Introduction
The Shoreham Aircraft Museum was founded in 1978 by local enthusiasts, whose passion for the Battle of Britain period resulted in the establishment of a permanent display in 1988. The official opening was attended by no less than 15 former Battle of Britain fighter pilots.
The Museum houses hundreds of aviation relics excavated by the group over many years from crashed British and German aircraft, as well as items which have been kindly donated. In addition, there is a fine collection of flying helmets, uniforms and insignia. This, along with a comprehensive display of Home Front memorabilia, ensures a visit to the museum is both enjoyable and educational.
Artefacts are carefully arranged to support items recovered from local 'digs' or local happenings and displays are refined or changed regularly, making a second visit all the more enjoyable.
The Museum serves as a lasting tribute to all those airmen who fought in the skies over southern England during World War II. All proceeds go towards our Local RAF Memorials Project. Any remaining funds are used for the recovery and preservation of artefacts and aircraft.
Tea Room, Gallery and Gardens
The Museum has a charming tea room, serving home-made cakes and refreshments that can be enjoyed in the large teagarden. There is also a gallery displaying a range of prints by renowned aviation artist Geoff Nutkins, one of the Museum's founders. If the weather is fine you can also take advantage of our beautiful Tea Gardens.
Signing Days
If you are interested in attending any of our Signing Days, please keep checking back for new dates and event notices on this homepage. Due to the advanced age of surviving veterans, alterations to line-ups and last-minute cancellations may occur. Where just one or two veterans visit for a more low-key event, this often allows the privilege to spend a longer length of time chatting one-to-one with them.
Private Museum visits for Groups
If you belong to a group, society, association or club and would like a private visit to the Museum over the summer, please contact us. We can offer bookings for weekday afternoons and evenings.
Local RAF Memorials Project
In 2006 the museum decided to erect permanent memorials to Battle of Britain pilots who lost their lives within a 10 mile radius of Shoreham. Three memorials have also been arranged a little further afield. The project is ambitious and expensive, so we rely heavily upon volunteers and fundraising. If you can help, please get in touch.
The latest (twelfth) memorial sevice took place on Friday 22nd March 2024 in Stansted Village, Kent.
The memorial stone is dedicated to P/O Colin Francis of 253 Squadron, who lost his life on 30th August 1940.
Despite the rain, the memorial was well attended and included moving speeches from Air Commodore (ret) Rick Peacock-Edwards and Air Vice Marshal (ret) David Hobart.
Photos and a video of the memorial service are available to view.
Read about our Memorials ProjectThe Museum in the News
In August 2022 the museum appeared on an ITV News report regarding our Memorials Project for remembering pilots who died within a ten mile radius of Shoreham.
The report is titled Roadside memorials in Kent honour Battle of Britain pilots near where they fell
Model Project for Battle of Britain 85th Anniversary
Read about our model project to coincide with the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain in 2025.
Professional model maker Dom Pound is creating detailed 1:48 scale models of three aircraft for display in our museum. The three aircraft include:
- Spitfire of P/O E.Shipman (41 Squadron)
- Hurricane of Sgt. J.Lansdell (607 Squadron)
- Hurricane of F/O M.Ravenhill (229 Squadron)
To help raise funds for the Museum, we are pleased to offer a special edition of Geoff's print "Spirit of Kent" for just £35.00 + £6.50 p&p (UK addresses).
In addition, every buyer will receive a FREE print of Geoff's "Ace of Aces" pencil sketch.
Orders can be placed on Geoff's Avi-Art website, or by contacting Geoff at the museum.
Pilot Portraits
We have a few "Pilot Portraits" available, hand-signed by some of the visiting pilots who have attended the various Signing Days here at the museum. The 5 prints available are of Johnny Johnson, Joy Lofthouse, Alan Scott, Tom Neil and Winkle Brown. They are available at £25.00 each + £2.50 p&p. For more information contact Geoff Nutkins.