Forties February

This February Half Term, the Army Flying Museum invites you to roll back the clock to the 1940s for a week of hands-on activities and nostalgic sights and sounds. From wartime cookery to air-raid precautions, discover how families lived, worked, and pulled together during the Second World War.

Explore the Museum with a special Ration Book and themed trail which you can collect from the shop on arrival.

Craft Activities

10:00–12:30 daily from Monday 16th to Friday 20th February

Enjoy fun activities from medal making to creating an Anderson shelter, as well as wartime food themed crafts - see timetable below.

Dig for Victory

11:00 -13:00 Monday 16th & Thursday 19th February

Get into the wartime spirit by planting your own vegetable seeds. Learn why growing food at home was so important during the war—and take your seeds home to grow your very own victory crop.

Object Handling - Second World War

11:30 & 13:30 Tuesday 17th February

Get hands-on with real and replica objects from the Home Front. Try operating a stirrup pump, handle everyday wartime items, try on ARP helmets, and enjoy some dressing up while learning about the daily challenges and drama of civilian life.

1940s House Tour

11:00 & 13:00 Tuesday 17th, Wednesday 18th & Friday 20th February 

Join us for a unique guided tour of our 1940s House. Discover what family life was like in Middle Wallop during the Second World War, from rationing and routines to making do and mending. There is no additional charge for the tours, but spaces are limited and must be booked in advance either on arrival at the Museum or by clicking on the buttons below.

We’ll Eat Again – Cooking in the 1940s

11:00 & 13:00 Wednesday 18th & Friday 20th February

How did families put meals on the table during rationing? Learn about wartime food shortages, ingenious recipes, and see cookery demonstrations that bring 1940s cooking to life.

Evacuee Suitcase

10:30 -12:00 & 13:00 - 14:00 Monday 16th & Thursday 19th February

Step into the shoes of a wartime evacuee. What precious items would you pack to remind you of home? What would you have to leave behind? 

Food-Themed Poster Colouring

10:00 - 14:00 Wednesday 18th & Friday 20th February

Get creative with wartime poster designs. Colour in bold, food-themed illustrations based on original 1940s propaganda posters and discover the messages used to encourage families to waste less and eat wisely.

Gramofun

10:00 - 14:00 Thursday 19th February

We’re delighted to welcome back Gramofun to the Museum with their impressive collection of gramophones and original records from the Second World War. Enjoy the sounds that lifted spirits and boosted morale during wartime Britain.

Historic Knit

10:00 - 14:00 Thursday 19th February

We are so pleased to welcome back historic knitting expert, Joyce Meader. Explore her fascinating collection of authentic 1940s knitting patterns, see examples of garments that a 1940s wartime housewife might have made, and learn how knitting played a vital role in wartime life.

All our holiday activities are included with a general admission ticket which gives visitors a free annual pass to the Museum - save money by booking online!

Annual Pass holders, please pre-book a session to avoid disappointment at busy times. The Museum has capacity limits in place to keep our visitors safe. We cannot guarantee admission to the Museum if you visit without having pre-booked a session, even if you hold a valid ticket.