Army Flying Museum

The Army Flying Museum sits just outside Stockbridge in Hampshire, and it's essentially a collection of historic helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft that tell the story of British military aviation. You walk around hangars looking at everything from Cold War-era machines to more recent operational helicopters - many of them you can get properly close to, which beats peering through glass at a distance.

It's genuinely worth a couple of hours if you've got any interest in aviation or military history. Kids find it engaging enough, though under-eights might struggle with the detail. The hands-on appeal is moderate - you're mostly looking rather than touching - but there's enough going on to hold attention. The staff know their stuff and will chat if you're keen.

The real draw is seeing working aircraft in context. This isn't a museum that's been tidied up for show; these machines have proper service records. Weather matters here - rain doesn't improve hangar visits - so pick a clear day.

Stockbridge View and Salisbury Hillside Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite are both within 3.5 miles, making it an easy stop-off if you're based there for a park holiday. The Meadow Glamping is equally close. It combines well with walking the Test Valley nearby or exploring Stockbridge itself, which has decent antique shops and pubs. Realistically, factor in two to three hours maximum unless you're properly into aviation.