Venue Description

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford is home to over 75 historic aircraft and offers a fun, entertaining day out for the entire family. Aircraft on display include the world’s oldest Spitfire, the unique TSR2 and the mighty Vulcan bomber to name but a few. Opening in April 2018 will be new displays exploring the first 100 years of the RAF, the role it plays today and its future contributions. Plus, the new aircraft collection at Cosford which includes a collection of Second World War aircraft; including the Wolverhampton built Boulton Paul Defiant, the Bf109, Tiger Moth, Gladiator and Ju88, will enable to RAF’s story to be more comprehensively represented to audiences in the Midlands. Discover a world class collection of aircraft displayed inside three wartime hangars and within the award winning National Cold War Exhibition. This landmark building truly has the ‘wow’ factor with its eye-catching architecture and design. Visitors will discover Cold War stories in immersive Hotspots; explore thrilling displays of aircraft, iconic cars, models, tanks and even life-sized Russian dolls. Set amongst the museum’s collection of warplanes, three iconic First World War aircraft; the Sopwith Pup, Sopwith 1 ½ Strutter and the Bristol M.1c form the centre piece of the ‘First World War in the Air’ Exhibition. Displayed alongside the aircraft are the personal items of Second Lieutenant Kevin Robert Furniss of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), who lived only a few miles from Cosford in Wolverhampton. Learn if you have what it takes to be a pilot in Fun ‘n’ Flight which is packed with hands on excitement. Whether you’re learning how to fly a Spitfire, investigating air flow with ‘The Blower’ or guiding a Hercules to a drop zone you will be learning and having fun. Let your imagination take flight on board the Museum’s 4D Experience which combines cutting-edge 3D computer animation with the added fourth dimension of special environmental effects. Experience the thrill of flying in formation with the world famous aerobatic display team the Red Arrows in the new 4D ride. After wondering in the hangars, visitors can relax and enjoy a coffee in the licensed Refuel Restaurant which has a great selection of hot and cold food available and views overlooking the airfield. Or, if it’s light refreshments you are after, head to the classic Citroen H Van in the National Cold War Exhibition and enjoy a snack against a backdrop of aircraft. RAF Museum Cosford is one day out that everyone will enjoy, whatever the weather and with a wide range of exciting events taking place throughout the year, there is something to suit all ages.

Accessibility

Low level barriers ensure excellent viewing of exhibits for all visitors. There are wide aisles in the hangars ensuring access for pushchairs and wheelchairs is very easy. A limited number of manual wheelchairs and motor scooters (weather permitting) are available for loan on site at no charge. These are available on a first come first served basis at the Admissions Desk on arrival in the Visitor Centre. The National Cold War Exhibition is on two levels and there are lifts at each end of the building. For those with visual impairment there are tactile diagram booklets available for loan in this building. The tactile diagram booklets can be collected from the Admissions Desk in the Visitor Centre.

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford/plan-your-day/accessibility.aspx

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/documents/Cosford/Access_Statement_Cosford_2015.pdf

Toilets

Toilets and baby change facilities are available in the Visitor Centre, Test Flight, National Cold War Exhibition and Hangar 1.

Staff

Information about the staff has not been added for this venue.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

Assistance dogs are permitted inside all of the Museum buildings and within the Museum grounds. Dogs must be kept on a lead.