The airfield served as a base for R34 airships during the First World War.
Concorde G-BOAA was the first of the fleet to enter commercial service in 1976.
The museum site remains a Category A listed site due to the survival of its wartime buildings.
The collection includes one of the few surviving examples of the Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet rocket-powered fighter.
East Fortune was used as a decoy airfield during WWII to protect nearby cities from Luftwaffe bombing raids.
The site houses a Vulcan bomber that was specifically modified to carry the Blue Steel nuclear stand-off missile.
The National Museum of Flight is situated on the historic East Fortune Airfield, a former RAF station in East Lothian. The site spans four large aircraft hangars, including the primary hangar housing the Concorde G-BOAA, which visitors can step inside. The collection contains over 50 aircraft and helicopters, covering the history of aviation from the early 20th century to the modern era. Key exhibits include a Vulcan bomber, a de Havilland Comet, and a Sea Harrier. The outdoor displays feature extensive military hardware and engines distributed across the airfield site. The museum preserves the original 1940s airfield infrastructure, including original runways and control tower remnants. It is managed by National Museums Scotland and serves as a major repository for British aviation technology.
The interior of the Concorde hangar offers the best angle to capture the iconic sharp nose and engine nacelles.
Wear comfortable, durable walking shoes as the site spans a large, open-air airfield.
Bring a windproof jacket as the site is exposed to coastal weather conditions.
Check the airfield map upon arrival to ensure you navigate between the widely spaced hangars effectively.
Attempting to walk the entire airfield without utilizing the provided site map, as hangars are spread across a wide area.
The museum site is generally open daily, but certain hangars or smaller exhibits may have reduced access during the winter off-season.
