OUR CAFÉ & GIFT SHOP
Our welcoming café and gift shop is open throughout your visit, and you can pick up some snacks, drinks, and some amazing hovercraft themed souvenirs.
What’s here
We have something for everyone! With so many displays, activities, refreshments, gift shop products, and, of course, let’s not forget, hovercrafts! The Hovercraft Museum even has some hidden surprises for your trip. There’s a lot of fun to be had; simply browse below for what might interest you most.
For Younger Visitors
Climb Onboard
Young adventurers are invited to explore our fascinating hovercraft exhibits! Climb aboard incredible machines and imagine what it’s like to pilot a real hovercraft. Sit in James Bond’s iconic hovercraft and step into the cockpit of the largest commercial hovercraft ever built. Our displays are interactive and hands-on experiences!
Children’s Corner
A small area in the shop designed just for our younger visitors. Here, kids can engage in fun activities like hovercraft colouring in our Museum Café. Meanwhile, mum and dad can relax and enjoy a hovercraft film, a light snack, or a drink. It’s the perfect place for kids to play and explore while parents take a well-deserved break.
iSpy
Join our iSpy adventure and explore the museum with a keen eye. Visitors of all ages will love this interactive scavenger hunt, searching for hidden objects and clues throughout the exhibits. It’s a fun and educational way to engage with the displays while learning fascinating facts about hovercrafts and their history.
Family Quiz
Put your family’s knowledge to the test with our exciting Family Quiz! This fun and interactive quiz is designed for all ages (we’re looking at you, big kids), featuring questions about hovercraft, their history, and the science behind them. It’s a great way to learn together and spark some friendly competition among your group.
Our Cafe
The Hovercraft Museum Café and Gift Shop offers a delightful and relaxing spot for visitors to enjoy refreshments and find unique souvenirs during their visit. Here’s what you can expect:
Variety of Hot & Cold Beverages
A Selection of Ice Creams
Light Snacks (Excluding hot food)
Comfortable Seating & Museum Views
Family-Friendly (Including dogs)
Souvenir & Gift Shop
Huge Hovercraft
Cross Channel Hovercraft
Step aboard the magnificent SR.N4 “The Princess Anne”, the largest commercial hovercraft ever built. Known for its impressive size and speed, she ferried passengers and vehicles across the English Channel, making trips between the UK and France in record time.
Explore this engineering marvel and learn about its unique design and historical significance in revolutionising cross-channel travel.
Isle of Wight Hovercraft
Discover the AP1-88, a versatile hovercraft that played a crucial role in connecting the Isle of Wight with the mainland. Known for its reliability and efficiency, the AP1-88 continues to serve as a vital link for residents and tourists alike.
Dive into its history and see first-hand how this remarkable craft has maintained its importance in modern transportation.
Military Hovercraft
Uncover the BH7, a military hovercraft designed for strategic operations and rapid deployment. Used by the armed forces, the BH7 showcases advanced technology and robust engineering, making it a formidable asset in military history.
Explore its features and understand its role in various missions, highlighting the versatility and strength of hovercraft in defence applications.
Film & TV
James Bond
In 2002, James Bond staged a daring escape in the film “Die Another Day”. He manages to barely escape the sticky situation by commandeering a hovercraft – chased by several baddies, also in hovercrafts! In your visit you’ll be able to see two of the hovercrafts used in the filming, and find out how they managed to use creative means to film the sequences and how, for practical reasons, they settled for Aldershot instead of real North Korean minefields.
Scrapheap Challenge
Relive the creativity & ingenuity of “Scrapheap Challenge” with the hovercrafts built by the teams “The Bright Sparks” and “The Grunts.” These impressive creations were part of the show’s 10-year anniversary special, showcasing the inventive spirit of the series where teams raced against time & each other to build functioning hovercrafts from scrap. Come and see them up close!
Pawn Stars
Designed for a global stage, the Air Board was created for the Sydney Olympics Opening Ceremony, the Air Board wowed audiences with its innovative design and dramatic flair. Recently featured on the TV show “Pawn Stars,” this unique hovercraft continues to invoke a wry smile.
Oddities
Hover Mini
The result of a pub bet taken a tad too far… the answer to the question none of us knew we needed the answer to: “Can a mini hover?” It turns out that yes it can!
It also seems that the owner wasn’t sure whether he needed to pay road tax so he stuck a note on his windscreen to let everyone know his tax disk is in the mail. In a reverse testament to old British cars, she starts up and runs pretty good for her age!
Hovering at Home
The product of British ingenuity & perhaps a touch of madness. The Flymo Mower is a garden oddity that glides eortlessly over the grass. Combining hovercraft technology with lawn care, it revolutionized the way people mow their lawns. Hover technology has found its way into other household tasks, from mowers to vacuum cleaners. The Flymo Mower remains a standout example among these quirky yet practical inventions.
World’s Smallest Hovercraft
A question that sparks curiosity… the Hover Midget answers: “Can a hovercraft be tiny yet mighty?” It certainly can! This compact hovercraft, originally designed for amusement parks, packs a lot of fun into a small package. It is after all the world’s smallest hovercraft! The creator, likely with a playful grin, might say it’s ideal for those tight parking spots.
Our Hangars & HMS
Daedalus
The Hovercraft Museum is situated in one of the iconic Type J hangars within “Seaplane Square”, an important part of the former HMS Daedalus Naval base. From its pivotal role in naval aviation to its contributions to hovercraft innovation, HMS Daedalus remains a landmark of engineering and historical significance.
Hover History &
Hoverfacts
Welcome to HoverFacts, where you can learn fascinating and fun information about hovercraft! Whether you’re planning a family day out or just curious about these unique vehicles, we’ve got you covered. So, next time you see a hovercraft, you’ll know a bit more about how they work and their fascinating history.
The Historical Importance of HMS Daedalus
HMS Daedalus, originally established as a Royal Naval Air Station, played a crucial role in seaplane and airship operations during World War I, was integral to the D Day landings in World War II, and was key to hovercraft testing and development. Throughout its nearly 80-year operational period, HMS Daedalus facilitated pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and numerous military missions across both World Wars and the Cold War, cementing its significant place in aviation, and naval history.
Seaplane Square and Type J Hangars
One highlight of HMS Daedalus is Seaplane Square, home to the last three surviving “Admiralty Type J hangars” use for seaplanes in the early 20th century . These hangars were crucial during the base’s operational years, serving as essential storage and maintenance facilities for seaplanes – existing even before a runway existed. They are all Grade II listed buildings.
The Hovercraft Museum
Located in the hangars in Seaplane Square, the Hovercraft Museum offers a unique glimpse into both the history of hovercraft and the broader legacy of HMS Daedalus. As you explore the museum, you’ll not only learn about hovercraft technology but also appreciate the significant historical context of the location:
- Preservation of History: The museum occupies hangars that were integral to hovercraft trials and development, showcasing a direct link to the pioneering days of hovercraft innovation.
- Unique Exhibits: The museum features a vast collection of hovercraft, from early prototypes to modern designs, highlighting the evolution of this fascinating technology.
- Educational Experience: Visitors can engage with interactive displays and learn about the science and engineering behind hovercraft, as well as their varied applications in military, commercial, and recreational contexts.
Solent Airport (formerly Daedalus Airfield)
Part of the legacy of HMS Daedalus continues at Solent Airport, located on the former airfield:
- General Aviation: Solent Airport supports flight training and private aircraft operations, keeping the spirit of aviation alive.
- Business Aviation: The airport facilitates business aviation, offering services for private jets and corporate flights.
- Emergency Services: It serves as a base for HMRC Coastguard helicopters.
- Aviation Events: Hosting various aviation events, Solent Airport attracts enthusiasts and professionals, celebrating its rich aviation heritage.
Daedalus Waterfront
The Daedalus Waterfront Project is an ambitious regeneration initiative aimed at revitalizing the remaining derelict elements of the historic HMS Daedalus site at Lee-on-the-Solent.
The Daedalus Development Company is undertaking this 42-acre waterfront development. As part of this project it has committed to supporting The Hovercraft Museum in its journey to secure major funding to renovate and enhance the museum experience within Seaplane Square.
What Are Hovercraft?
Hovercraft are versatile vehicles that can travel over land, water, mud, and even ice by riding on a cushion of air. Unlike traditional boats or cars, hovercraft don’t rely on wheels or hulls to move. Instead, they use powerful fans to create an air cushion underneath, allowing them to glide smoothly over various surfaces.
How Hovercraft Work
The magic of hovercraft lies in their ability to create lift. Large fans blow air into a space called a plenum chamber under the craft, which is then trapped by a flexible skirt surrounding the base. This trapped air creates a cushion of air pressure that lifts the hovercraft a few inches above the ground or water. Propellers or additional fans provide thrust, pushing the hovercraft forward and allowing it to change direction.
Hovercraft History
Hovercraft were invented by British engineer Christopher Cockerell in the 1950s. He developed the first practical hovercraft, the SR.N1, which successfully crossed the English Channel in 1959. Since then, hovercraft have been used for various purposes, from military applications and search and rescue operations to commercial ferry services and recreational activities.
Are Hovercraft Still Used?
Yes, hovercraft are still in use today! They serve in many roles, such as:
- Rescue Operations: Hovercraft are perfect for rescuing people in flooded areas or difficult-to-reach locations.
- Commercial Services: Some regions use hovercraft for passenger ferries, providing quick and efficient transport over water.
- Military and Patrol: Many countries utilize hovercraft for military missions and border patrol due to their versatility and speed.
- Recreation and Tours: Hovercraft tours and recreational rides are popular in various tourist destinations, offering a unique and exciting experience.
So, next time you see a hovercraft, you’ll know a bit more about how they work and their fascinating history. They’re not just engineering marvels but also continue to play important roles in modern transportation and rescue operations. Enjoy your visit and keep an eye out for these amazing vehicles!
What people say
Good museum, lots of great craft on
display with knowledgeable and
friendly volunteers to show you
around
Jon Kragskow
Support us or get involved
There are many fantastic ways that you could help support the Museum, get involved with event, or simply donate to help keep our heritage alive! We can’t thank everyone enough for their support!