Ulster Aviation Society
BEST FOR
Ages 0+
ENTRY
Free
SETTING
Indoors
WHERE
Lisburn
What it’s like
Guided tours through Second World War hangars packed with historic aircraft, free for families of up to ten.
This is a hangar full of real aircraft from the Second World War era, and you see it on a guided tour rather than wandering about on your own. Tours run at 11am and 2pm daily between March and October, take around two hours, and someone walks you through the collection rather than leaving you to read plaques. Family admission for up to ten people is free, which is generous for a museum with a proper collection behind it.
The catch is you can't just turn up. Booking is mandatory, done in advance by email, and there's no walk-in option at all, so this needs a bit of planning rather than a spur of the moment wet Tuesday decision. It's also shut from November to February, so the window for a visit is really March to October only.
Younger children are welcome but the site is upfront that under-eights need close supervision, since this is a working hangar with aircraft rather than a soft play area. Older kids with any interest in planes or history will get more out of the two hours than a toddler will, though the free family ticket means it's not a costly experiment either way. Wheelchair access runs from the car park right across the hangar floors, though some surfaces are uneven underfoot.
There's free parking on site in an overflow car park, and accessible toilets and baby changing are both available, so the basics are covered even if the visit itself is quite hands-on and guided rather than a quick in-and-out.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- School-age kids with an interest in planes; under-8s need close watching
- Booking
- Advanced pre-booking required via email
- Parking
- Free overflow car park on-site
- Wheelchairs
- Wheelchair accessible from car park and throughout hangar floors
- Book by email in advance, walk-ins aren't accepted
- The whole visit runs on a guided tour, not free roaming
- Closed November to February, so plan for the spring or summer months
- Accessible toilets and baby changing are on site
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
Family admission for up to ten people is free. Larger groups or school visits are £3 per person.
Do we need to book ahead?
Yes, booking is essential and done by email in advance. There's no turning up on the day.
What time are the tours?
Tours run daily at 11am and 2pm, March to October.
Is it open all year?
It closes from November to February. Family visits run March through October.
Is it suitable for young children?
Under-eights are welcome but need close supervision, as it's a working hangar rather than a play space.
Is there parking and step-free access?
There's a free overflow car park on site, and the hangar floors are wheelchair accessible from there, though some surfaces are uneven.
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