Aerospace Bristol

02/09/2026

Something is going down with our Freighter, or should we say, going up?

This week, our specialist team of former aerospace engineers has been hard at work fitting the aircraft’s main landing gear and getting its rather impressive wheels ready.

Our Freighter is taking another major step towards becoming its original self, and because we're doing it all in our public outdoor exhibition space, you can watch live as it happens.

This is our biggest-ever conservation project – follow along this week as we share more behind the scenes of this incredible project.

27/08/2026

Aerospace Bristol has been named a top attraction in Visit Bristol's new guide to 17 accessible attractions in Bristol.

We are really pleased to see accessibility recognised as such an important part of a great day out.

At Aerospace Bristol, visitors can enjoy:
♿ Step-free access throughout the museum
🚗 Blue Badge parking
🚻 Accessible toilets and a Changing Places toilet
🛗 Lift access
💺 Wheelchairs available to borrow
☕ An accessible café
🐕 Assistance dogs welcome
✈️ Accessible access aboard Concorde via lift and viewing platform

A big thank you to Visit Bristol for including us and for shining a light on accessible days out across the city.

👉 Take a look at the full list here: https://visitbristol.co.uk/blog/post/17-accessible-indoor-attractions-in-bristol/?fbclid=PAcGRvZgRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwyNTYyODEwNDA1NTgAAadi1UtPCXDD29FQyJe0ATR_2XVv_8vUxdO-_moAvM19UdLz0KHRNc2tA4J8vw_aem_xwsGomXu0QFsCgX1cV5t0Q

Discover galleries, museums, attractions and theatres in Bristol with helpful access information to plan a stress-free day out.

26/08/2026

Imagine stepping back inside the aircraft you once flew as a Concorde test pilot...

We had a very special visitor today as Alan Smith – the last surviving BAC Concorde test pilot – came back to see Concorde Alpha Foxtrot with his family.

Judging by the smile as he came out of the aircraft, it looks like it was a special day for him too.

Alan's aviation career is extraordinary. After serving in the RAF, he became an airline captain, flying aircraft including the DC-3 and de Havilland Heron, before joining the British Aircraft Corporation as a BAC 1-11 instructor and examiner.

In 1969, he boldly wrote to Concorde's Deputy Chief Test Pilot after hearing about redundancies at BAC. A move that ultimately led him to the Concorde programme at Fairford.

in 1973, he made his first flight in Concorde 002 alongside the legendary test pilot Brian Trubshaw.

Today, Alan sat back in the cockpit and shared the experience with Peter Coombs, one of our Pioneers.

Thank you Alan for spending the day with us. It was an honour to welcome you and your family.

25/08/2026

Did you know we have our own giant outdoor ball run?🔵🟣

It's made almost entirely from recycled and donated parts, brought together by our brilliant team, volunteers, friends and families.

It's designed for little hands and big imaginations – so grown-ups can get stuck in too...

In fact, our CEO Sally and her daughter have been putting it through its paces 👀

It's one of the ways we're making the most of our big outdoor space this summer, alongside our plane-shaped playground, outdoor activities, picnic spots and of course, the Bristol Freighter being restored right outside.

There's still time to come and enjoy it before the hols end, with up to two children under 17 going FREE with every paying adult until September 6.

24/08/2026

We're in The Telegraph! 🙌

Aerospace Bristol has been included in The Telegraph's 16 best things to do in Bristol – and we're delighted to be recommended as one of the city's must-visit attractions.

The Telegraph highlights our incredible collection of aircraft, interactive exhibits and, of course, the chance to get up close to Concorde.✈️

And there's even more to see this summer, including our Bristol Freighter conservation project taking shape outside, family activities and plenty of opportunities to explore Bristol's incredible aviation story.

So if you're visiting Bristol – or looking for somewhere to take the family during the holidays – why not come and see what all the fuss is about? 👀

🎟️ Book your visit: https://aerospacebristol.org/summer

📖 Read The Telegraph's full guide to Bristol: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/united-kingdom/england/bristol/bristol-best-attractions-things-to-do/ -for-free-attractions

19/08/2026

Attention hungry explorers! ☕🍪🍓

Our brand-new menu has just landed in the Flightline Café.

Whether you're stopping for lunch or grabbing a coffee and something sweet, we've got old favourites, new dishes, treats and plenty to keep you fuelled for your journey through our exhibitions.

Sometimes seeing Concorde and the Bristol Freighter T170 in the same day can make you exceptionally hungry...

Take a look at what's landed 👀

18/08/2026

Calling all little pilots! ✈️

Something rather exciting is landing at Aerospace Bristol this weekend...

This Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August, we'll be joined by the Joystick Club and their brilliant pedal planes – giving young visitors the chance to get behind the controls and take to the skies (well... almost)😄

The Joystick Club is a group of aviation enthusiasts who hand-build and maintain their own collection of pedal aircraft, with the aim of introducing and encouraging young people into the world of aviation.

Come and explore Concorde, see our Bristol Freighter conservation project taking shape outside, enjoy our summer activities and climb aboard your very own pedal plane for a little flight of your own.

And remember, *up to two children aged 4-17 go FREE* with every paying adult until 6 September.

See you at the museum, pilots!👋

https://www.joystickclub.co.uk/pedal-planes

17/08/2026

What's this? It's the Rolls-Royce Aerospace Collection.

70 historic engines, many originally designed and built by generations of engineers in Bristol, celebrating the city's central role in powering some of the world's most iconic aircraft.

This includes the Bristol Centaurus, one of the most powerful engines of WWII being over two-metres long and weighing 1,209 kilograms.

Prized engines also in the collection include the Hercules, the workhorse of WWII, the Pegasus, renowned for powering the legendary Harrier Jump Jet, and the Olympus, which propelled supersonic Concorde.

The collection is open every day from 1pm and to get the full experience, book your guided tour with an expert here: https://aerospacebristol.org/new-extra-experiences

Tours are £15pp on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, starting at 11am. Museum tickets are required.

If your interest was piqued, but not satisfied, don't worry...

We have a number of fascinating books available in store and online, including The Hercules – The Other Engine That Helped Win the War: https://shop.aerospacebristol.org/collections/adult-books/products/the-hercules-the-other-engine-that-helped-win-the-war

12/08/2026

It’s another scooorching hot day, but not to worry ☀

We are open.

It’s nice and cool in our hangars.

And we’ve got Marshfield Farm Ice Cream and Clifton Coffee Roasters iced coffees waiting at our Flightline Café with our recently refreshed menu to help you in the heat.