What’s On at Aerospace Bristol

Out of this World October 🚀

Spectacular space-themed activities for a fantastic family day out in World Space Week (4-12 Oct) and October Half Term (25 Oct - 2 Nov).

Blast off this October with an out of this world programme 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, please use the links below to add a planetarium experience to your visit:

  • 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 Show and Tell. You might get to hold an object that has been to space or even meet a real rocket scientist! (Between 10:30am - 2:30pm)

• 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.

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.

Bristol Aero Talks: Whether the Weather from Space

14 October at 7:15pm, this event is FREE to attend

This year Europe launched the next generation of meteorological satellites, at a cost of 8 Billion Euros. This could not be more timely given the unfolding climate crisis. On 14 October, we are thrilled to be joined by Systems Engineer and Project Manager, Janet Charlton. Janet will trace the origins of space based observations for meteorology and review activities in this field up to the present day, she’ll also be highlighting Bristol’s contribution to past and present missions.

Our Bristol Aero Talks Series is free and you do not need to book. Please arrive at 7:15pm at our admissions.

Vampire Jet Car

25 October -2 November

The Vampire supercar is joining supersonic Concorde this October half term (25 October – 2 November). You will be able to see the two record-breaking feats of engineering displayed together for the first time throughout the school holiday.  

Seeing Vampire is included with your admission ticket.

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!

New Guided Tour
Hangar 16R: Home of the Rolls-Royce Aerospace Collection

Available to book now!

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.

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

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.