The Helicopter Museum

Proper helicopters fill every corner of this Somerset hangar, from tiny training craft to massive military machines that dominated Cold War skies. The collection spans decades of rotorcraft history, with everything from early experimental models to modern rescue helicopters that still save lives today. You can actually climb into some cockpits, which sends kids absolutely wild with excitement.

Families will find this place brilliant - there's something genuinely thrilling about sitting where a pilot once controlled these flying machines. The stories behind each aircraft are well told, and staff clearly know their stuff. Aviation enthusiasts could easily spend three hours here, though younger children might flag after ninety minutes.

Open Wednesday through Sunday until half past five, it sits just outside Highbridge in the Somerset countryside. The timing works well if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Warren Farm Holiday Centre or Golden Sands Holiday Park - it's a proper rainy day winner that gets everyone off the beach.

What strikes you most is how these machines look both impossibly complex and surprisingly fragile up close. The engineering on display is remarkable, and you leave with genuine respect for the pilots who flew them. Well worth the detour if helicopters hold any fascination for your family.