Hovercraft Museum

Museum, Lee-on-the-Solent

The world's largest collection of hovercraft, housed in former Royal Navy hangars at the HMS Daedalus site on the western edge of Lee-on-the-Solent. The museum holds more than 60 craft, from early experimental prototypes to the enormous SR.N4 that carried passengers and cars across the English Channel between 1968 and 2000. The collection charts the full history of hovercraft development, which began in Britain when Sir Christopher Cockerell filed his patent in 1955. Staffed entirely by volunteers, the museum opens on selected days throughout the year. Allow at least two hours. The sheer scale of the SR.N4, standing in the hangar where naval aircraft once sheltered, is worth the visit alone. There is no cafe on site, so bring your own refreshments.