National Museum of Flight
National Museum of Flight at East Fortune is one of Scotland’s most impressive aviation museums, set across historic RAF hangars that once served as a First World War airfield. Its scale and variety make it a standout destination for anyone interested in aircraft, engineering or Cold War history. Inside, the star attraction is the Concorde, displayed with its cabin and cockpit open so visitors can step aboard and experience the supersonic era. Nearby, the civil aviation hangar features classics such as the Boeing 707 and de Havilland Comet, charting the rise of modern passenger travel. The military hangar adds depth with jet fighters, training aircraft and exhibits on radar, air defence and life on an active airbase. Interactive displays explain how aircraft are built and maintained, while smaller galleries explore East Fortune’s role in wartime operations, including stories of airships and early flight pioneers. Outdoor areas contain additional aircraft, engines and support vehicles, giving a sense of how a working airfield functioned.
East Fortune Scotland
The National Museum of Flight is at East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian EH39 5LF, just south of the village of East Fortune. It sits right on the old wartime airfield off the B1347, between Haddington and North Berwick. It is easy to reach by car and has plenty of parking, and the whole site is historic in itself because it is a preserved Second World War airfield. It is a great base to explore East Lothian. Just a short drive away you have North Berwick, a lovely seaside town with a harbour, nice shops and cafes, and the Scottish Seabird Centre where you can learn about Bass Rock and take a boat trip to see the gannets. If you like castles you are in the perfect place. Nearby is Dirleton Castle, a stunning medieval castle with beautiful gardens, and further along the coast is Tantallon Castle, a dramatic ruined fortress right on the cliff edge with amazing views over the Firth of Forth. You are also close to East Linton and the pretty River Tyne, Hailes Castle hidden in the woods, and Glenkinchie Distillery if you fancy a taste of local whisky. The whole coastline here is full of beaches and little villages, so you can easily make a full day of it after visiting the museum.