Visitors to the National Museum of Flight this half term can travel back in time to experience life on the Second World War airfield.
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, families will be transported to the 1940s with new activities, tours and opportunities to learn wartime espionage skills from 16 Oct – 18 Oct 2024.
Set on one of the best-preserved Second World War airfields in the UK, half-term activities will bring this extraordinary history to life with costumed interpreters and genuine military flying equipment from the period.
SPITFIRE TAKES PRIDE OF PLACE IN THE NEW HANGER AT THE MUSEUM OF FLIGHT, EAST FORTUNE.
Visitors can discover real stories from the Second World War in Scotland with clothing and equipment worn and used by RAF Coastal Command pilots during the Second World War as well as tour the newly refurbished blast and air raid shelters.
Families will also be able to learn some of the skills needed by Special Operations Executive reconnaissance organisations, some of whom trained in nearby Belhaven in East Lothian, as part of the Special Operations Executive Skills sessions.
The support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery means that Half term: Second World War Scotland is free with Museum admission.
Steve McLean, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight, said: “As one of Scotland’s best days out, the National Museum of Flight is the perfect destination for families this half-term.
“We are delighted to be able to offer these free activities thanks to the generous support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery and I hope our visitors will enjoy learning about the Second World War in Scotland.”
The National Museum of Flight is home to a world class collection of aircraft, from a Supermarine Spitfire to Scotland’s only Concorde. The attraction houses the family-friendly Fantastic Flight gallery with its interactive exhibits where visitors can explore the science of aviation and discover how aircraft fly.
They are also able to learn more about East Fortune’s wartime heritage in the Museum’s Fortunes of War exhibition.
Funds are raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and awarded through Postcode Culture Trust.
PATH of MIRACLES: Tenebrae at the National Museum of Flight’s Concorde Hangar
In Lammermuir Festival’s history, the 2024 programme marks the first time it will offer a rare returning event. And with the comeback of Path of Miracles and Tenebrae proving hugely popular with audiences, organisers have added a second performance on the night giving festivalgoers a second chance to grab a ticket this year.
Joby Talbot’s Path of Miracles, performed in the Concorde Hangar at the National Museum of Flight, is at the heart of the 2024 programme. Sung by one of the finest choral groups in the world, Tenebrae, for which it was written 20 years ago, the work is both ravishingly beautiful and hugely dramatic.
Last performed at Lammermuir back in 2017, the sold-out audience stood cheering when it finished. The tour de force is inspired by the famous pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela and performed alongside one of the technological marvels of modern travel in the Concorde Hangar.
Visitors to the National Museum of Flight this weekend will be on a roll at the East Lothian attraction’s brand-new family festival. Celebrate all things circular with cycle stunts, circus displays and hands on activities at 360 Fest on Saturday 31 August.
The one-day event offers family fun for all ages. Cycle stunt team The Clan will perform extreme jumps, flips and tricks on the Museum’s historic Second World War airfield. Cycling UK will also be on site with e-bikes, cargo bikes and family friendly kit to take for a spin and visitors inspired to take a turn can try a bespoke pump track, courtesy of The Dirt Factory.
Scotland’s Concorde will provide a unique backdrop for sensational pop-up circus performances from Think Circus. Families can step into the ring with drop-in circus workshops and try out hula hooping, spinning plates and diabolo juggling. Zorbing, a pop-up planetarium, giant bubbles and circle-themed crafts and activities complete the packed 360 Fest programme.
Steve McLean, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight, said: ““We’re excited to launch this brand-new family festival at the National Museum of Flight. This event offers lots of hands-on activities and entertainment to encourage families to spin into action and get creative together.
“Combined with the chance to learn about flight and see the magnificent aircraft in our collections up close, 360 Fest offers the perfect day out to round off the summer.”
All of the other attractions at the National Museum of Flight will be available to enjoy on the day including iconic aircraft such as a Red Arrows Hawk and Scotland’s Concorde which is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its arrival at the Museum this year.
Families can visit the Fantastic Flight gallery with its interactive displays offering a wonderful way to discover how aeroplanes fly. There’s also a chance to learn about East Fortune’s wartime heritage through photographs, film, personal testimony and unique objects in the attraction’s Fortunes of War exhibition.
360 Fest
Saturday 31 August, 11:00-16:00 (Museum open 10:00-17:00) National Museum of Flight, East Fortune Airfield, North Berwick, EH39 5LF
Due to event capacity, advance booking is required to ensure entry. Admission: Adult (16+) £15.50 Concession £13.50, Child (5-15) £10.50, under 5’s free. National Museums Scotland members free with pre-booked ticket.
15% off when you book as a family. Discount automatically applied in basket when you buy up to three Child 5-15 tickets alongside up to any two Adult, Over 65s, Student, Unemployed, Disabled, Young Scot tickets.
As the National Museum of Flight commences seven day opening for the new season this week, the East Lothian attraction is encouraging the public to come and see two of its most iconic aircraft as they mark significant milestones.
This year marks 60 years since the formation of the Red Arrows Display Team. The National Museum of Flight’s 1980 Red Arrows Hawk T.1A, the only Hawk on display in Scotland, has its own special anniversary, with 2024 marking 25 years since it flew in Red 1 position over Edinburgh in celebration of the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999.
Scotland’s Concorde is also marking a major milestone, having arrived at the National Museum of Flight 20 years ago on 19 April 2004 following an epic, 16-day journey across the UK. The British Airways aircraft was welcomed by cheering crowds and an RAF Tornado flypast and the supersonic superstar has since been seen by over 1.5 million people.
The National Museum of Flight has also announced a programme of events and activities for the new season. Family activities over the Easter holidays are supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Flying into the Future is runninguntil 5 April and includes technical challenges and Civil Aviation Hangar tours as part of the Edinburgh Science Festival programme.
The year ahead also sees the return of the attraction’s popular Awesome Bricks LEGO® event from 15-16 June where families will be able to celebrate Father’s Day weekend with hands-on building activities and challenges. On 31 August a new all-day festival, 360 Fest, will feature cycle stunt team, The Clan, circus displays and STEM science activities.
The new season includes the chance to hear about the work of the Museum’s conservation team in a series of behind the scenes talks in the Conservation hangar. Outdoors, original Second World War features of the site are also being conserved, including an Air Raid Shelter and a Blast Shelter, which can be explored by visitors later in the year.
Steve McLean, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight, said: “The aircraft in our Museum have some amazing stories to tell, including our Red Arrows Hawk which allows people to see this much-loved icon on the ground and to learn about its history as an advanced training aircraft and its involvement in some of the country’s most significant celebrations.
“Scotland’s Concorde is probably our most famous exhibit and twenty years on, is still enthralling visitors who can step on board to see how celebrities such as Sir Elton John and Victoria Beckham used to travel and can learn about the science behind the aircraft’s development.
“Combined with some fantastic family events and the chance to enjoy our full Museum experience, we hope as many visitors as possible will visit this year for a great day out.”
The National Museum of Flight is located on one of the UK’s best-preserved Second World War airfields and includes two historic wartime aircraft hangars which are packed with exciting displays telling the stories of military and civil aviation over the past century. Other aircraft on display include a 1963 Avro Vulcan bomber, the 1952 de Havilland Comet plus an example of the iconic Spitfire that played such an important role in the Second World War.
The attraction houses the family-friendly Fantastic Flight gallery with its interactive exhibits where visitors can explore the science of aviation and discover how aeroplanes fly. They are also able to learn about East Fortune’s wartime heritage in the Museum’s Fortunes of War exhibition.
The National Museum of Flight is now open seven days a week from 10am until 5pm.
Book in advance to save.
Adult tickets from £13.50. National Museums Scotland Members free.
The National Lottery Open Week returns for Spring 2024
As a recipient of National Lottery funding, the National Museum of Flight in East Fortune is inviting players to visit for free on 16 and 17 March.
This March, The National Lottery, in its 30th year, will once again be saying thank you to players for the £30 million they raise for good causes every week with National Lottery Open Week.
The focus this year is on encouraging the nation to try something new, by offering an array of free entry and special offers at hundreds of National Lottery funded venues across the UK.
From Saturday 9 – Sunday 17 March 2024, anyone with a valid online or retail National Lottery ticket, Scratchcard or Instant Win Game can enjoy a low-cost day out thanks to special offers at hundreds of National Lottery-funded venues and attractions.
There is something to excite everyone this year. Whether you fancy delving into the past at historical houses, castles and museums, embracing nature in all its glory at wildlife hotspots reliving iconic moments at famous sports venues or enjoying a culture fix at an array of art galleries, theatres and other creative spaces.
On Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 March the National Museum of Flight is offering free entry to National Lottery players. Visitors to the Museum must book a ticket online in advance of their visit and bring along both their admission ticket and lottery ticket or scratch card.
Steve McLean, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight said: “We’re delighted to be taking part in The National Lottery Open Week again this year. We’ve been fortunate to receive National Lottery funding, which has enabled us to redevelop two of our Second World War hangars.
“These spaces tell the stories of military and civil aviation, from the first use of air-to-air weapons in 1914 and drone warfare in the 21st century, to flying for fun and connecting distant communities.
“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity say thank you to everyone who has supported us by buying a National Lottery ticket and we’re looking forward to welcoming them at the National Museum of Flight.”
To view all venues and offers that are available throughout The National Lottery Open Week, visit www.nationallotteryopenweek.com.
Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England and Chair of the National Lottery Forum said: “In our 30th year, we’re delighted to mark the return of The National Lottery Open Week 2024.
“The UK is brimming with exciting things to see and do – from historical landmarks and cultural treasures to sports venues and natural landscapes. We want players to get out and experience something new by taking advantage of the low-cost and free days out at venues across the country during National Lottery Open Week.
“This is our way of saying thank you to the players who raise an incredible £30 million each week for Good Causes, supporting venues and projects across the arts, sports, community and heritage sectors.”
Terms and conditions and booking instructions across special offers will vary, check the individual offer listing for details.
Discover the fascinating Second World War history of East Fortune airfield at the National Museum of Flight this half-term.
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, families can travel back in time during a weekend of themed activities on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 February.
Set on one of the best-preserved Second World War airfields in the UK, half-term activities will bring this extraordinary history to life with costumed interpreters and genuine military flying equipment from the period.
Families can also explore the site with the new Family Satchels containing puzzles and activities to enjoy together, before discovering the Museum’s historic hangars filled with fascinating aircraft and interactive displays.
The support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery means that Second World War at East Fortune is free with Museum admission.
Steve McLean, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight, said: “As one of Scotland’s best days out, the National Museum of Flight is the perfect destination for families this half-term.
“We are delighted to be able to offer these free activities thanks to the generous support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery and I hope our young visitors will enjoy learning about life at East Fortune during the Second World War.”
Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We hope families enjoy this captivating experience in the half-term, as they explore the rich history of the Second World War at the UK’s best-preserved airfield.
“Our players have raised over £4 million for National Museums Scotland, enabling the museums to offer many free and fascinating activities to families across Scotland.”
The National Museum of Flight is home to a world class collection of aircraft, from a Supermarine Spitfire to Scotland’s only Concorde.
The attraction houses the family-friendly Fantastic Flight gallery with its interactive exhibits where visitors can explore the science of aviation and discover how aeroplanes fly.
They are also able to learn more about East Fortune’s wartime heritage in the Museum’s Fortunes of War exhibition.
Families can test their sea survival skills at the National Museum of Flight this half term. Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, special workshops and activities will take place at the museum in East Lothian on 15 & 16 and 22 & 23 October.
Sea Survival will offer visitors the opportunity to get hands-on and discover skills and equipment used by RAF’s Coastal Command.
Outdoor workshops will teach children aged 7 and up how to survive on a desert island, from safely lighting a fire to bushcraft.
Families can also climb aboard a real-life raft in the Concorde Hangar and handle equipment used by the RAF from the Second World War to the modern day, before exploring the historic airfield and hangars filled with fascinating aircraft and interactive displays.
The support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery means that Sea Survival is free with museum admission.
Steve Mclean, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight, said: “We are delighted to offer free family activities this half term, thanks to the generous support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
“We hope our young visitors will enjoy diving into the stories and skills of the RAF’s Coastal Command while exploring everything the National Museum of Flight has to offer.”
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “This Sea Survival event is a fascinating and fun way to learn about the history of the RAF’s Coastal Command.
“We are thrilled that players of People’s Postcode Lottery are supporting this brilliant programme of family activities at the Museum this half term. Player support has enabled many such initiatives. To date, players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised over £900 million for thousands of good causes”
Visitors to the National Museum of Flight this October can also take part in Operation Sabotage, Scotland’s only escape room experience on an historic airfield. Taking place on 29 and 30 October, the experience is suitable for those aged 14 and over.
The Museum is home to Scotland’s only Concorde and visitors can see an example of the iconic Supermarine Spitfire that played such an important role in the Second World War.
The attraction houses the family-friendly Fantastic Flight gallery with its interactive exhibits where visitors can explore the science of aviation and discover how aeroplanes fly.
They are also able to learn about East Fortune’s wartime heritage in the Museum’s Fortunes of War exhibition.
Visitors to the National Museum of Flight in East Lothian will be able to enjoy one of Scotland’s best days out for free this weekend. The museum is part of the Doors Open Days programme on the 24 and 25 of September.
The National Museum of Flight is located on the UK’s best-preserved Second World War airfield and includes two historic wartime aircraft hangars which are packed with exciting displays telling the stories of military and civil aviation over the past century.
The Museum is home to Scotland’s only Concorde and visitors can see an example of the iconic Supermarine Spitfire that played such an important role in the Second World War.
The attraction houses the family-friendly Fantastic Flight gallery with its interactive exhibits where visitors can explore the science of aviation and discover how aeroplanes fly. They are also able to learn about East Fortune’s wartime heritage in the Museum’s Fortunes of War exhibition.
SPITFIRE TAKES PRIDE OF PLACE IN THE NEW HANGER AT THE MUSEUM OF FLIGHT, EAST FORTUNE.
Steve McLean, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight, said: “We’re delighted to open the National Museum of Flight for free this weekend.
“Doors Open Days offer a fantastic opportunity to discover some of Scotland’s finest heritage sites and hidden historic treasures, and we hope visitors old and new will enjoy exploring everything we have to offer in East Lothian.”
Doors Open Days is part of European Heritage Days and is supported by Historic Environment Scotland. The popular festival, which offers free access to buildings and events across Scotland, will return to Edinburgh and East Lothian on 24 and 25 September with an in-person and online programme.
Advance booking at the National Museum of Flight over the Doors Open Days weekend is recommended.
Find more information and to book your visit online at nms.ac.uk/flight
Scotland’s only escape room on an historic airfield launches this week at the National Museum of Flight in East Fortune. Operation Sabotage has been developed in collaboration with young people aged 16-25 as part of the Scotland 365 project and will take place from 5 -14 August.
Inspired by its location on the UK’s best-preserved Second World War airfield, Operation Sabotage will transport visitors back in time to 1942.
A series of fiendish puzzles have been created inside one of the original wartime outbuildings on the former RAF base. In a race against the clock, teams of 4-8 people will need to decipher the identity of a mysterious saboteur and prevent a devastating attack on the local town of North Berwick.
Claire Allan, Engagement Manager at National Museums Scotland, said: “I’m delighted to offer such an innovative way to connect with the remarkable history of East Fortune airfield.
“Thanks to the creativity of the young participants in the Scotland 365 project and the generosity of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this experience will be brought to life for new audiences.”
The National Lottery Heritage Fund supported Scotland 365 as part of the £10million Kick The Dust programme. Which, thanks to money raised by National Lottery Players, has invested in projects throughout the UK aimed at involving young people in exploring and delivering new ideas on how to engage future generations with our shared heritage.
Operation Sabotage
Friday 5 – Sunday 14 August 2022 (except Tuesday 9 August) Start times: 10:30, 12:00, 14:00, 15:30 From £15 per person, including general admission to the museum Ages 14+
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
The Silver Casket Until 1 Aug 2022 Hawthorden Court Free entry
See an iconic piece of Scotland’s national heritage, the silver casket believed to have been owned by Mary, Queen of Scots. Made in Paris, probably between 1493 and 1510, the casket is a superb and extremely rare work of early French silver. It is likely that its long-standing association with Mary and her downfall has kept it preserved for over 450 years.
The silver casket is on display in Hawthornden Court at the National Museum of Scotland. From August 2022, it will be on permanent display in the Kingdom of the Scots gallery alongside other objects associated with Mary.
E.Coli by Luke Jerram 3 Aug – 31 Aug 2022 Grand Gallery Free entry
Part of the Edinburgh Art Festival programme, this 90ft long inflatable sculpture by Bristol-based Luke Jerram will be suspended from the ceiling of the National Museum of Scotland’s Grand Gallery. The E.coli is 5 million times bigger than the real bacteria. When standing next to it, does the bacteria alter our personal sense of scale? Does it look scary, beautiful, comical or alien? Will people be attracted or repelled by it?
Japanese Contemporary Design Until 5 Mar 2023 Exhibition Gallery 3, Level 1 Free entry
From striking statement jewellery to prints and porcelain vases, this new free display considers how Japanese contemporary makers have combined innovative and traditional art, craft and design elements over the past five decades.
The star object is Hitomi Hosono’s A Large Pine Tree Pool, a sculptural porcelain bowl with complex hand-carving made and acquired in 2019. Further highlights include Junko Mori’s intricate New Pinecone Silver Organism, and colourful body adornments by jeweller Suō Emiko’s adapted from metalworking and engraving techniques traditionally used in the making of Japanese sword fittings.
The Typewriter Revolution Until 11 Sep 2022 Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Free entry
The typewriter’s social and technological influence is revealed in this exhibition and looks at its role in society, arts, and popular culture. It traces the effect and evolution of typewriters across more than 100 years, from weighty early machines to modern style icons.
The impact of the typewriter has been much wider than simply speeding up the way we write. It helped revolutionise the world of work and change the lives of working women in particular. Typewriters helped them launch their own businesses at a time when female employers were rare and became a vital weapon in the fight for the vote.
Inspiring Walter Scott Until 8 Jan 2023 Exhibition Gallery 4, Level 1 Free entry
Following the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott’s birth, experience his novels through objects that inspired him. In this small exhibition we show how Scott drew upon real historical objects for inspiration, placing objects alongside Scott’s words, and the stories in which they feature. While you view these fascinating objects, you can listen to an actor reading extracts from these tales.
In association with Walter Scott 250: Celebrating 250 Years of Scotland’s Greatest Storyteller and supporting Year of Stories 2022.
Book of Hours Until 3 Aug 2022 Kingdom of the Scots gallery (Level 1) Free entry
Explore the pages of an illustrated prayer book featuring a handwritten poem by a young Mary, Queen of Scots in this display.
Written in Latin on vellum, the Book of Hours contains 40 exquisite illuminations by a 16th century Master artist. Used for private worship, it belonged to Mary’s great aunt Louise de Bourbon, Abbess of Fontevraud, who is believed to have gifted this precious volume to the young queen.
The book will be exhibited in the Kingdom of the Scots gallery in a display alongside other objects associated with Mary, Queen of Scots. Six different pages within the book will be revealed, with a new page displayed every three weeks. A QR code will allow you to scroll through the vividly illustrated pages in detail.
The Book of Hours is on loan to National Museums Scotland from The Pininski Foundation, Liechtenstein.
Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life 2 Jul – 13 Nov 2022 Member Preview Day 1 Jul Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 Ticketed
Explore the history of anatomical study, from artistic explorations by Leonardo da Vinci to the Burke and Hare murders. This exhibition will look at the social and medical history surrounding the practice of dissection. It will trace the relationship between anatomy, its teaching and cultural context and the bodies that were dissected. Looking at Edinburgh’s role as an international centre for medical study, the exhibition will offer insight into the links between science and crime in the early 19th century.
Bernat Klein: Design in Colour 5 Nov 2022 – 23 Apr 2023 Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Free entry
Marking the centenary of his birth, Bernat Klein: Design in Colour will celebrate the work of the influential émigré textile designer.
Visitors will be able to explore Klein’s creative process and varied career, from providing couture fabrics for fashion designers to his influence on modernist architecture and interior design in the UK and Scandinavia
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
How The Nose Got Its Sneeze 11 – 12 Jun 2022 10:00-16:45 Event Space, Level 2 Free sign up on the day
In this fun and immersive play adventure, children will explore what happens inside the nose when things like smoke, dust and pollen get inside and how the nose defends our precious lungs against these invaders.
Play will start with a story to set the scene, followed by a journey through a giant nose and then continue with lots of loose-part-play within two large lung-shaped domes. A gentle soundscape of music and breathing will surround the hands-on activity. OKIDO play rangers and lung researchers will be on hand to help with questions and fun!
Sign up on the day for a 45 minute session, starting each hour from 10am until (last session) 4pm.
This event is for under-fives but parents, carers, grandparents and older siblings are encouraged to join in too!
Concert for a Summer’s Night 21 Jun 2022 19:15 doors open, 20:00 concert starts Grand Gallery Ticketed
Mark the summer solstice with string collective Scottish Ensemble. Be taken on an atmospheric journey through an eclectic mix of musical styles, including Mozart’s scampering, energetic ‘Magic Flute Overture’, Vask’s shimmering ‘Musica Serena’ and Dvorak’s ‘American Quartet’, evoking expansive, wide-open vistas.
Spotlight On: Anatomy 13 Jul 2022 14:00 – 15:00 Auditorium, Level 1 Free, with optional donation
Join exhibition curators Tacye Phillipson and Sophie Goggins as they discuss our major exhibition Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life. Dig deeper into the themes explored in our summer exhibition in this free curator talk to kick off our Anatomy events programme. Revisit your favourite stories from the exhibition or find out more before your visit.
National Museum of Rural Life Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Bird Bingo Until 31 Aug 2022 10:00-17:00 A trail around the museum Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Come and play Bird Bingo at the National Museum of Rural Life!
Can you find all the birds hiding around the museum? Using the clues on our family trail sheet, see if you can spot different birds in our museum galleries and learn fun facts about them on your journey.
This family event is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open daily 10:00 – 16:00
Awesome Bricks 18 Jun –19 Jun 2022 10:00-17:00 Ticketed
Join us for one of Scotland’s biggest LEGO events. See a host of unique and inspiring LEGO constructions, including a 3D hot air balloon festival, and get hands-on in our blue brick build zone.
Awesome Bricks is produced in partnership with Warren Elsmore.
Behind the Scenes Tours 25 May – 26 Oct 2022 11:00–12:00 & 14:00–15:00 Object Store Free with museum admission Booking required
Find out about our collection of aero-engines and propellers on a curator-led tour of our Object Store. Join Aviation Curator Ian Brown for one of our regular guided tours of the museum’s Object Store. Explore some of the collections not normally on public view and discover the fascinating stories behind them.
