Reserve Collection Experience at Cobham Hall

The Experience

This exclusive experience offers a rare opportunity to get up close to our aircraft reserve collection, featuring more than 20 aircraft and objects that are not normally on public display. Discover a fascinating collection of historic aircraft and uncover the stories behind them in this unique guided experience.

Led by experienced guides, all former members of the Fleet Air Arm, you'll explore the stories behind these remarkable aircraft and discover the vital work involved in preserving Europe's largest collection of naval aircraft.

Your 90-minute experience includes a welcome and safety briefing, a specifically guided tour of the reserve collection, and an exclusive Q&A session with one of our Principal Conservators. As you explore the heart of the collection, you'll encounter a selection of aircraft across 100 years of Fleet Air Arm and Royal Naval Air Service History, including the first swept wing Jet aircraft to make a ships deck landing, Fairey Flycatcher interwar years bi-plane, the world’s last remaining Seaplane Lighter from WW1 and the museum’s most recent acquisition Sea King ASAC7 XV714. The experience concludes with an opportunity to learn more about the conservation and preservation work taking place behind the scenes.

Key Event Information

Location: Cobham Hall, Royal Navy Museum: Naval Aviation, RNAS Yeovilton, Ilchester, Somerset, BA22 8HT

Tour times: 10:15am & 11:15am

Age requirement: Suitable for visitors aged 14 and over. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Accessibility: Due to the nature of the building and collection storage areas, this experience is unsuitable for visitors who are unable to negotiate stairs. Please contact the museum team to discuss bespoke accessible experiences.

PPE: Attendees at Cobham Hall are required to wear PPE whilst visiting the Aero Collection, including a bump cap. This equipment is provided on site and is mandatory for all participants.

Tours operate in small groups, with a maximum of 12 guests per timeslot, ensuring a personal and engaging experience.

Ticket Information

Choose from two ticket options:

• Standard – Cobham Hall Experience only (£35)
• Premium – Cobham Hall Experience plus one-day museum admission (£50)

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Thank you

By choosing to book an event with us, you are doing more than just booking a uniquely memorable experience. You are actively contributing to the conservation of Britain’s naval heritage.  

The Royal Navy Museums is a charitable organisation, and all profit generated via events is reinvested so that we can continue to preserve and improve our iconic ships, aircraft and submarines as well as our treasured collections and historic buildings for the general public to enjoy.