Exhibits – Solway Aviation Museum

Housed within the museums buildings is a plethora of aviation artefacts and memorabilia relating to aviation in Cumbria, including the Second World War.

There are displays featuring the development of the Blue Streak missile and Spadeadam’s role in this project, a selection of Martin-Baker ejection seats, as well as the development and activities of the airport itself since the Second World War.

There is also a De-Havilland Vampire T11, a Chipmunk T10 and “kit” aircraft such as the Henry Mignet “Flying Flea”, and the Bede BD-5, of which a jet powered version featured in the James Bond film, “Octopussy”.

Not all exhibits are currently listed on this website.

A mannequin dressed as a WWII pilot, looking at a dispatch board.

Cumberland’s War History

Explore Cumberland’s contribution to World War II and be amazed at the number of airfields, aircraft and people who were involved in the war effort.

Browse through many stories and see artefacts from that time period, which help tell the story of the war effort.

An interior view of the Vulcan bomber cockpit, looking towards the main instrument panel.

Vulcan Tour’s

Enjoy the atmosphere, smells and stories as you sit in the cockpit of our Vulcan bomber. Your guide will explain the history, operation and missions of this famous bomber.

Access is subject to staff levels and aircraft availability, and cannot be guaranteed.

The Blue Streak museum display. There are artefacts displayed on the walls and in glass displays. Rocket engine bells are displayed on either side of the room.

Cumberland’s Cold War

Cumberland was instrumental in the developments of Britain’s first ballistic nuclear missile (ICBM), Blue Streak.

RAF Spadeadam was the UK test site for the missile engines, as well as parts of the missile. The museum display outlines the history and people involved.

A mockup of the Avro Lincoln's radar transmitter and receiver.

Indoor Museum Exhibits

Wander through the museum and see our vast collection of items showing various aspects of aviation.

Aircraft engines, ejection seats, survival equipment, radios and uniforms to mention a few.

A drone shot of the outside static aircraft on display at the museum.

Explore Our Aircraft

The museum has a collection of more than twenty aircraft, ranging from our mighty Vulcan bomber to the tiny Flying Flea.

During your visit, you will be able to get close to these aircraft, and even sit in some of them.

Spiney Norman

Come and see our TV star “Spiney Norman”, the Bedford bus from the hit TV series, Bangers & Cash.