy a low-cost day out thanks to free or discounted entry and special offers at hundreds of National Lottery-funded venues and attractions, including the RAF Museum in both London and the Midlands.
Delve into the past with historical houses, castles and museums, embrace nature in all its glory at wildlife hotspots, relive iconic moments at famous sports venues or enjoy a culture fix at art galleries and cinemas across the country. There is something for everyone.
Visit the RAF Museum this National Lottery Open Week and enjoy flying entertainment for the whole family, with 2 for 1 tickets onFlight Simulator and 4D Theatre rides. Experiences include flying with the Red Arrows in the amazing 4D theatre, combining motion picture with physical effects. Or feel the speed and agility of the Eurofighter Typhoon onboard the Flight Simulator, with a pilot’s eye view from the cockpit. It’s guaranteed family fun for thrill-seekers of all ages!
National Lottery ticket holders will also receive 10% off in the Museum shop for the duration of the Open Week. Receive money off an extensive collection of clothing, gifts, models and kits, home and kitchenware, toys, games, jewellery and much more!
After exploring the hangars at the Museum, relax and refuel in the onsite restaurant and enjoy 10% off a great selection of food and drink, including barista coffees, homemade cakes, hot lunches or snacks from the deli. To redeem your discounts at the Museum, simply show your National Lottery ticket, Scratchcard or Instant Win Game to a member of staff. To find out more about what’s on offer at the Museum and to plan your visit, go to rafmuseum.org.
Barry Smith, Director of Visitor and Commercial Development at RAF Museum said:
‘We’re delighted to be participating in National Lottery Open Week this year. Like many organisations across the UK, we have directly benefited from National Lottery funding, which has been instrumental in advancing our Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme. This transformative project will bring significant changes to our Midlands site, including an immersive exhibition exploring today’s RAF, a new Learning Centre, and a purpose built Collections Hub, allowing us to share our stored collection with the public for the first time. These developments will be complemented by a regional engagement programme, with work set to begin later this year. National Lottery players make an invaluable contribution to good causes, and we are thrilled to have this opportunity to say thank you. We look forward to welcoming visitors to the RAF Museum during Open Week.’
To view all venues and offers that are available throughout The National Lottery Open Week, visit www.nationallotteryopenweek.com.
Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England and Chair of the National Lottery Forum said: ‘We’re excited to bring back National Lottery Open Week 2025! Life’s pace often pushes us to say ‘no’ to things we want to do, prioritising instead the things we think we ‘should do’. National Lottery Open Week is a chance to say ‘yes’ to joyful experiences – exploring the UK’s rich history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture through free and low-cost days out. It is our way of thanking National Lottery players who raise £30 million every week for Good Causes, supporting vital projects in arts, sports, heritage, and communities nationwide.’ Terms and conditions and booking instructions across special offers will vary, check the individual offer listing for details.
