Book De Havilland Aircraft Museum tickets & uncover aviation history and iconic aircraft in St Alban's
The De Havilland Aircraft Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the legacy of one of Britain’s most influential aircraft manufacturers. From early wooden aircraft to the dawn of jet travel, the museum tells the story of innovation that shaped the skies.
- Explore Britain’s first aviation museum, opened in 1959
- See iconic aircraft including the Mosquito, Vampire and Comet 1a
- Walk through a real early jet airliner and experience aviation history up close
- Discover aircraft, engines, artefacts and exhibits spanning pre‑WWII to the jet age
- Enjoy hands-on experiences including cockpit access and a Mosquito flight simulator
- Visit multiple hangars and outdoor aircraft displays set in peaceful countryside
Explore Britain's first aviation museum in Hertfordshire
- Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30am – 5:00pm (last entry 4:00pm, seasonal variations apply)
- Age Restrictions: Suitable for all ages!
- Duration: Most visits last around 2–3 hours
- Location: Salisbury Hall, London Colney, Hertfordshire
Explore hangars, exhibits and immersive aviation experiences
The museum is spread across multiple hangars and outdoor spaces, giving you the chance to explore aircraft up close and take your time discovering each exhibit. Two large hangars house much of the collection, while a third focuses on restoration work, letting visitors see aircraft being preserved and restored in real time.
You’ll find a wide range of aircraft on display, including the legendary DH98 Mosquito, known as the “Wooden Wonder” of World War II, and the revolutionary de Havilland Comet, the world’s first jet-powered airliner. Visitors can even walk through parts of the Comet and learn about its groundbreaking design and history.
Across the museum’s hangars, you’ll discover aircraft such as the Vampire jet fighter, Dragon Rapide biplane and Sea Venom, alongside a collection of engines, artefacts and aviation technology that showcase the evolution of flight from piston power to jet propulsion.
- The Mosquito Collection: See three Mosquito aircraft, including rare examples linked to wartime history
- The Comet Experience: Walk through the fuselage of an early jet airliner and learn about its design
- Restoration Hangar: Watch dedicated volunteers working on aircraft projects
- Outdoor Aircraft Park: View additional aircraft in a relaxed open-air setting
- Flight Simulator: Step into a Mosquito cockpit experience with immersive visuals
The museum sits next to Salisbury Hall, a historic moated manor with deep connections to aviation history. During World War II, this was where the Mosquito aircraft was secretly developed, making the location itself an important part of the story you’ll discover during your visit.
Book De Havilland Aircraft Museum tickets today and discover how British innovation took flight.