Opening Times
We’re open Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year. We have a short winter break and return in the new year. We recommend allowing between one to three hours to experience all of the museum depending on whether you’d like a complimentary guided tour.
Regular Hours (Apr to 27th Oct)
| Monday – Friday | Closed |
| Saturday – Sunday | 10:00 — 16:00 (last entry 15:30) |
Reduced Hours (28th Oct to 7th Dec)
| Monday – Friday | Closed |
| Saturday – Sunday | 10:00 — 15:00 (last entry 14:30) |
Winter Break (8th Dec to 14th Feb 2025)
| Monday – Sunday | Closed |
Ticket Prices
Standard Rates
| Adult (18+) | £8 |
| Concession (see below) | £7 |
| Child (5-17) | £5 |
| Infant (4 & under) | Free |
| Family (2 adults, 3 children) | £22 |
Concessions
Our concession price applies to the following:
- Those who are 60+
- Students (with a valid student ID)
- Disabled (plus one carer goes free)
- Military & Veterans (with a MOD90 or Forces Discount Card)
- Emergency Services (with a ID card or Blue Light Discount Card)
Gift Aid
We participate in the government Gift Aid scheme. If you are a UK taxpayer we can increase the value of your donations by 25% because we can reclaim that value from the tax you pay to HMRC.
Normally entrance fees can’t be included in gift aid, however, HMRC allows us to treat your entrance fees as a donation provided that you are willing to voluntarily pay an extra 10%.
This allows us to treat the whole entrance fee as a donation instead of an entrance charge and therefore claim 25% of the whole amount paid towards your entry.
See the following table which outlines the prices:
| Normal Price | Gift Aid Price | The Museum Receives | |
| Adult | £8.00 | £8.80 | £11.00 |
| Child | £5.00 | £5.50 | £6.88 |
| Concession | £7.00 | £7.70 | £9.63 |
| Family | £22.00 | £24.20 | £30.25 |
Group Rates
For groups of fifteen or more visiting us during a regular open day or un-ticketed event we offer a group rate of £6. While it is helpful to let us know in advance so we can ensure a tour guide can be available for your group (if required) groups are welcome to turn up on the day without a booking.
For more information see our Groups & Hire section. For prices outside of regular opening hours please fill out an enquiry form on our Contact page.
Schools & Youth Groups
For schools, colleges, and youth groups (such as Scouts and Girl Guiding) we are often able to facilitate weekday daytime or evening visits.
For more information see our Groups & Hire page. For prices please fill out an enquiry form on our Contact page.
Getting Here
You find us opposite the Daedalus slipway on Marine Parade West. It is not possible to reach us from the rear of the Daedalus Site.
Address
The Hovercraft Museum
Seaplane Square
Marine Parade West
Lee-on-the-Solent
Hampshire
PO13 9NS
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This what3words address refers to a 3 metre square location. Tap the link or enter the 3 words into the free what3words app to find it.
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* Please note this address is for navigation only and will not work for sending things via post. Please see our contact page for the correct address to use.
Travel Tips
Road
The simplest route to the museum for anyone travelling from outside the Gosport peninsula is via the M27 motorway which is approximately five and a half miles from junctions 9 and 11.
Sat Nav
For navigating via postcode please use PO13 9NS which will direct you to Drake Road which is the road adjacent to the museum on Marine Parade West. Once on Marine Parade West you should disregard the directions to turn into Drake Road.
Parking
There is no on-site parking for visitors, however, there is a mixture of free and paid parking in the surrounding roads and on Marine Parade West.
Disabled Parking
Sadly, we do not have disabled parking. If you would like some advice on finding the most suitable area for parking then please call on the day of your visit and we’ll do the best we can to help.
Motorcycles
We can often accommodate a small number of motorcycles with prior notice. Please call on the day of your visit before setting off to confirm.
Coaches
Please let us know in advance of your visit. Although we don’t have parking on-site there is an area we can use for drop-off and pickup with prior notice.
Rail
If you are travelling by rail then there are two stations to choose from: Fareham and Portsmouth Harbour. Please see below for ways to complete you journey for each station.
Fareham Railway Station
Take the 5 bus (Fareham – Gosport) to the Drake Road or Richmond Road bus stops. Alternatively, use a local taxi service – see taxi firms below.
Portsmouth Harbour
Walk around the North side of the train station and take the Gosport Ferry. Walk a short distance around the corner to the Gosport Bus Station and take the 5 bus (Fareham – Gosport) to the Drake Road or Richmond Road bus stops. Alternatively, use a local taxi service – see taxi firms below.
Taxi
Here are some local established taxi firms with their contact numbers:
- Lee Taxis – 023 9228 0638 or 077 1148 9218
- A2B Taxis Fareham – 013 2982 5825
- Radio Taxis Fareham – 013 2928 2282
- Buster Cars – 023 9258 4000
- Dial a Taxi Gosport – 023 9200 0455
- Dave’s Taxi of Gosport – 023 9252 9922
Bus
The Museum is served by one bus directly but has connections to regional and national services at Fareham and Gosport.
5 (Fareham – Gosport)
The 5 bus service serves two local stops outside our entrance: Drake Road and Richmond Road. This service travels from Fareham Bus Station, past the museum and onto Gosport Bus Station.
Other Local Services
For other local routes, you should travel via Fareham Bus Station or Gosport Bus Station to ride the 5 bus to the museum (see above).
Air
The Hovercraft Museum very close to Solent Airport (ICAO: EGHF). Please use the button below for flying into Solent Airport:
You can walk to the museum in about 10 to 15 minutes via the seafront. To walk from the control tower, follow Daedalus Drive west until you reach the seafront road Stubbington Lane. Turn left and follow the road (Stubbington Lane) which becomes Marine Parade West. Once you reach the slipway leading into the sea on your right-hand side you’ll see the entry to the museum on your left.
Bicycle
We are cycle friendly and there is provision for cyclists to lock/store their bikes during their visit. You can reach us via Marine Parade opposite the slipway. See below for an idea on how long it will take to reach us on two wheels:
- Solent Airport: 3-5 minutes, ~0.5 mile
- Lee-on-the-Solent: 5-10 minutes, ~1 mile
- Stubbington: 10-15 minutes, ~1.5 miles
- Gosport: 25-40 minutes, ~5 miles
- Fareham: 25-40 minutes, ~5.5 miles
On Foot
The museum is walkable for those in the local area. It is only accessible via Marine Parade. You cannot reach us via the rear of the Daedalus site. See below for an idea on how long it might take you to walk to us within the local area:
- Solent Airport: 10-15 minutes, ~0.5 miles
- Lee-on-the-Solent: 10-20 minutes, ~1 miles
- Stubbington: 30-50 minutes, ~1.5 miles
Dog Walkers
We are dog friendly, and our four-legged friends are welcome to come inside provided they are on a lead and are well mannered around people and other dogs. Why not pop in during a dog walk?
Accessibility
Our goal is to create a top-quality experience that everyone can enjoy. If you have any questions or require any accommodations then please don’t hesitate to enquire further via our contact form. Any feedback you can give on improving our accessibility will be greatly received.
Access Policy
We strive to be an inclusive and friendly place to visit and we are on a continual journey to improve our visitor experience. You can find our accessibility policy here. We recognise that despite our best intentions, being a volunteer-run charity with limited resources we may not always get it right. Any constructive feedback will be gratefully received and acted upon where possible.
Accessible/Family Toilet
There is a gender-neutral, accessible and family toilet available in our Winchester hangar.
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome within the museum along with non-assistance dogs. We have water bowls dotted around the museum for our four-legged friends.
Baby Changing Facilities
We have baby change facilities in our gender-neutral/accessible/family toilet in our Winchester Hangar.
Buggies/Pushchairs
If you’d like to leave a buggy or pushchair please ask at our ticket office to do so. Should you wish to bring a buggy or pushchair with you during your visit there are convenient locations dotted around the site to park buggies while you enjoy parts of the collection not accessible via ramps.
Parking
Unfortunately, we are not currently able to offer parking or accessible parking on site. We recommend parking on the seafront or on one of the surrounding roads which are a short distance from our entrance opposite the Daedalus slipway.
Ramps & Wheelchair Access
The publicly accessible part of the museum is all situated at ground level. Almost all of our collection is wheelchair accessible with the following exceptions:
- Visitors with larger mobility scooters (wider than 78cm at the widest point) may struggle to fit through some doors in our main building.
- The SR.N4 Cross Channel Hovercraft “The Princess Anne” car deck is wheelchair accessible via the front car ramp (with a slightly higher gradient than usual). The passenger cabin, however, is not wheelchair accessible due to it being raised above the car deck by a small number of steps.
- The following craft, while accessible at ground level to all, can only be boarded via a small number of steps:
- AP1-88 “Falcon”
- SR.N5 “006”
- SR.N6 “Sea Hawk”
- Our BH7 hovercraft is wheelchair accessible, but due to the limitations of its location the ramp to access it is steeper than we would like.
Seating
Throughout our site we have placed seating for you to use to sit and enjoy the collection, or take a rest. This includes wheelchair and pushchair accessible outdoor picnic benches.
Sensory Bag
We have two sensory bags available free of charge on a first-come-first-serve basis for any guest that wishes to borrow them during their visit. If you’d like to make use of them during your visit please ask at the ticket office.
The kit includes:
- Sensory toys
- Communication cards
- Ear defenders
Visual Story
We have produced a visual story for anyone who might want to know more about what visiting us will be like, or might feel anxious about being in a new space for the first time.
Groups & Hire
We are often able to take private and group bookings within our normal opening hours or even outside of those hours.
Private Groups & Clubs
We cater to a wide variety of groups from small private groups of friends, to corporate outings, to Rotary, to U3A. For larger groups there is a special rate – please see our pricing section for more information on this.
Groups are always welcome during normal opening hours with no need to book ahead, however, it is helpful if a larger group would be able to make contact prior to the visit so that we can ensure we can make your experience extra special. This is particular important if you wish to make the most of one of our complimentary tours, or you have special requirements/timings.
Group visits outside of our standard opening hours are sometimes possible, however, they are subject to volunteer availability and extra overheads to offset. For that reason we might need to charge more than the normal entry costs to facilitate your visit. Please make an fill out a booking form for more information.
Schools, Education & Youth Groups
Enhance your educational programs with a visit to our unique venue. Ideal for school trips, educational tours, and youth groups such as Girl Guiding, we offer interactive and engaging experiences that bring learning to life. Our knowledgeable staff can provide guided tours and activities aligned with your curriculum, making education both fun and impactful.
Tour Operators
Partner with us to offer your clients an exceptional experience. Our venue is a must-visit destination that complements your tour itineraries perfectly. With flexible booking options, accommodating group sizes, and bespoke packages, we make it easy for you to include us in your tour plans, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable visit for all.
Paranormal Investigation
Embark on a thrilling journey into the unknown with our paranormal investigation experiences. Our historic venue, rich with intriguing tales and unexplained phenomena, is the perfect location for both novice and seasoned paranormal enthusiasts. Book exclusive night-time access and use our space to explore and uncover the mysteries that lie within.
Venue Hire
Looking for a versatile venue for your next event? Our location is ideal for a wide range of occasions, from corporate functions and conferences to community events and private parties. With a variety of spaces available, we offer the flexibility to host both intimate gatherings and large-scale events. Let us help you create an unforgettable event with our exceptional facilities and services.
Filming & Media
Capture the ideal shot at our unique venue, rich in hovercraft history and industrial charm. Our location offers a distinctive backdrop, perfect for film, television, photography, and other media projects. With expansive hangars and authentic machinery, our site provides a variety of settings to suit your creative needs. Flexible booking options and dedicated support ensure your production runs smoothly, allowing you to focus on your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we allow dogs?
Yes, dogs are welcome in the museum, including the shop/cafe, provided they are friendly, well behaved, and on leads at all times. We kindly ask that you clear away any mess created.
Do we take card?
We take all UK major cards including VISA, Mastercard, and American Express. The minimum amount for paying by card is £1.
Can I smoke (or vape)?
No, the museum operates a no-smoking policy and we ask volunteers and visitors to smoke outside the gates. This includes vaping.
Can I take photos or shoot videos?
We encourage all our visitors to take photos and videos for personal use to remember your visit to us and share your experience with friends and family.
If you’d like to capture photos and videos for any other reason please contact us to discuss this further. This includes commercial use such as filming for productions. Filming is something we can facilitate but we need to ensure that it is done with appropriate measures in place.
Regardless of what kind of filming is happening we ask that you are respectful of other museum visitor’s experiences and privacy. If in any doubt, please reach out to us and we can answer any questions you may have.
Are we operating hovercraft rides?
Whilst popular we are not currently able to offer hovercraft rides. This is something we’re working on and we hope to return to in the future.
Where can I stay?
The area is well served by the well-known chain hotel companies:
There is a wide selection of independent hotels and B&Bs in the local area including:
- Leeward House – Lee-on-the-Solent
- The Anglesey Hotel – Gosport
- The Alverbank Hotel – Gosport
- The Red Lion – Fareham
- The Lysses House Hotel – Fareham
- The Roundabout Hotel – Fareham
For campers there is also a local Caravan Park – Kingfisher Caravan Park