Aerospace Bristol Review: Family Day Out In Bristol
Looking for a fun and educational family day out near Somerset? Then Aerospace Bristol is an absolute must-visit. This incredible Bristol aerospace museum combines history, hands-on learning, and interactive experiences that children and adults alike will love. From stepping inside the last Concorde ever to fly to trying the Red Arrows flight simulator, there’s plenty to inspire young engineers, pilots, and aviation enthusiasts.
We were recently invited to visit Aerospace Bristol Filton as part of a PR trip. Here’s our full review, packed with tips for families. All opinions are our own, and we’ve shared our honest thoughts.
At Aerospace Bristol, history, innovation, and learning come together under one roof. The museum isn’t just about planes and engines, it’s about the people, ideas, and engineering brilliance that put Bristol at the heart of the aerospace world. From inspiring future engineers to preserving the city’s incredible aviation heritage, Aerospace Bristol celebrates the past, present, and future of flight.
Aerospace Galleries – 100 Years of Aviation History
We started with the Aerospace Galleries which are spacious and laid out chronologically making it easy to follow. Starting in the early 1900s, the galleries take you through two world wars, the drama of the space race, and on to modern-day aerospace innovations. It’s amazing to see how technology has evolved and to get a sense of the huge impact of Bristol aerospace engineering over the years.
One of the most fascinating parts is discovering how a small pioneering company in Filton began building some of the earliest aeroplanes and grew to influence aviation worldwide. Walking through the galleries really makes you appreciate how much this local industry influenced the way we fly today.
Family-Friendly Museum
For families, the galleries are full of surprises. There are hundreds of exhibits, from small model planes to helicopters, rockets, and missiles. Plus, there are plenty of interactive spots where kids can get hands-on. Our children especially loved exploring the Concorde and trying out the exhibits.
We picked up a family trail when we arrived, which involved finding the aircraft information cards around the exhibition and filling in the missing facts.
It’s the kind of museum where you can wander for hours, spotting fascinating details and learning something new at every turn. Perfect for an educational yet fun family day out near Somerset.
Red Arrows Flight Simulator – Take to the Skies
The Red Arrows flight simulator was one of the highlights for kids. Inspired by the world-famous Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, it gives visitors the thrill of flying a high-speed jet.
This simulator is one of the most exciting ways to experience aviation up close and adds a huge wow factor for families visiting Aerospace Bristol Filton. You can really appreciate how close together the Red Arrows fly in their formation.
It was interesting to hear the Red Arrows team talking to each other during the manoeuvres. It felt like you were right there in the cockpit with them!
There is an extra cost for the simulator, buy tickets on arrival or book online in advance.
Conservation Hanger
We joined a tour of the conservation hanger to see the latest conservation projects. We went inside the Bristol Freighter which is one of only 11 remaining in the world. It was saved from the scrapheap after it was brought back to Bristol from New Zealand.
Concorde – The Star of Aerospace Bristol
This was the highlight for me. Entering the hanger to see Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, the last Concorde ever built and the final one to fly, was awesome!
I remember seeing its last flight back to Bristol from London, on 26th November 2003 as it flew over Clifton Suspension Bridge. The flypast marked the end of an era in aviation history, ending over three decades of supersonic passenger flights.
Walking under the nose of the last Concorde ever to fly is a genuinely awe-inspiring moment. The sleek, futuristic design still looks incredible today.
After enjoying the spectacular projection show displayed on the side of Concorde, go upstairs where you can also have a look inside. There may be a queue here, as the volunteers only let a few people in at a time. But you’ll have a chance to ask questions before stepping inside the cabin.
First, go and have a look at the hundreds of controls in the cockpit. Then, walk the length of the small cabin. The windows are tiny beside the one hundred seats which are arranged in pairs along each side of the aisle.
We all enjoyed this experience and we couldn’t imagine what it was like to fly faster than twice the speed of sound!
Facts about Concorde
- Speed: Cruising at 1,350 mph (2,150 kph) – twice the speed of sound.
- Engineering Marvel: The plane was designed to heat up and stretch by up to 6–10 inches during flight due to friction.
- The Nose: The distinctive droop-nose was lowered during takeoff and landing to provide pilots with better visibility.
- Altitude: Travelled at 60,000 ft allowing passengers to see the earth’s curvature and the dark sky above.
- Record Holder: It holds the record for the fastest commercial transatlantic flight, traveling from New York to London in 2 hours, 52 minutes, and 59 seconds.
- Production & Service: Only 20 Concordes were built in total; 14 went into commercial service with British Airways and Air France.
- Cost: Tickets were incredibly expensive — a return flight in the early 2000s could cost around £8,000. Passengers enjoyed fine dining with champagne, caviar, and silver service at 60,000 feet.
Planning Your Visit:
Location: Hayes Way, Patchway, Bristol, BS34 5BZ (easy drive from Somerset)
Time: 2–3 hours recommended
Parking: Free on-site
Ideal for family-friendly, interactive, and educational activities
Tickets & Visiting Info
Adult: £20 (online price)
Child (4–17): £13.50 (online price)
Under 4s: Free
Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): £60
Free return visits for 12 months
Pre-booking online can save 10%, and it’s especially worth checking for holiday deals.
Family-Friendly Facilities
A visit to Aerospace Bristol is easy and comfortable for families:
On-site café with child-friendly options
Baby-changing and wheelchair-accessible facilities
Free parking
Indoor galleries – perfect for rainy Somerset days
Little Pilots outdoor play area for younger kids and seating area
- Gift shop for souvenirs
All of this makes it a stress-free family-friendly attraction in Bristol and Somerset.
Aerospace Bristol Filton is more than a museum, it’s an immersive, hands-on adventure for families. With Concorde, the Red Arrows flight simulator, interactive exhibits, and the family trail, it’s perfect for:
Kids of all ages
Aviation and STEM enthusiasts
Rainy day indoor adventures
Memorable learning experiences near Somerset and Bristol.
For families exploring the South West, this Bristol aerospace museum is a top pick. It’s fun, inspiring, and educational, a great option for any family day out near Somerset. Plus, with the 12 months free return visit, it’s really great value for money.
More Days Out With Kids Guides
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Disclaimer: Whilst we endeavour to provide accurate information, please always check the details with the venue before you leave in case there are any changes or closures. If you have any more suggestions for family-friendly days out in Somerset, we’d love to hear from you!
