The Wight Military and Heritage Museum
The Wight Military and Heritage Museum
The Wight Military and Heritage Museum
4.6
About
The Isle of Wight Military and Heritage Museum is operated by and for a registered charity . The charity uses any excess income from that museum to support ex service personal . It is firmly under the control of a board of trustees with a professional management team in place . This will secure the museum as a living memorial to the sacrifices that ordinary people are , all to often , called upon to make when diplomacy fails and armed conflict breaks out . It brings together items of historical interest and is largely staffed by volunteers who are typically ex service people who regularly give guided tours and talks . It has a cafe and the fully licensed Mess Bar in a former barracks building . The museum is not just a store of artifacts, it aims to be a hub for ex-service personnel to meet , share their knowledge and experience and access services tailored to their needs. The museum also provides volunteer posts for others in need . Any surplus income and donations from the museum go towards furthering these aims.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.6
301 reviews
Excellent
211
Very good
64
Average
13
Poor
8
Terrible
5
Aidan B
9 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
Utterly superb. Staff and exhibits are fantastic.
Arrived and had a nice cup of coffee and the volunteers, even when we walking up to the venue, chatted to us.
Wasn’t overly pricey for 4 of us to go in £30 (one paid child, one free as 3 yoa)
Ended up spending 4/4.5 hours here. The staff couldn’t have been more attentive, spent time with the kids (and grown ups) and were obviously proud of their military service, history and significance of the exhibits.
Son had a go at shooting and the robot bomb disposal. Fantastic.
The success of these types places, in my opinion, is almost solely based on the volunteers regardless of the quality of the exhibits. Our children and we will certainly remember the fantastic staff and how much fun they had here.
Thank you all so much for making our day here so memorable.
If you’re on the island…go here and spend some time and money to support these types of museums. They’re great and this one in particular is absolutely excellent.
Arrived and had a nice cup of coffee and the volunteers, even when we walking up to the venue, chatted to us.
Wasn’t overly pricey for 4 of us to go in £30 (one paid child, one free as 3 yoa)
Ended up spending 4/4.5 hours here. The staff couldn’t have been more attentive, spent time with the kids (and grown ups) and were obviously proud of their military service, history and significance of the exhibits.
Son had a go at shooting and the robot bomb disposal. Fantastic.
The success of these types places, in my opinion, is almost solely based on the volunteers regardless of the quality of the exhibits. Our children and we will certainly remember the fantastic staff and how much fun they had here.
Thank you all so much for making our day here so memorable.
If you’re on the island…go here and spend some time and money to support these types of museums. They’re great and this one in particular is absolutely excellent.
Written 7 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian H
Fareham, UK21 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
My son and I visited the museum after seeing it on an episode of "Tank Overhaul" on TV. We had a good 3-hour visit.
The museum is clearly the work of enthusiasts about military equipment rather than people wanting to run a money-making attraction. As a result, it lacks some of the child friendly amenities of larger museums and has a rather homespun atmosphere. The staff were helpful and friendly and we felt welcome and valued.
We attended a 30 minute talk on small arms where we could handle a range of rifles etc and see how they worked. This was excellent in both the information and the experience.
Some of the vehicles on display need better descriptions, ideally with some user experience to make them more interesting. It should be possible to get first hand accounts from people who rode in the Humber "Pig" in Northern Ireland, for example.
We then visited an extremely well-stocked second hand bookshop on military topics at good prices.
Owing to poor signage (I don't understand why the council does not support tourist facilities with more brown signs) we initially drove past the place, but then found it on the second pass. The car park was both free and spacious.
We enjoyed a coffee at the Churchill cafe which rounded off the visit nicely. If you are interested in military equipment you will find much to enjoy here, but if that's not your bag, then you will find that after an hour you will have had your fill.
The museum is clearly the work of enthusiasts about military equipment rather than people wanting to run a money-making attraction. As a result, it lacks some of the child friendly amenities of larger museums and has a rather homespun atmosphere. The staff were helpful and friendly and we felt welcome and valued.
We attended a 30 minute talk on small arms where we could handle a range of rifles etc and see how they worked. This was excellent in both the information and the experience.
Some of the vehicles on display need better descriptions, ideally with some user experience to make them more interesting. It should be possible to get first hand accounts from people who rode in the Humber "Pig" in Northern Ireland, for example.
We then visited an extremely well-stocked second hand bookshop on military topics at good prices.
Owing to poor signage (I don't understand why the council does not support tourist facilities with more brown signs) we initially drove past the place, but then found it on the second pass. The car park was both free and spacious.
We enjoyed a coffee at the Churchill cafe which rounded off the visit nicely. If you are interested in military equipment you will find much to enjoy here, but if that's not your bag, then you will find that after an hour you will have had your fill.
Written 11 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary S
Medway, UK147 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
This is a really nice museum run by people who are keen on what they do. They always have time for a chat and are very knowledgeable. There are many exibits on display from weapons, to shop purchased item of the 30s, 40s and 50s, to trucks, amoured personael carriers, recovery vehicles and tanks and even an Islander plane. During the summer months they also do vehicle rides. There is a lot to see and read here, it is well set out. I am disabled so my entry fee was £11, if you are over 60 it is also the same price. There are chairs dotted around the museum, my only minor gripe is that I think a couple more wouldnt go amiss. We spent well over two hours here. There is a nice little tea shop on-site as well. Thanks for all you do guys, it is vital that we keep our history alive. You never know, one day we might learn from it.
Written 24 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sue k
Brighton, UK45 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
What a gem. So much to see, great staff who were very knowledgeable and friendly. Something for everyone whether interested in military or not. Lots of interesting curios of old times. Also a lovely cafe and small shop. We spent about 3 hours there going in and out as it was a bit chilly, only because it was February and in hangers so dress warm. Would definitely go again and as all volunteers really needs support.
Well done everyone involved, it is a treasure 😊
Well done everyone involved, it is a treasure 😊
Written 8 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard S
Nottingham, UK59 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We visited twice in a week (Your ticket allows a return visit within seven days of your first) and loved every minute.
The friendly volunteers are clearly knowledgeable and passionate about the museum, and the vehicles and tanks on display are largely open so you can open doors to take close up photos.
We tried the BB gun range which was an extra small charge and was good fun, and we also sat with Dave who gave a really interesting talk on firearms where you not only learn about the (deactivated) Lee Enfield, Sten, Bren and AK47s on display but you also get to handle them.
All in all it's a great place to spend a couple of hours and then go for a cuppa in Churchill's cafe.
The friendly volunteers are clearly knowledgeable and passionate about the museum, and the vehicles and tanks on display are largely open so you can open doors to take close up photos.
We tried the BB gun range which was an extra small charge and was good fun, and we also sat with Dave who gave a really interesting talk on firearms where you not only learn about the (deactivated) Lee Enfield, Sten, Bren and AK47s on display but you also get to handle them.
All in all it's a great place to spend a couple of hours and then go for a cuppa in Churchill's cafe.
Written 22 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vicky C
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Family
Took our 7yo son and 3yo daughter to visit the museum. Our son was the most excited to visit as loves tanks and anything military related. When we got there we received a warm welcome from the staff and layout and way round the museum was explained. We spent about 3 hours going through all the exhibits - there was lots to see and various interactive sections that the children could get involved in. Our daughter loved the war time street and school section and the mini jeep and our son loved the tanks and bomb disposal robot which he got to have a go controlling.
All the staff were volunteers and were giving up their free time to service the museum and its exhibits. Staff were very knowledgeable and pleased to answer questions and show off their favorite parts of the museum. All round a really lovely morning spent there - very much worth a visit.
All the staff were volunteers and were giving up their free time to service the museum and its exhibits. Staff were very knowledgeable and pleased to answer questions and show off their favorite parts of the museum. All round a really lovely morning spent there - very much worth a visit.
Written 12 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
April T
5 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
My boys 6, 10 & 13 had the best time. We went in the week and I’m guessing it was a quiet day. But this was amazing as it was like having our own personal guide. The guy was so good with the boys showing them all the guns and telling them the stories behind them. The guy doing the shooting was lovely too so patient and helpful.
Written 30 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann P
Hertfordshire, UK31 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
I was not that enthused when my husband suggested visiting this museum on our Wedding Anniversary but I changed my mind as soon as I went inside. There is so much to see, and not all military. There are mock shops filled to the brim with items, plenty to remind you of days gone by. The volunteers are so enthusiastic and knowledgeable which adds to the experience. We ran out of time the first day so used our ticket to return the following day and explore more. We had home made soup and lasagne in Churchills Rooms which tasted great. There are plenty of books and other collectibles to be had, all to support the museum. They are desperately in need of volunteers to help renovate vehicles and also catalogue everything. If you think you could help, please call in and offer your services
Written 21 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlexTheJock
Wigston, UK3,553 contributions
Feb 2025 • Family
My wife and I, both of us senior citizens, had an absolutely superb day out at this gem of a military museum. I’m a veteran of twenty-four years’ service, so am interested in all things military, and this place delivers in spadesful. There’s so many things to see that we stopped half-way through and went back to the Churchill’s Café to have a bowl of soup and cup of tea, which was first-rate, both in price and quality. Then we finished our walk around. During our visit we met so many interesting members of staff who all gave us a lot of detail on the exhibits, and enhanced our visit no end. This is a must see if you are on the island, and I would highly recommend it.
Written 7 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catie
4 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We took my daughter and was thrilled to find a display, information and a pump from Operation Pluto. I struck gold with a lovely man who restored the Pluto Pump and couldn't tell me enough about it. My late grandfather a RE in World War Two laid the pipeline from the Isle of Wight to France.
The man whose name I didn't get was a wealth of knowledge on Pluto and I was so fortunate to have spoken to him.
I look forward to a future visit to see the new pluto display!
The man whose name I didn't get was a wealth of knowledge on Pluto and I was so fortunate to have spoken to him.
I look forward to a future visit to see the new pluto display!
Written 8 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Will you be open for the East Midlands half term week starting 13th February 2017?
Many thanks
Avril
Written 30 January 2017
Hi from what I know they are open most of the time
It a small but interesting place you can also take rides in some of the tanks around a track which they have on site.hope this helps
Written 30 January 2017
Agree - sometimes too much attention from otherwise helpful and extremely committed volunteers can be just a little off putting.,
Written 20 July 2016
I would say if you are not interested in this type of information from the attendant which I found interesting information as to the history of tanks and there types. You are free to look around yourself...
Written 31 January 2017
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