RAF Tangmere was instrumental in protecting the south coast of England during the Second World War.
The site hosted the 'Tangmere Wing' of fighter squadrons, which carried out offensive sweeps over occupied Europe.
The museum houses the cockpit of a Hunter F.6, offering visitors an interactive look at jet-age pilot controls.
The station was a key location for testing advanced radar systems in the early stages of the war.
The museum features a rare, complete collection of local aviation history, including artifacts from the Tangmere Sector.
The airfield’s history dates back to 1917, when it was first established for the Royal Flying Corps.
The museum holds a significant collection of medals and personal memorabilia belonging to high-ranking RAF pilots.
Tangmere Military Aviation Museum is located on the historic site of RAF Tangmere, a frontline fighter station that played a vital role in the Battle of Britain. The museum preserves the history of the airfield, which served as a base for Hawker Hurricanes and Supermarine Spitfires. Indoor exhibition halls display a collection of aircraft, including the record-breaking Gloster Meteor and a replica of the Hawker Hurricane. Visitors can explore flight simulators, aero-engine exhibits, and extensive displays regarding the station’s role in air-sea rescue and night fighter operations. The museum features a specialized archive and library dedicated to aviation research. A dedicated onsite museum cafe provides light lunches and refreshments for visitors. Many exhibits are housed within original buildings or purpose-built hangars on the former airfield. The site is maintained by a charitable trust and staffed largely by volunteers.
Beside the full-scale Hawker Hurricane replica in the main hangar.
Check the museum's calendar for scheduled 'engine run' days to see historic aero-engines started.
Allow extra time to engage with the volunteer guides, who often have personal connections or deep historical knowledge of the site.
Visit the outdoor area to view larger aircraft exhibits that cannot fit inside the main hangars.
Do not rush through the smaller display rooms; many contain personal letters and logbooks that provide the most context for the main aircraft exhibits.
Open seasonally from February through November; closed during winter months for maintenance.
