The Royal Artillery Museum Announces Public Open Days at Historic Larkhill Site

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 07:00

The Royal Artillery Museum is inviting the public to two exclusive Open Days on Friday, 9th May, and Saturday, 10th May 2025, offering guided tours of its historic stores at Wood Road, Larkhill.

A limited number of free, pre-booked tickets will be available, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore one of the world's most significant military collections.

The Royal Artillery Museum’s collection dates back to 1778, established initially for training purposes.

It became publicly accessible in 1820 at the Rotunda on Woolwich Common and was later moved to the Firepower museum in 2001. Following the closure of Firepower in 2016, the Museum has been preparing for a new chapter near Larkhill—the current home of the Royal Artillery.

While this major redevelopment project is underway, most of the collection is stored and not normally open to the public.

Guests will be able to view a remarkable array of artefacts, including items from the Museum’s small objects store and an impressive selection of historic field guns, ranging from the seventeenth century through to the 1970s. These treasures are housed within the oldest surviving aircraft hangars in the world that are still in their original position —a fitting backdrop steeped in military and aviation history.

Originally built in 1910, the Grade II* Listed hangars at Wood Road were the birthplace of British military aviation. In the same year, aircraft operating from these very sheds took part in groundbreaking military exercises that helped cement the role of aviation in modern warfare. Although the airfield ceased operations in 1914, the hangars remain a powerful link to this pivotal chapter in history.

These Open Days offer a rare chance to experience part of this exceptional collection up close, while exploring the rich heritage of both the Royal Artillery and early British aviation.

To learn more and book your free tour, please visit: bit.ly/3GqA4eY

More from Local News

Appeal for footage of large fire at Old Sarum airfield

Wiltshire Police have reissued their appeal for witnesses following a large fire at Old Sarum airfield on April 17th.
Increase in public confidence leads to more stalking offences being reported

The number of stalking offences being reported to Wiltshire Police has increased by 50% since running an in-depth campaign last summer.
Fostering information tour to visit Salisbury in May

Fostering experts, Sarah Faulkner and Sue Collier are embarking on a road trip to raise awareness of the need for foster carers in the South of England. They will be stopping by Salisbury Market on Tuesday, May 13th, from 8 am to 3 pm.
Nine goal thriller sees Salisbury's season end in defeat

Salisbury lost out in the Wiltshire FA Premier Shield final by a single goal in a nine-goal thriller.
Salisbury’s greenest community get-together is back

Spring is in the air, and when Spring springs, Salisbury Transition City springs into action to bring you the fifth annual People in the Park event.
Salisbury to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day with commemoration service

Members of the public are invited to join the Royal British Legion and Salisbury City Council on Thursday, 8th May at 5:30 pm on the Guildhall Square, in commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, known as Victory in Europe Day (VE Day).
Hundreds Walk Through the Night to Raise £42k for Salisbury Hospice

On Saturday 26th April, the streets of Salisbury came alive with colour, music, and light as 321 walkers gathered at Five Rivers Leisure Centre for Salisbury Hospice Charity’s annual Midnight Walk.
Ray Mac Final gives Salisbury one last chance at silverware this season

The final game of the season has arrived, and it gives Brian Dutton and his side the chance to end the first season in the Vanarama National League South with some silverware.