Tag Archives: lee-on-solent

The Hovercraft Museum on a Chilly Sunday

Quite a few years ago, Pete and I took a flight around the Isle of Wight and we took a small diversion near the Hovercraft Museum at Lee on Solent. At that time, both of the Super 4 craft were present along with a lot of other types. I had it in mind that I wanted to visit the museum at some point and, having now moved back to the UK, I figured I would do it. One Sunday morning, I didn’t have a plane or anything else so bought a train ticket and headed off.

It was a morning that could be best described as bloody cold. Walking around some old hangars on the edge of an airfield is not going to make you any warmer. I was glad I had my warm coat but probably should have taken some gloves with me! There are some special items on display and there will be some more posts to come. In the meantime, here is some more general shots of the collection. More to come.

Hovercraft Museum

wpid7796-C59F8015.jpgPete and I had another detour after visiting Portsmouth.  Just along the coast is Lee-On-Solent which used to be a Naval airfield and now is used for a variety of other things.  One is a museum of hovercraft.  They have quite a collection which I would like to see one day and Pete has taken a look at.  They include two Super 4 hovercraft that used to ply their trade across the English Channel taking people and their cars on their way.  We used this en route to France a long time ago.  Now they are retired and part of the museum collection.

wpid7798-C59F8026.jpgThey are not alone with a number of other hovercraft stored alongside them, some of which look like they might be ones I have used on my travels as well.  A quick chat to the tower, a healthy eye out for the glider operations and we were clear to do a quick orbit and get some shots.  Very nice.

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