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

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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

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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.

May be an image of 4 people and outdoors

Our Sincere Condolences

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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)

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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

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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

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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.

Photo of The Hovercraft Museum from the air. Looking South East Towards Portsmouth.
Looking South East Towards Portsmouth
Photo of The Hovercraft Museum from the air. View North West Towards Southampton
View North West Towards Southampton
Photo of The Hovercraft Museum from the air. Historic Buildings of HMS Daedalus. The Wardroom, Officers Mess and Westcliff Hall
Historic Buildings of HMS Daedalus. The Wardroom, Officers Mess and Westcliff Hall
Photo of The Hovercraft Museum from the air.
View of the Hovercraft Museum
Photo of The Hovercraft Museum from the air. SR.N6 “Super 6” cuddling up to her big cousin.
SR.N6 “Super 6” cuddling up to her big cousin
The Hover MIni
The Hover Mini
Photo of The Hovercraft Museum from the air. The Princess Anne hovercraft, the last remaining SRN4 Mountbatten class listed on the Historic Ships Register.
The Princess Anne, Swift Cockpit and Display Hangar

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

Daedalus Waterfront Development – Public Consultation

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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

Bring your group to the museum for a private tour

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Did you know that we regularly open especially for School and Kids groups? Last week we were glad to welcome the 31st Itchen North Cubs, 1st Titchfield Beavers and the 1st Swanmore Beavers. Our head volunteer guide Alan loved answering their questions and showing them around the collection and they had a great time!

Highlights of a visit include

  • Fun and Informative tour of the collection
  • Exploring and sitting in the jewel of our collection the largest commercial hovercraft ever the SR.N4 “Princess Anne”
  • The option of doing our quiz as you explore the museum in smaller groups
  • Photo opportunity sitting in the pilot seat of James Bond’s hovercraft for each child.
  • A goodybag to take home with you.

Our volunteers work hard to make the visits as fun and informative as possible and we are working to create an education centre/classroom.

If you would be interested in bringing your group to the museum for a private tour get in contact!
Grown-ups groups are also allowed to book as long as you promise to behave yourselves.

Dad’s Go Free Sunday – Father’s Day

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Sunday 19th June 2022 10am – 4pm

The museum will be open on this day in addition to its usual Saturday opening times. Bring your dad and we won’t charge his entry!

The only Hovercraft Museum in the world.
An extensive collection of Hovercraft, including the Worlds Largest Commercial hovercraft, SRN4 “The Princess Anne”

Open on Saturday’s from 10:00 until 16:00 and other dates as advertised.

Please note when visiting, Parking is on the road (Marine Parade West). Currently no charge as far as Richmond Road.

For SatNav type in PO13 9NS.
This will show up as Drake Road which is after the Museum’s Entrance.

Please do not use the museum’s postal address as that will take you to the rear service gate.

Prices

Adult (18-59): £8
Child (5-17): £5
Family (2 adults, 3 children): £22
Concession (Disabled/Serving Military/Veterans/Students/Senior 60+): £7
Under 5’s: Free
Wheelchair Carer: Free