North East Land Sea & Air Museum – review
We recently visited the North East Land Sea & Air Museum so thought I’d share an honest review.
About the North East Land Sea & Air Museum
The North East Land Sea & Air Museum – NELSAM – sits on the former RAF Usworth and Sunderland airport site, next to the Sunderland Nissan factory, and comprises of the former Aircraft museum (NEAM), military vehicles collection, and the North East Electric Traction Trust (NEETT) is also based on the site.
Amongst the varied and unique exhibit is a cold war Avro Vulcan B2 Bomber, which flew into the former airport to become the first Vulcan to go into private collection.
Our visit to the North East Land Sea & Air Museum
As part of the Heritage Open Days we decided to explore somewhere new to us, the North East Land Sea & Air Museum, as entry was free that weekend.
The North East Land Sea & Air Museum is completely run by volunteers and sits on the site of the old RAF Usworth/Sunderland Airport, right next door to the Nissan factory.
They have a large aviation collection with more than 30 aircraft.
There’s also have a military vehicle museum, weaponry, military vehicles, trams, buses, historical exhibits and lots more to see.
From our home in County Durham is took us about 45 minutes to drive to the museum.
Upon arrival we noticed that the small carpark was full so we managed to park outside on the road only a short walk to the museum.
When you first arrive, you head into the entrance which is a container and you’re straight into the small shop and then you head through to the museum itself.
The museum is made up of different hangars and you can visit them in any order you like.
In the main hangar, there’s a small 1950s living room display, a wartime street, the remains of a Heinkel bomber that was shot down in Sunderland and then the large display of aircraft including a life sized model of a spitfire that was built by a WW2 pilot’s dad.
Elsie enjoyed looking around the wartime street but was disappointed that the shops were closed.
There’s lots of photo opportunities and they were holding a tombola on the day we visited Elsie won a little bag which she was chuffed with!
Elsie enjoyed the military hangar, with cars, helicopters and tanks.
I think Elsie’s favourite bit was the plane see saw she had a lot of fun on this!
Near the entrance is a small play area with a sandpit, climbing frame, swing and little house.
Elsie unfortunately fell over and split her lip but she was ok after a cuddle and an emergency ice lolly from the on-site shop.
We enjoyed our visit to the North East Land Sea & Air Museum.
Where is the North East Land Sea & Air Museum?
Old Washington Road, Sunderland ,Tyne and Wear, SR5 3HZ.
website – https://www.nelsam.org.uk
Opening Hours
Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Admission Charges (correct at time of writing)
The museum is only accepting credit and debit cards for payments; no cash.
Adults: £6.50
Children 5-15: £3.50
Concessions 60+: £3.50
Family Ticket (2 adults with 2 children): £18.00
Under 5s & carers: £0.50
Well behaved dogs on leads welcome.
School and group visits can be arranged
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