Gatwick Aviation Museum

18/10/2026

13/10/2026

This is one not to miss! We're really excited to be hosting 'An evening with Ian Black' here at the Museum on Thursday 12 November from 6.30pm to 9pm.

We're sure Ian won't mind us saying he's a bit of a celebrity - a former RAF Fighter Pilot and accomplished author and photographer, he joins us to share his incredible stories and experiences flying the English Electric Lightning.

An amazing opportunity to hear first hand about flying this iconic aircraft - the interceptor that could stand on its tail and climb to 40,000ft in under 3 minutes.

Ian's presentation will be set in the hangar amongst our aircraft collection and alongside our very own English Electric Lightning so get ready for an atmospheric and memorable evening!

The evening will culminate in a chance to ask him any questions! Doors open at 6pm. Tickets are priced at £25 (+booking fee) but are limited so booking is essential - head to our website to secure yours www.gamc.org.uk

11/10/2026

We're delighted to have some members of the Triumph Stag owners' club with us at the museum today. Why not come along and have a look at some beautiful vehicles.

04/10/2026

Our Shackleton is due to close shortly for some essential maintenance and repairs over the Winter, so if you want the opportunity to come on board for a tour, you'll need to pay us a visit in the next few weeks.

Tours are available up to and including Sunday 1 November. You can book on the day and its still only £5 per person.

The aircraft will then be closed to the public until mid February 2027 allowing our engineering team to carry out a number of jobs.

In the interim however, our dedicated crew will still be here and ready to talk to visitors both outside the aircraft and in our theatre room where you can also watch our 25 min film about the Shackleton.

27/09/2026

Tickets are now available for our next evening talk on Thursday 8 October from 19:00-21:00.

'From Shackleton to Poseidon - 80 years of RAF anti-submarine warfare' will be presented by Chris Barber, one of the Museum's volunteers and himself, a former Nimrod pilot.

Learn about the objectives, detection and weapon systems, technologies and life for the crews on board in what is sure to be a fascinating and informative presentation.

Tickets are £5 per person and numbers are limited so booking is essential. To secure yours, email [email protected] and you will receive confirmation, then pay on the night. Book now!

18/09/2026

It is with immense sadness that we share the news that our much loved and respected Shackleton crew volunteer, Mike Rankin, has passed away.

Mike's close relationship with the Museum has spanned almost two decades. During that time he has enthralled hundreds of visitors, recounting his personal experiences of flying the Shackleton and his incredible career with the RAF - then subsequently flying commercial aircraft.

His stories - sometimes humorous, sometimes moving but always captivating, will long be remembered by everyone who met him and had the privilege of talking to him.

We were fortunate enough to capture just some of that in the Shackleton film we commissioned a couple of years ago and which we show every day in our theatre, so Mike will forever remain a part of the Museum and our Shackleton, which he loved so much.

The loss of Mike will be felt deeply by all of us. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.

17/09/2026

Driving experiences and passenger rides will be back for the final time this year, on Friday 18th, Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September.

Fantastic fun, combine with a visit to the Museum for an unforgettable day out!

11/09/2026

Congratulations to Yorkshire Air Museum on the arrival of their latest exhibit!

We can't wait for ours to arrive in the coming months - stay tuned for more updates on this exciting news!

05/09/2026

SAVE THE DATE!! Our next engine run event will be taking place on SATURDAY 8 MAY, 2027.

We wanted to give you as much notice as possible so you can ensure you don't miss it!

In addition to our Lightning and Shackleton being fired up, there will also be lots of other attractions. More info to follow with details of how to book tickets in advance with early bird discounts.