The Mosquito prototype W4050 was designed and built in total secrecy inside the drawing room of Salisbury Hall during WWII.
Salisbury Hall, the museum's home, dates back to the 17th century and once served as the residence of Nell Gwyn.
The museum holds the only surviving de Havilland DH.88 Comet racer G-ACSS, which won the 1934 MacRobertson Air Race.
The site retains the original moat and historic gardens associated with the manor house.
It contains the world's most comprehensive collection of de Havilland aircraft and engines in one location.
The collection includes the nose section of a de Havilland Comet, the world's first commercial jet airliner.
The De Havilland Aircraft Museum is Britain's oldest aviation museum, situated on the historic site of Salisbury Hall. It focuses exclusively on the legacy of the de Havilland Aircraft Company, which played a pivotal role in 20th-century British aerospace. The museum houses three prototypes of the legendary Mosquito aircraft, including the original W4050 prototype built secretly at Salisbury Hall during World War II. Its collection features over 20 aircraft, including the Sea Vixen, Vampire, and various jet-engine pioneers. Visitors can explore the historic hangar and external displays that document the transition from wooden aircraft construction to early jet technology. The museum is a registered charity managed primarily by volunteers dedicated to aviation preservation.
The interior hangar housing the Mosquito prototypes provides the best lighting and historical context for photography.
Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear, as parts of the museum collection are located outdoors across uneven grassy areas.
Check the museum's official website for event days, as they occasionally host 'engine run' sessions where historic propellers or jets are started.
Bring a light jacket, as the main hangars can be cool even during the summer months.
Do not attempt to walk to the museum from nearby towns, as the entrance is located on a fast-moving road without pedestrian pathways.
The museum is generally closed on Mondays and Tuesdays; always check for seasonal variations before travel.
Refrain from touching aircraft surfaces unless explicitly permitted by signage, as many exhibits are delicate historic artifacts.
