Q. We understand you have two new tours, could you
tell us about those?
A. That’s right. New for this year, we’ve launched the
Concorde Tour and the Heritage Tour.
The Concorde Tour is a chance to learn about the
supersonic superstar that is Concorde, just across the
runway from where all British Concordes were built. As you
walk around the last Concorde to be built and the last to
fly, we’ll take you on a journey all the way from Concorde’s
beginnings in the 1950s to its retirement in 2003. Your
group will learn about many of its engineering triumphs,
record breaking achievements and the social history of
those who flew and worked on Concorde.
The Heritage Tour is a journey through more than 100 years
of Bristol’s aerospace history. Along the way, you’ll find out
how a small, pioneering company manufactured some of
the earliest aeroplanes at Filton, evolved over the decades
to influence the course of aviation history and shaped the
world we see today. With an expert guide and our stunning
collection as a backdrop, discover how Bristol changed
the world.
Q. Are there any other exciting developments for groups
to look out for this year and into next?
A. Clearly, the Coronavirus pandemic has had a huge
impact on all museums and forced their temporary closure
in line with government instructions. Aerospace Bristol is
no exception and as we speak, the museum is temporarily
closed. But, we’re still taking group bookings for later this
year and looking forward to our grand re-opening!
I’d say that the most exciting occasion this year will
therefore be re-opening and giving a big welcome to the first
group visitors through the doors.
Aerospace Bristol celebrates British triumphs
through many times of adversity - from the
World Wars to the Cold War - and I can’t think of
any better destination to choose as a first group
day following the Coronavirus disruption than
our museum.Looking further ahead, we’re working on an
exciting project to open another Grade II listed hangar
on the museum site. Once open, the building will be a
conservation-in-action workshop, where groups can
see our volunteers working on aircraft conservation and
restoration projects.Q. What tips do you have for groups to make the most
of their visit?A. I’d highly recommend including a tour as part of
your visit. Each of our guides has a different story to tell,
so you’ll hear fascinating anecdotes and facts that you
couldn’t find anywhere else. Some of our volunteer tour
guides worked their entire careers in the aviation industry
in Filton and they have a wealth of knowledge to share.And, of course, you must leave time for a trip to the café.
There’s an incredible range of freshly baked cakes which
shouldn’t be missed and a cappuccino with our own
supersonic twist... You may be on a flight through history,
but what we offer is definitely a lot better than your typical
‘in flight meal’!Q. You must get lots of positive feedback, what are
the main points made by groups?A. The number one comment we get is about our fantastic
volunteers and staff. They really are hugely welcoming,
enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I can guarantee that
everyone you meet at Aerospace Bristol will do everything
they possibly can to provide your group with a day out
they’ll never forget.Contact details:
01179-315 315
[email protected]
aerospacebristol.org- A projection show lights up the side of Concorde.
- A replica Bristol
Fighter on
display in the
WWI section of
the exhibition.
groupleisureandtravel.com April 2020 13
Sponsored Content GLT talks to...Aerospace Bristol