Avro Aircraft Heritage Museum

In Brief.

The Avro Heritage Museum occupies a compact modern viewing space, that is packed with information and memorabilia on the history of the Avro aircraft manufacturing company.  As the founder of Avro was an aviation pioneer, this history covers from some of the very earliest aircraft, through a variety of well known civil and military aircraft (including the Lancaster and Vulcan bombers) to 21st century projects. The museum has a Vulcan bomber, which is quite a sight, and a number of cockpits, as well as a variety of models and paraphernalia. Rather a unique place.  

Vulcan bomber with the museum in the background.

What's Here?

The main interior space provides a timeline round the walls that identifies planes, including the number manufactured, starting from reports of entries to early competitions for aircraft pioneers, which included the founder of Avro, A.V. Roe. In contrast with the design-periods of modern aircraft, new ideas emerged and were tried out quickly, and the museum has models, videos and poster boards to illustrate the wide variety of aircraft with which Avro was associated.

Outside the museum is a Vulcan bomber, ominously painted in white anti-flash paint that is designed to reduce the impact on the aircraft of a nuclear detonation. It's certainly an aircraft with presence, and stands out as you approach the museum.

There are also a variety of cockpit tours available, for a modest extra charge.  My father flew in bombers during WW2 (specifically the Baltimore), so it was particularly interesting to see the interior of an aircraft from the same period, and to be taken through some of the equipment for communication and navigation by an enthusiastic and well informed guide. 

Lancaster cockpit (replica)

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 15 miles
Drive Time: 50 minutes.
Price: $ (Only open at weekends)
Parking: Free onsite parking.
Food and Drink: There is a Vulcan themed cafe on site, with sandwiches, drinks and cakes; the staff were friendly. The cafe walls are lined with Vulcan related photos, and there is a view over the Vulcan from some of the tables.
Retail therapy: There is a souvenir shop at the entrance, with a variety of aircraft-related toys, models, books and clothing.
Child Friendly: The museum has one plane and various cockpits to see; there is also a flight simulator to have a go on.
Toilets: Yes.
Do it justice in: 2 hours.
Inside-Outside: 90:10

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