This truly is an ‘old school’ museum, run by a team of friendly and very enthusiastic volunteers. They have a great selection of craft to view. If you are interested in the history of the hovercraft, or just curious to know more about these machines, then this is the place to go (it’s the only hovercraft museum in the world, so it’s not like there are other options!).

The Hovercraft Museum is well worth a visit. I loved seeing the exhibits that told the story of how hovercraft developed and their varied uses. A highlight was stepping aboard several of the hovercraft to explore the interiors... fascinating interpretation and photos showing Navy use of hovercraft and a real nostalgia trip boarding Hoverspeed's huge Princess Anne. The knowledge and insights from volunteers make a visit very special.

Such a great hidden gem, regular events. We have been twice once when entry was free and a 2nd with the model railway. Staff were great and full of knowledge and so much more to see and do than you think. An absolute asset to the beautiful Lee-on-the-solent

Visited on Saturday 10th February 2024, which was the first day of opening post the winter break. Initially driving from Portsmouth it felt quite difficult to find, without any signposting nearby. Once there I drove around the side streets hoping to find somewhere to park, which we did but the car park opposite/on the seafront which is/was closed, so most will have to use the pay and display on the coast road. Once at the site, the entry fee is very reasonable and if you can, then do Gift Aid. The site is made up of 3 parts, initially a covered hanger with a variety of smaller craft, each with a nice guide to the crafts on displays heritage. This hanger also contains the main restoration project. You then cross the open area which is dominated by the giant SRN4 Princess Anne, which is open to explore and which one of the excellent volunteers was available to guide you through the craft and its history. Surrounding this stunning centrepiece were fine examples of larger military craft as well as the latest passenger example to be added to the collection in 2019 which contains an interesting video showing how the craft was transported into the site (it was tight fit). The final hanger contains the cafe/shop/toilets as well as the examples from the Bond movie Die Another Day, and some children's versions. Not a great range of things to purchase or range of snacks but this is a museum which doesn't appear to have a lot of funds/external support which is a shame. As with a lot of museums of this ilk, the best part are the volunteers and I would recommend a visit at any time. Not open often and we booked a hotel nearby to ensure we could get to see it as we don't live nearby, but if visiting combine with a visit to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

After walking past after a few trips to the area, today was the day to visit to have a look around. Upon arrival and throughout the visit all the volunteers were polite and friendly. Happy to answer any questions and provide facts and information on the many different hovercrafts that can be seen. After purchasing tickets, we were told a free tour was just about to start, this was with someone called Alan. They were very knowledgeable and took us on a tour of the whole museum, sharing knowledge and facts of what could be seen as well as the rich history. A great tour guide! Definitely worth a visit if in the area!

A piece of British history, largely from the 1960s-70s. A wide collection of different hovercraft, the only museum of its kind in the world. Interesting to those who come with an interest in these machines, or went on holiday on one (there is a massive cross-channel SRN4 to walk around), and for curious kids, but likely less so for anyone else. The staff are very helpful and very friendly, and they work hard against the odds in keeping the exhibits in a reasonable state. Given that most are of aircraft materials that had been subjected to salt water, that is not easy. If you do not know about hovercraft, the displays rather lack the detail to explain it all, so ask the staff to explain. And the exhibits are not in a chronological order; through necessity they are rather cramed in, which is a shame. Hopefully they will get the financial support they need to transform the museum. They, both the exhibits and the staff, deserve that support. Car parking is outside; easy when we visited, and reasonable price for the few hours you will spend here. Shop with food is good; toilets clean.

Spent a fascinating few hours at the Hovercraft Museum. Much more to see than I was anticipating. The volunteer staff are so knowledgeable and friendly and able to answer any questions. We thorough enjoyed our time there, learnt a lot and the cafe was perfect to round off the visit with drinks and snacks.

One thing the British do really well is eccentricity... and the Hovercraft Museum embraces that completely. Hovercrafts are crazy machines and very much part of my childhood growing up around Portsmouth and Southsea in the 1970s. A trip to Ryde on an SRN6 was always a great treat. Thank goodness there are enthusiasts committed to preserving these strange beasts for future generations to see. I always wish I'd 'flown' across the Channel on the mighty SRN4 so having the opportunity to board the only surviving example located at the museum was brilliant. The whole collection is extraordinary and charmingly curated. It's not slick or sophisticated but very engaging and a comprehensive history of this remarkable invention. And the tearoom is great!

Visited the museum and spent an interesting couple of hours there. Loved going in the hovercrafts on display and watching the videos from the past. For someone who as a child went over to the IOW regularly it brought back happy memories. Helpful volunteers and lovely ladies in the tea bar. Would certainly recommend. Another bonus is the location. Lee on the Solent offers lovely beach walks to be enjoyed with this visit.

I loved it here! It was really fascinating seeing all types of hovercrafts, I was shocked that some of them were really small! I am so glad they allow you into some of the hovercrafts because it's interesting to see how they used to look like! Inside one of the hovercrafts, it had a sign saying the old prices of fares for the hovercraft, and I found out it was only 60p for a child back then! I was able to do a quiz which was fun and I learned loads of facts about the hovercraft. It had a lovely tea room and gift shop. Volunteers/guides there were amazing, very, very informative and friendly. My favourite hovercraft was the Princess Anne. It was colossal! You can watch informative videos there to! I was so sad when I had to leave. Would definitely recommend!