Yorkshire Air Museum

Our authentic wartime surroundings, original exhibits, and a collection of 60 aircraft military vehicles provides an excellent backdrop and provides an ideal hands-on opportunity to what is taught in various teaching settings.

The day is tailor made to the requirements of subjects that are being taught, in line with the national curriculum.  This is achieved by close communication with the school and the Yorkshire Air Museum.  It strengthens the knowledge and understanding of what the children have learnt and builds up their confidence. (World War)

Every year, the educational team at the Yorkshire Air Museum accompanies hundreds of school children and their teachers on their learning journey, a school visit at the Museum being a unique experience which children will remember for years to come.

Over the years, the Aviation War Museum has become one of the most interesting and dynamic museums of its type in the country. As well as being home to the only Allied Air Forces Memorial in Europe, the Yorkshire Air Museum is the largest independent aviation museum in the UK, with an acclaimed aircraft collection of aircraft showcasing flight from its very early origins in Yorkshire through to the latest technology of the supersonic age. We add new aircraft to the museum as often we can.

The museum is based on the original wartime RAF Elvington station, the buildings are authentic which adds to the atmosphere.  Next Year 2023 will see the 80^th Anniversary of RAF Elvington.

Whilst schools are welcome to visit independently the museum provides guided activity visits including various topics covering certain history curriculum topics. Past Present and Future includes Development of Flight, Pioneers of the Air, and Aircraft development. Each of which may be adapted to the requirements of the school.  Hands on WW2 includes What It was Like to be a Child during the War, Iconic Aircraft from WW2, and the paratroopers experience.

The school year for 2021 – 2022 saw 2000 school children pass through the museum as part of its learning program.

The adventure of a visit to the Yorkshire Air Museum begins with the planning. We like to know exactly what the school which means good communication between the museum and the school once that has been agreed the museum provides an itinerary based on timings and number of pupils.  The average arrival time is 10.00am with departure time approximately 2:30pm. The times are flexible.

The visit begins with the school being taken to their base for the day that is the ‘Halifax Suit’ which has ensuite toilet facilities plus disabled unit, if required. The school is introduced to their guides for the day who are friendly and have a great ability for talking to children of all age groups from Reception class to secondary schools.

A health and safety talk are given, following this the visit will begin as per the itinerary.

This is truly a hands-on experience visit with the pupils able to go on several of the aircraft and cockpits and handle many of the artifacts.

The maximum group size would be 60 and there is no minimum.  This ensures all children have access and time for everything.  We only book one school per day.

The booking is only confirmed when the museum receives the completed booking form which is sent to the school when a provisional date is agreed.  The booking form is part of a pack which details all information on the topics we provide, it is also sent with the museum Risk Assessment.  The lead teacher for the trip is also invited to visit the museum if they wish.  Support information on the various topics is also provided.

We have no restrictions as far as taking photos, audios or videos as long as the teachers have full approval from parents for children to do so.

A generic museum is sent out with the booking pack and the lead teacher on confirmation of booking invited to carry out their own assessment for free. All School guides are DBS checked and have undergone a Safeguarding course.

The museum has a School Liaison Coordinator for school visits and enquiries

Please email your enquiries or contact:

Lesley Coupland

Tel: 07717016246 Or 01904 608246 (Museum)

Email: learning@yorkshireairmuseum.org

School group booking rates are:

Guided Activities £7.00 per child.  (1 free adult per 10 children)

Additional adults are charged £7.00 each.

No specific clothing is required although as some of the exhibits are outdoors, we recommend weatherproof clothing.

The Museum has first aid facilities and qualified personnel on site.

The museum has a restaurant selling hot and cold food.  The school will have eating facilities in the Halifax suite to eat their own packed up lunch.

Our site is entirely accessible by wheelchair except for the first floor of our Heritage Listed Control Tower.

Monday to Sunday: inclusive Bank holidays (except Christmas day and New Year’s day)

10.00-5.00pm Summer opening

10.00am-4.00 pm Winter opening

On behalf of all the children and the staff, here at Manston St James, I would like to say a heartfelt Thank You for organising our trip, last Thursday. As you will see, from their beautiful letters, the children all enjoyed the day enormously and your wonderful and very informative staff were instrumental in making the visit a huge success. I know Hannah will be in touch about a return visit next year and I understand that our History Lead (who also joined us on the visit) was also extremely impressed with the facilities, organisation and exceptional knowledge of the group leaders.

 Again, many thanks for hosting this outstanding visit and we hope to see you very soon. I, for one, will be retuning with my own children, over the holidays.

2022 Manston St James

We thoroughly enjoyed the exhibits. Children loved seeing the planes particularly the Halifax Bomber and the paratrooper experience. The Dambuster exhibition really relevant to us as the mission links to some writing we are doing.

Bramham Shadwell School 2022

 The amazing, knowledgeable, friendly, welcoming and enthusiastic staff. They made the trip so much fun. Also, the variety of planes and artefacts- it really felt like going back in time.

Fantastic facilities in terms of museum resources but also the lunchroom and the playing area, also a lovely walk.

Melborne Primary 2022

 Again I cannot express how much we loved our visit with you. The kids still talk about it and it really cemented their knowledge. I look forward to seeing what you are offering in the future as we would love to come back at some point.

Home School Education 2022

The Museum is a multi award winning attraction, dubbed by visitors as ‘a must see place’, ‘great for families’ and ‘absolutely awesome’. A visit to the Yorkshire Air Museum ensures an evocative and entertaining journey back in time where pupils can witness first-hand the rich past of an authentic wartime base as well as learn about the development of aviation from its early days to the present.

The Museum is ideally located on the outskirts of York, easily accessed by car or coach with secure free on-site car park.