Solway Aviation Museum

Key Facts

What’s Here

A small but interesting collection of aircraft, including a Vulcan and a Phantom can be seen at this museum. The aviation history of the North-West of England is recorded in various displays. A workshop for current restoration projects is open to visitors. Testing of the Blue Streak missile took place at the local Spadeadam ranges, and some unique material from this programme is on display.

At Carlisle Airport, Crosby-on-Eden, Cumbria. Off the A629 east of the airport. From junction 44 on the M6 follow the ‘Airport’ signs on the A689 towards Brampton. After 6 miles turn right, following airport signs round the perimeter to the museum car park. See this location on Microsoft Live Search Maps

Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays 10.30 am to 5.00 pm, April to end of October; also open Fridays during school summer holidays. Last admission 4.30 pm.

See official website for details.

Amenities:

Parking, Souvenir shop, Access for the disabled.

Canberra T.4 WE188 (photo, Matt Durrant)	Lightning F.53 ZF593 (photo, Matt Durrant)

Notes: Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer 3 (nose) G-AYFA has moved to Mold, Wales.

Solway Aviation Museum, Aviation House, Carlisle Airport, Crosby-on-Eden, Cumbria, CA6 4NW. Info-line/Fax: 01228 573823, e-mail: info@solway-aviation-museum.co.uk, website: Solway Aviation Museum.

Meteor NF.14 WS832 (photo, Matt Durrant)	Sea Prince T.1 WP314 (photo, Matt Durrant)
Vulcan B.2 XJ823 (photo, Matt Durrant)	Whirlwind HAR.21 WV198 (photo, Matt Durrant)

RAF Millom Aviation & Military Museum

Key Facts

What’s Here

A small museum was operated by the South Copeland Aviation Group in co-operation with HM Prison Service. The museum displayed the history of RAF Millom and its wartime Mountain Rescue Team. A collection of aero engines and the smaller aircraft was accommodated in a second building.

Unfortunately, in 2010 the museum ran into severe financial difficulties and was unable to pay its debts. It was unable to negotiate with the Prison Service a further lease on the buildings it occupied and was subsequently forced to close.

Directions

On the Bankhead Estate, North Lane, Haverigg – adjacent to HM Prison Haverigg, Cumbria. Follow the signs for Haverigg Prison and then leave the A5093 at the indicated turn-off for the museum. See this location on Microsoft Live Search Maps

This museum officially closed permanently on 1 September 2010.

Not applicable.

Amenities:

Not applicable.

The front gate to the museum (photo, Jeremy Briggs)	The display in Hut 5 (photo, Jeremy Briggs)

List of Aircraft Exhibits

Many exhibits were on loan to the museum and following the closure these were returned. The remaining exhibits were publicly auctioned off in January 2011.

More Information

The former official address was: RAF Millom Museum, Unit 2, Devonshire Road Industrial Estate, Devonshire Road, Millom, Cumbria, LA18 4JP.

HM.14 Flying Flea ‘G-ADRX’ (photo, Jeremy Briggs)	HM.280 Military Flea (photo, Jeremy Briggs)
Whirlwind HAS.7 XM660 (photo, Jeremy Briggs)	Side view of the Whirlwind (photo, Jeremy Briggs)