A visit to Gatwick Aviation Museum.
The Gatwick Aviation Museum is located just outside Gatwick Airport in Britain. An open air museum, it contains an extensive collection of military aircraft, including two huge Shackleton Mk3s. The work of Peter Vallance, the museum began when he purchased a jet to act as Gate Guardian for his business park, and developed into an extensive private collection. Now a registered charity, work is done of restoring the jets and providing education about them.
As well as the more then twenty aircraft, which include the two Shackletons, a Fairey Gannet, an English Electric Lightning and Canberra, it also has internal displays. One of interest to anyone with a background in aviation engineering is the engine collection, featuring a range of engines from various jets, including the Avon, Conway and Bristol Olympus engines. It even contains engines from the doomed TSR2 program.
Other indoor displays include some detailed models of aircraft and a history of Gatwick Airport, including Laker Airlines.
It is only open to the public on selected open days, otherwise visits are appointment only. Open days run from 10:30am to 4:00pm, and visitors are requested to make a donation.
A Visitor’s View
Having an interest in aviation, I attended one of their Open Days to have a look around, and was not disappointed.
The Open Day was not as busy as I had expected, as the museum is a little out of the way and not as well-known as many of the London collections. Once we arrived our group were left to wander, but with the help of a guide book and the helpful individuals at the collection it was a very interesting trip. We were able to get close to and even touch some of the aircraft which is impossible in many of the larger museums.
The only thing which was managed was access to the Shackleton’s cockpit, because despite the aircraft’s size it is a very tight fit.
The indoor collections were impressive, and the engine display contains some pieces of great historical interest. Unfortunately, the museum’s indoor section is slightly cramped due to lack of space. To get to some of the more interesting pieces visitors may have to breath in! There is also an instrument collection including radars and other equipment.
Other indoor collections include the models. Of less interest to me, they held the attention of several others (and from the way that children reacted to them are a definite benefit to the museum’s educational role). However there is a rule about not touching the models, so certain guests went round that section with their hands clasped firmly behind their backs.
We ended out the day with a look at the rest of the collection, including a Harrier, and a chat with Peter Vallance about the collection’s future and the problems they had encountered trying to restore aircraft exposed to the elements.
Open Days
More Open Days are planned for this year. For more detals see their website (Scroll down):
Gatwick Aviation Museum Open Days
Getting There
The museum was fairly easy to reach by public transport. The easiest way is to get to Gatwick Airport by road or rail, and then travel from there by bus or taxi.
By car it is just outside Gatwick Airport. The address and map links are below to help you plan your visit.
Gatwick Aviation Museum
Vallance By-Ways
Lowfield Heath Road
Charlwood
Surrey
RH6 0BT
Bring with you
Sensible clothes and walking shoes. The majority of the museum exhibits are outdoors on grass. Also, the engine collection is cramped, so you may want to have someone to look after any larger bags outside or leave them in the car. A camera is also suggested.
More Resources
Gatwick Aviation Museum Website
A Visit to Gatwick Aviation Museum
Written by tirial
Question by martinsmithdunbar: taxi from bristol airport to glastonbury festival???
i am unable to get appropriate time off from work to go to glastonbury festival. As a result of this, i am having to fly down from edinburgh on thurs night, arriving at bristol at 22.30pm. The first bus from bristol bus station is 1000am. This is a long wait in a strange land!?!?! Does anyone know roughly how much it is to get a taxi to the festival gates, either from the airport or the bus station? I am travelling alone as the rest of my mates are travelling wed night.
Best answer:
Answer by extra body,depth and ripeness
ok, this is a guess as I live near both Bristol and Glastonbury but I would say about £40-£50. It is actually a bit of a drag down country lanes! Are you still able to gain entry into Glastonbury at that time of night?? I last went in 2004 and they shut the gates about 10pm. It might be worth asking. Cos you have to go through all the security stuff.
Ring Bristol Airport and ask for Taxi firms as well, the festival isn’t actually in Glastonbury it’s in a village called Pilton.
Hope this helps.
Take your wellies.
Add your own answer in the comments!
Categories: Bristol Airport Taxi Tags: aviation, Gatwick, museum, Visit
Gatwick Airport
Gatwick is the “other” main London airport and is situated about 28 miles south of London. There are two terminals at Gatwick: North and South. Each Terminal has lounges, cash machines, commission free currency exchange, family facilities, restaurants, shops, internet access, lost property, luggage storage, meeting rooms, public telephones and fax machines. Transferring between terminals is a breeze, using the new 24 hr shuttle service. This is a creature comfort not to be ignored when traveling.
If you are renting a car from Gatwick, here is a list of the agencies that serve the terminals. Hertz, Avis, Europcar, National, Alamo, Enterprise, Dollar and last but not least Thrifty. Car rental locations can be found on level 5 of the short stay car park. (As part of Gatwick’s 1 billion Euro investment program they are transforming the North Terminal, including building an extra car park and a new car rental facility, which should be ready for April 2011 and will offer a more convenient location with direct access to the terminal.)
If you have time before you start your journey, here are some places you might consider visiting that are all within distance of Gatwick. Archway Theatre (located in the Arches at Horley). This “little theatre” has only 95 seats!! It presents 10 productions per year and has a youth workshop. The Hawth (Crawley) is a happening arts venue putting on a diverse mix of theatre, dance, music, comedy, concerts, films and exhibitors. Crawley Museum Center is a small museum inside an attractive mansion that displays Crawley’s history from the Bronze Age to the town it is today. Gatwick Aviation Museum houses an impressive collection of British Aircraft. Lingfield Park Racecourse (home to the prestigious Derby Trial and located in the beautiful Surrey countryside.
This is a site to behold and well-worth the travel time. The country side is beckons a traveler to enjoy a picnic by the wayside or simply walk to enjoy the views. Whatever you decide to do, you will not regret for a moment visiting the Hawth, Lingfield Park and the Surrey countryside especially on a beautiful summer’s day.
Pageviews works with Aspect Car Rental in the UK. Car hire Gatwick has all your Gatwick airport car rental car needs with more choices for less money. For more information about Aspect Car Rental visit http://www.aspectcarrental.com.
Question by Ali: Airport noise is certainly a negative externality, why would people choose to live near airports?
Airport noise is certainly a negative externality, why would people choose to live near airports?
Airport noise is certainly a negative externality, why would people choose to live near airports? actually asker wants to know what are the benefits of living near airport. Why they live near airport if there is noise pollution?
Best answer:
Answer by Bobzilla
Cheaper
What do you think? Answer below!
Easy airport transfers between Heathrow and Gatwick Airports
Easy airport transfers between Heathrow and Gatwick Airports
For the tourists or business people travelling from Heathrow to Gatwick whether for leisure or business trip, car hire Gatwick airport services are available for comfortable Gatwick Airport transfers.
The Heathrow to Gatwick Airport Limo Service makes your travel turn into a comfortable and enjoyable one. The limo rental companies have an extensive fleet of vehicles to meet needs of both individuals and business groups. From full size tour bus to luxury sedan, a wide range of models gives you enough choice for travelling between Heathrow and Gatwick Airports.
People in need of air transfers or cruise transportation are offered luxurious models. Some of the major fleets include Volvo, E, Viano and S Class Mercedes, 5 and 7 Series BMW, Lexus, Voyager and Galaxy.
The transfer services cater well the transportation need of people in larger group. For them, there are available vehicles like 16 seated mini bus and full size tour buses and coaches with upto 71 seats.
With professional and well-experienced chauffeurs and terrific vehicles who are acquainted with London and the surrounding areas. This is a winning combination. The expert drivers ensure both safety and comfort for UK visitors. With the professional airport transfer services, you will reach your destination in a timely fashion with utmost comfort. On a remarkable note, the best airport transfer services are available at reasonable rates.
Every vehicle available for airport transfer service is equipped with first aid and safety equipment to ensure the safety of the travellers. Complementary mineral water is offered to all passengers. All non-smoking vehicles for the people who do not like the smell of tobacco in their surrounding environment is an excellent perk.
Newspapers are available in the air-conditioned vehicles. The on board video and Games systems in selected models of airport transfer service keeps the family and children busy and entertained. You can also enjoy internet facility on board some vehicles. Satellite Navigation is also provided in some selected models. Even telephone facilities are available on request, to keep you connected with work place and home.
To avoid the stress of transferring to and from Heathrow, always opt for limo services and enjoy travelling. Being in the company of friendly staff, your stress, and wories will surely fade away. These airport transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The friendly staff of the car hire service is always available to answer all you queries and assist with your reservations.
The comfortable airport service at both the points gives you ample time to clear customs and get your luggage in. This way, you will never feel rushed or delayed. Many seasoned travellers to and from Gatwick Airport want a quick and easy service to reach the next airport or destination as soon as possible. This car hire service is familiar with the routes thereby adding comfort to your journey. The details of your airport transfer are provided in advance to you, so you have no concerns prior to travelling. This Chauffered Limo airport pickup services make your experience of driving down to your connecting flight a pleasurable one.
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Moscows four airports are a fair distance from the city centre and finding them can be a real challenge! Public transport to and from the airport can be confusing and taxi drivers are always ready to pounce on unsuspecting tourists. A long flight and poor language skills can also add to the chaos which can greet you at arrivals. Martyn Andrews brings you his comprehensive guide to airport transfers and takes up a Moscow Out challenge using different methods of transport, he aims to find out which one is the fastest and most efficient. Ready steady go!
Categories: Airport Transfers Tags: Airport, airport limo service, airport transfers, Airports, Between, Easy, Gatwick, Heathrow, Transfers
