Museums

Experience the exciting history of Britain's Flying Navy. In the Summer of 1963, a small public enclosure was opened at Yeovilton to allow the public to stop and watch the Fleet Air Arm at work. To increase interest, the Commanding Officer at the time proposed that the 3 historic aircraft held by the Station should be placed on view by the Enclosure. Putting the aircraft in the open caused them to deteriorate and so it was decided to place them under cover.

From this small beginning the Museum opened in May 1964 with 8 aircraft and has continued to expand ever since. Today the Museum covers 6.5 acres, has more than 40 aircraft on display with as many again in storage or refurbishment. It is now one of the largest aviation museums in the World.

The Fleet Air Museum is a little way from Bristol; take the Bridgwater turnoff from the M5 and follow signs towards Yeovil. The address is RNAS Yeovilton, Ilchester, Somerset BA22 8HT

HorseWorld is a charity based near Bristol that helps rescue and care for horses, ponies and donkeys that have been neglected, abused or abandoned. It provides them with food, veterinary care, rehabilitation and a safe place to live. HorseWorld also educates people about responsible horse ownership and offers opportunities for visitors and volunteers to learn more about these animals.

Oakham Treasures is a large privately owned museum in Portbury, near Bristol, that displays a huge collection of objects from everyday life and farming in the past. It includes old-fashioned shops, household items, advertising signs, toys, vehicles, tractors and farm machinery. The museum was created from Keith Sherrell’s personal collection, which he began building in the 1960s. It is designed to give visitors a nostalgic look at how people lived and shopped during the 20th century.

The address is Oakham Treasures, Oakham Farm, Portbury Lane, Portbury, Bristol BS20 7SP