Introduction
The East Midlands Aeropark preserves significant British aviation heritage adjacent to an active commercial hub. Located in Leicestershire, the museum displays an extensive collection of retired military aircraft, regional airliners, aero-engines, and cockpit sections, offering visitors unique educational exhibits alongside dedicated airfield viewing facilities.
General Information about the Museum
- Full Name of the Museum: East Midlands Aeropark
- Address Information: Hill Top, Castle Donington, Derbyshire, DE74 2PR, United Kingdom (situated in the north-west corner of East Midlands Airport)
History
The East Midlands Aeropark developed through the collaborative efforts of aviation preservationists and local enthusiasts keen to protect classic British civil and military aircraft. Established on land directly bordering the perimeter of East Midlands Airport, the site evolved from an open-air display area into a structured regional aviation museum. Managed by the Aerojumble and Aviation Society (AVAS), the facility expanded over subsequent decades to incorporate display structures, exhibition buildings, and dedicated viewing mounds that overlook active runway approaches. The collection continues to serve as an important educational center celebrating mid-20th-century aerospace engineering and regional aviation history.
Indoor and Outdoor Collections
- Current: The outdoor display area features a large array of complete aircraft and major airframes, while the indoor Romney shed and display areas house aero-engines, historical components, ejector seats, and detailed photographic archives.
- Former: Early displays consisted of smaller ad-hoc airframe placements prior to the construction of dedicated exhibition structures and formalized layout expansions.
Specifications
- Important Aircraft in the Collection: Avro Vulcan B.2 (XM575), Hawker Hunter T.7 (XL569), Hunting Jet Provost T.4 (XP568), Armstrong Whitworth Argosy (G-BEOZ), Aérospatiale Gazelle (XX457), Vickers VC10 (nose section XV108), Vickers Vanguard cockpit (G-APES), Vickers Varsity T.1 (WL626), and Westland Sea King (ZD477).
- Museum Dimensions and Layout: Spans an outdoor park area of approximately 3 hectares, incorporating open-air static display concrete pans, viewing mounds, and indoor exhibition infrastructure.
- Collection Quality: Rated as a highly accessible regional aviation collection featuring rare British jet aircraft, distinct fuselage sections, and interactive cockpit access opportunities for families and enthusiasts.
- Staffing: Operated and managed primarily by dedicated volunteers, preservationists, and members of the Aerojumble and Aviation Society.
