Dumfries Aviation Museum: A superb open-air museum celebrating the military aviation heritage of Dumfries and Galloway
I have visited the Aviation Museum a number of times and each time I visit I enjoy the experience. It has a wonderful charm for a small museum.
Both times I have visited with family members who are into aircraft. However, my second visit was with a real "aircraft nerd" and there is nothing more joyful than watching the face of an aircraft nerd tell you about the weapons system of the 1970s fighter jet.
A little history of the Museum
The Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum stands as a testament to the dedication of volunteers who uphold the legacy of aviation history. Located in the vicinity of the World War II-era control town for RAF Dumfries, this museum holds historical significance. Situated just two miles northeast of Dumfries, Scotland, RAF Dumfries served its purpose from June 1940 until its closure in 1957.
Following its closure, the site transitioned to private ownership in 1960. However, the spirit of aviation enthusiasts endured. In 1977, the Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Group embarked on a mission to establish a museum.
Remarkably, this repository also encompasses a modest yet continuously expanding compilation of memorabilia, a homage to the valour and contributions of airborne forces.
What planes are on show
- BAC Jet Provost T.4 XP557
- Bristol Sycamore 3 WA576
- Dassault Mystère IVA 8-NY
- English Electric Canberra T.4 WJ880
- English Electric Lightning F.53 ZF584
- Fairey Gannet AEW.3 XL497
- General Dynamics F-111E 68-060 – Escape capsule
- Gloster Meteor T.7 (mod) WL375
- Handley Page Jetstream T.2, XX483
- Hawker Hunter F.4 WT746
- Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer S.2B XT280
- Hawker Siddeley Trident 3B G-AWZJ
- Lockheed T-33A FT-36 "Little Miss Laura"
- North American F-100D Super Sabre 54-2163
- Saab J 35A Draken 35075
- Supermarine Spitfire IIa P7540
- Westland Wessex HU.5 XT486
Is there a gift shop?
Yes, there is a well-stocked gift shop, with gifts that are relevant to the shop and more widely to the aviation sector. There is a really good selection of Airfix models as well.
Best times to go?
When it is open. As the museum is staffed and run by volunteers, please visit the museum website - Opening times
What was my favourite part?
There was just so much to see and read and investigate that to talk about it all would take a very long
However, for me, going around the Control Tower and imagining the buzz and excitement and fear that would have been taking place in those rooms during World War 2 was fascinating.
I also personally enjoyed looking at the aerial navigation section and how it explained the evolution of navigating in the skies during World War 2.
Does it have a Spitfire?
Yes it does have a Spitfire, but arguably the most interesting aircraft in the collection are:
- The Fairly Gannett - Just for its looks and use as an anti-submarine aircraft.
- Westland Wessex Helicopter - used in the Falklands War, a conflict which helicopters played a vital role.
- Super Sabre - which was used in the Vietnam war.
Is there anything else WW2 related in the area?
Yes, if you take a walk in the nearby Heathall Woods and look carefully in the undergrowth you can see WW2 pill boxes that formed part of the defences for the airfield. Also, you can also see old hangers out of the control tower. It is worth climbing the stairs just for that!
Would you recommend going?
Yes.
You can learn more about the museum here and also look at the wider Solway Miltary Trial here