The Hovercraft Museum Achieves Arts Council Accreditation

The Hovercraft Museum is pleased to announce that it has achieved full accredited status with Arts Council England.


Administered by Arts Council England on behalf of the UK Accreditation Partnership, Accreditation is the benchmark for well-run Museums and Galleries.


It means that The Hovercraft Museum is properly managed and governed to the nationally agreed industry standard and shows the museum takes proper care of its collections, sharing them with visitors and keeping them safe for future generations.


Accreditation opens up exciting funding opportunities, allows museums to host touring exhibitions and gives access to professional advice and support. It also gives confidence to donors and sponsors who may wish to support the museum in preserving heritage and inspiring future generations.


Accreditation covers museums of all types and sizes – from the smallest volunteer-run museums to national museums – and more than 1,700 museums are currently taking part in the scheme across the UK.
More information about the Accreditation scheme can be found here.


“We are absolutely delighted and honoured to receive the notification that the museum has been awarded Accredited status.  It is an amazing result and a true representation of the journey the museum has been on over the past few years.”

Louise Jenkins, Chair of Trustees at The Hovercraft Museum

Why not join Spirit Chasers Paranormal UK for a Paranormal Investigation?

Have you been meaning to take part in a Paranormal Investigation but never had the chance, or are you a seasoned investigator looking for a unique venue?

Join us together with Spirit Chasers Paranormal UK as we embark on a paranormal investigation at The Hovercraft Museum in Lee-on-the-Solent.  Based on a former military site, HMS Daedalus, there have been many reports of activity from the years of military operation dating back to WW1.  Ranging from strange voices and noises to a member of our volunteer team refusing to work at night after an encounter.

You’ll have the opportunity to board at least three hovercraft and experience our WW1 hangars as part of your investigations. The professional team at Spirit Chasers Paranormal UK will be working with you to investigate paranormal activity using modern techniques and equipment.

Please be aware that this is not a tour, and is not suitable for children or people of a nervous disposition.

Book now

R.I.P. Queen Elizabeth II

It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Always a great supporter of innovation and technology, she helped to champion the hovercraft as it was initially developed along with her late husband, the Duke of Edinburgh.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the Royal family at this time.

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Our Sincere Condolences

The Hovercraft Museum would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Daniel Newton who was tragically involved in a fatal accident at the World Hovercraft Racing Championships in Sweden today. Our thoughts are with them and also our wider hovercraft family.

Gosport Heritage Open Days (11th and 18th September)

Gosport Heritage Open Days is a collection of FREE events held in September each year. In 2022 the timetable will runs from Friday 9th to Sunday 18th September.

The Hovercraft Museum will be open with free entry on Sunday 11th September and Sunday 18th September 2022 from 10am to 4pm.

This is England’s largest festival of history and culture. Every year in September, places across the country throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences.

Gosport has no shortage of places that reflect the town’s unique heritage and culture – forts, churches, private buildings, ancient woodland, gardens and much more.

Check out the full timetable of events and find out what your highlight will be. No booking required for us but please make sure to book for other events that have limited space….
Gosport Heritage Open Days: Free to explore

First Aid Training at the Hovercraft Museum

Recently some of the volunteers at the Hovercraft Museum in Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire completed a one-day First Aid training course. We try to have a first aider on site at the museum at all times to help visitors, volunteers and passing members of the public when required.

For some of the course participants it was a refresher on current best practice whilst for some it was a complete introduction. Topics covered included what is expected of a first aider, how to assess the situation and then practical treatment options including the Recovery Position, CPR and bandage application.

A big thank you to Ken Wheeler for taking on the role of course instructor and to the volunteers for giving their time so generously.

Would you like to use our location and resources to provide First Aid training to your organisation? We may be a cost-effective option, learn in our unique seaside environment and support our charitable organisation. Get in touch to discuss your requirements.

New Aerial Photography thanks to Solent Sky Services

At the recent Daedalus Waterfront event held at the museum we were privileged to have the team from Solent Sky Services on site and covering the event on behalf of Montserrat Events. Whilst aerial footage was not originally part of the brief, Mike couldn’t resist getting his drone on. With permission and appropriate authorisation of course.

So here we have to share with you a selection of stills which show the museum from the air. Plus a bonus of Darren and his mini.

Please contact us for licensing details and higher resolution assets if you would like to use them.

Daedalus Waterfront Development – Public Consultation

Friday 15th July (11am – 7pm), Saturday 16th July (10am – 4pm)

Come and see the vision for Daedalus Waterfront development at a public consultation at the Hovercraft Museum on 15th and 16th July.Entry to the consultation is FREE on both days. The side hangars and Hovercraft collection are open on Saturday only (normal entrance fees apply).

You are invited to come and see the first draft proposals for the Daedalus Waterfront development and share your memories and experiences of the historic place.

You will have the chance to meet the team delivering the scheme, ask questions and share your thoughts on the proposals.We are also inviting you to share any memories of HMS Daedalus. If you worked at, lived in or were part of the HMS Daedalus community, please come and share your memories, photos and souvenirs.

The exhibition will be inside the historic SRN4 Hovercraft and is free to access on Friday July 15th, 11am to 7pm, and Saturday July 16th, 10am to 4pm. Everyone is welcome!

The Hovercraft Museum is on the Daedalus Waterfront site. Please enter from Marine Parade West – the entrance is between Drake Rd and Richmond Rd, and will be clearly marked. There is no parking available on site