What’s On at Aerospace Bristol
New Guided Tour
Hangar 16R: Home of the Rolls-Royce Aerospace Collection
Available to book now!
Pictured: An Olympus engine and Vulcan bomber. Photo credit: Rolls-Royce plc.
Be among the first to visit the Rolls-Royce Aerospace Collection in its brand new home at Aerospace Bristol.
Visitors can enter the hangar, learn how engines work and explore the history of engine manufacture in Bristol, and see the engines from a viewing area at one end of the museum store. To get up close and find out more, book a tour in the company of an expert guide.
In the company of an expert guide, you'll go behind-the-scenes of Aerospace Bristol's new museum store, journey through the history of aero engine manufacturing in Bristol, discover the stories behind engineering innovations spanning more than a century, and get up close to remarkable examples of piston and jet engines that powered some of history's most iconic aircraft.
To visit Hangar 16R, book your guided tour now.
Remembering the Filton Blitz
Thursday 25 September
Pictured: A Luftwaffe map showing targets in Filton.
85 years on from the brief but devastating Luftwaffe bombing raid on Filton, we remember those who lost their lives and tell the story of the Filton Blitz.
Hear the stories of people working at Filton that day, step inside a real air raid shelter and get a sense of what it was like for the RAF personnel working in what is now the museum’s main exhibition hangar.
*** SOLD OUT ***
Concorde After-Hours Tour: Mach One
Saturday 27th September
***These tour dates have now SOLD OUT. However, more dates will be released soon and advertised here.***
Enjoy a thrilling two-hour journey, beginning with a refreshing welcome drink or soft drink upon arrival. You and 35 other guests will be divided into three groups, each rotating through three sections, spending 30 minutes in each:
Underneath Concorde: Discover the technical feats of the aircraft, highlighting its engineering innovations.
Onboard Concorde: Explore the forward cabin and the flight deck, with a unique photo opportunity.
Concorde Flight Deck Simulator: Experience the mock flight deck and delve into Concorde’s history through the exhibition.
To commemorate this unforgettable experience, each guest will receive a personalised certificate signed by a Concorde VIP.
***These tour dates have now SOLD OUT. However, more dates will be released soon and advertised here.***
Out of this World October!
Enjoy space-themed activities throughout the month, including during World Space Week (4-12 Oct) and half-term (25 Oct - 2 Nov).
Pictured: The Family Planetarium Show with Astronomy Q&A. Book now…
Blast off this October with an out of this world programme of space-themed activities for all ages.
The Dome Club planetarium returns to Aerospace Bristol on the weekend of 11th & 12th October and for half-term, from 25th October to 2nd November. There are three incredible shows on offer:
AstroTots Planetarium: Stars, Shapes & Colours (25min, ages 0-6)
Night Sky and 360° Film (Earth's Wild Ride) (30min, ages 8+)
Family Planetarium Show with Astronomy Q&A (40min, ages 7+)
Stop by The Space Station for live demonstrations and object handling. You might get to hold an object that has been to space or even meet a real rocket scientist!
Discover the incredible scale of our solar system on an interplanetary trail through the museum.
Test your skills in the Space Craft weaving challenge - inspired by real spacecraft circuit boards.
Dress up for a space mission, sample astronaut ice cream, and learn why it tastes so unusual.
Plus, come dressed as an astronaut - or in your best space or Halloween costume - to enjoy discounts in the café and shop!
Planetarium shows must be booked in advance via Yuup, using the links above.
Vintage Bristol Bus Day
26 October. In partnership with Bristol Vintage Bus Group
See the Bristol Vintage Bus Group’s collection of Bristol buses on display alongside the museum’s historic grade-II listed hangars.
You’ll even have the chance to step aboard the buses and enjoy a free round trip of the local area!
No separate ticket required. Simply visit Aerospace Bristol on 26 October to see the buses and enjoy a free bus ride!
Concorde Final Flight Anniversaries
24 October: Last commercial flight
26 November: Last ever Concorde flight
We’ll be marking 22 years since Concorde last took to the skies with special tours, droop nose demonstrations, talks and activities.
More details to be announced soon
Flight of Legends: An Aerospace Bristol Fundraising Dinner
21 November, 6.30pm - Midnight
Step into the golden age of aviation and join us for an extraordinary evening beneath the iconic wings of Concorde at this supersonic soirée.
This exclusive fundraising dinner brings together aviation enthusiasts, aerospace pioneers, and history makers as we reunite many of the iconic aircraft’s former crew for the first time.
Every ticket sold helps us to continue caring for our important collection and in our mission to inspire future generations.
Guided Tour: The First Flight of the Bristol Freighter
1-23 December
The Bristol Type 170. Photo credit: BAE Systems
Step inside Bristol Freighter NZ5911 - the only example of its kind in Europe and one of only 11 in the world - as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Freighter’s maiden flight (2 December 1945).
Learn more about this remarkable aircraft and the people who built it, meet Aerospace Bristol volunteers who helped return the Freighter to the UK, and find out more about the museum’s conservation work.
Guided visits to the Conservation Workshop depart from the cafe at regular intervals throughout the day. Tours last approximately 20 minutes and are included with museum admission.
Christmas at Aerospace Bristol
Christmas is a great time to visit Aerospace Bristol, whether for a family day out or a unique Christmas party!
This year, we’ll be stepping back in time to the glitz and glamour of the 1980s with exclusive party nights featuring fabulous food and unforgettable stories.
Story Time
Mondays during term time, 10:00-10:30am
Join us between 10:00 - 10:30 am when Aerospace Bristol’s learning team will be reading a story in the museum café, Flightline Kitchen + Bar.
Story Time is suitable for children aged 12 months to 4 years old, but all are welcome. Sessions are free to attend and museum admission is not required.
As well as hearing a story (while the grown-ups enjoy a coffee!), there’s also a colouring station, children’s books, and a fantastic outdoor play area to enjoy.
Story Time Dates
September- 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
October- 6th, 13th, 27th
November- 3rd, 17th, 24th
December- 1st, 8th, 15th
Enhance your visit with apps and trails
Download the Aerospace Adventure app
Grab your phone and go to adventure.aerospacebristol.org to play.
Join Alfie & Amelia on an Aerospace Adventure! Answer questions, learn facts and try to score as many points as you can. Will you make it to the top of the leaderboard?
Fact Finding Adventure Trail
Take off on an aviation adventure with Alfie Fox and his sister Amelia. Download your Alfie & Amelia comic book story ahead of your visit, or pick up a free copy in admissions.