Hovercraft Museum

On the edge of Solent Airport Daedalus, a former naval base, stands a hangar packed with engineering curiosities.

The museum holds over 60 hovercraft, from single-seater prototypes to giants like the SR.N4 Princess Anne, which ferried cars and passengers across the English Channel until 2000. This behemoth, the largest civil hovercraft ever built, lets you board its car deck and imagine the roar of its gas turbine engines skimming waves at 70 knots.

Smaller craft tell varied stories: military versions used in conflicts, racing models from hovercraft championships, and home-built oddities with exposed fans and makeshift skirts.

One standout is the hovercraft from the James Bond film Die Another Day, complete with its gadgetry flair. There’s also the 12-seater restored on Channel 4’s Salvage Squad, showcasing DIY ingenuity.

Beyond the vehicles, browse archives of blueprints, photos and Christopher Cockerell’s original working model – the inventor who patented the hovercraft in 1955.

Volunteers, often ex-engineers or pilots, guide tours and share anecdotes, like how these machines tackled terrains from Arctic ice to desert sands. Interactive elements include air hockey tables demonstrating lift principles, plus a cinema screening vintage footage of Channel crossings.

Open weekends 10am to 4pm, with adult entry at £8, children £5, and family tickets £22. Concessions apply for seniors, students and military. Park on nearby seafront roads – no on-site spots, but it’s a short walk. The cafe serves drinks and cakes, though bring lunch if needed. Dog-friendly, and accessible info is on their site. In summer, occasional rides on the Solent via Hovertravel add thrill, weather permitting.

For 2025, check for events like restoration demos or enthusiast meets. It’s a hands-on nod to British innovation, close to beaches for a full day out.

Drawing from 286 TripAdvisor entries, the museum scores 4.7/5. Praise centres on enthusiastic volunteers and the rare chance to explore inside hovercraft, ideal for families and history buffs. “Incredible… the kids want to go back,” notes one parent. Critiques mention a worn look needing funds, and limited cafe options. Solo visitors value the depth but suggest updates for broader appeal.