Learn sea survival skills at National Museum of Flight this half term

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.

For more information and to book, visit nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events

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.

National Museum of Flight launches new escape room experience

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+ 

Tickets can be booked online at nms.ac.uk/operationsabotage