Solent Sky, Southampton (must see)

Solent Sky, formerly known as the Southampton Hall of Aviation, is a fascinating aviation museum located in Southampton. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the rich history of aviation in Southampton, the Solent area, and Hampshire, with a particular emphasis on the legendary Supermarine aircraft company, which was based in Woolston, Southampton. Supermarine's most iconic creations, including the Supermarine S.6 seaplane and the renowned Supermarine Spitfire, designed under the leadership of R. J. Mitchell, take center stage in the exhibits.

Solent Sky also delves into the thrilling Schneider Trophy seaplane races, which were held twice at Calshot Spit, and features displays on the flying boat services that once operated from the Solent. One of the museum’s standout exhibits is the Short Sandringham flying boat, which visitors can walk through. The museum traces its roots back to the 1970s when a smaller museum dedicated to Supermarine was housed in a NAAFI hut on Havelock Road. By 1984, the museum had relocated to its current purpose-built location, designed by Barry Eaton, Southampton’s City Architect.

In addition to the Spitfire and seaplanes, Solent Sky houses an impressive collection of more than 20 aircraft from the golden age of aviation, ranging from the Gnat jet to the AVRO 504J replica. The museum also hosts an archive of wartime memorabilia, military uniforms, and exhibits related to Hampshire’s rich aviation heritage. Visitors can engage with the collection by sitting in jet fighter cockpits or learning about Southampton’s role as the home to the world’s largest flying boat operation.

Solent Sky recently incorporated the Hampshire Police and Fire Heritage Trust Exhibition, adding another layer of history by illustrating the development of the region's police and fire services. With its dynamic displays, including interactive experiences and an array of historical artifacts, Solent Sky offers an immersive journey into the heart of British aviation history.

The museum is open to visitors year-round, though it remains closed on Mondays, except for school and bank holidays.