North East Land, Sea and Air Museum

Fire up your engines! Explore 100 years of transport history at the North East Land, Sea and Air Museum! Located on the former RAF Usworth and Sunderland airport site, bring the past back to life by visiting the many varied and unique exhibits on offer, even including a cold war Avro Vulcan B2 Bomber! Started in 1974 when a group of vintage aircraft enthusiasts began to meet at Sunderland Airport to exchange views, slides and information about their chosen interests; the museum now contains exhibits both locally and nationally significant, from whole airframes to important records, military and civilian.

Make sure you drop by each of the different specialist areas available. The museum is proud to feature a display dedicated to the 607 Squadron, who were once based on the site where the museum now exists and their associated history. Visit the World War Two Street Scene Walkthrough; you can walk through the mock-up with shop fronts and displays set up to mimic what could be seen at the time. As well as replica shop fronts, you can find some WWII artefacts including uniforms, equipment and even searchlights used to pinpoint enemy bombers! Hangar 3 is the largest display area at the museum, housing many military and civilian aircraft together with relevant pieces, engines and display items. ‘Romney Huts’ were used extensively in WWII, both on airfields and military bases and NELSAM has two such structures on site, with the Military vehicle collection being housed inside one of them. In here you’ll find all things military, from tracked armoured vehicles to transport trucks.

Looking for something a little different? Then watch out for The Unsworth Ghosts! The site is the subject of significant paranormal interest with ‘Ghost Watch’ evenings held on a regular basis. If you have an interest in this area, contact the museum for details of the next watch!

No advance booking is required. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 4:00. Only accepts card payments; no cash.

• Adults – £6.50
• Children (5 to 15) – £3.50
• 60+ – £3.50
• Family (2 adults and 2 children) – £18.00
• Children (Under 5s) – £0.50