Our History
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.
Support the Museum - buy a print!
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.
