Fleet Air Arm Museum

The roar of a Harrier Jump Jet dominates the entrance - your first hint that this isn't your average museum. The Fleet Air Arm Museum sits just outside Yeovil and pulls together decades of naval aviation history in a way that genuinely grips you, whether you're a plane spotter or someone who just wants to see what a fast jet looks like up close.

Inside, the hangars are packed with real aircraft spanning from biplanes to modern jets. You'll find yourself standing under a Concorde-like test aircraft, examining the cockpits of cold war fighters, and reading the stories of the pilots who flew them. The hands-on bits work well - kids can sit in a flight simulator without it feeling patronising, and there are enough interactive displays that even adults don't zone out.

Allow two to three hours minimum. If you've got plane-obsessed children, you'll struggle to drag them out. History buffs will find the naval aviation narrative genuinely interesting, though it's not academic in a dry way.

It's a paid attraction - worth checking their website for current prices - and sits well within a broader Somerset holiday if you're basing yourselves at Long Hazel Park or Orchard Farm Luxury Glamping, both within easy reach. Neither park is far from Yeovil, so you could couple a morning here with exploring the town or venturing out to other South West attractions. Honestly, if you're staying in the area for more than a couple of days, it's worth the visit.