CONCORDE’S new home in South Gloucestershire has opened its doors to the public.

Aerospace Bristol, which officially opened on Tuesday, gives visitors the chance to go on a journey through time, looking at the century of aviation history that put Filton Airfield on the map, with the last of the legendary supersonic jets ever to fly as the centrepiece to the exhibition.

The other exhibits include aeroplanes, helicopters, missiles, satellites and more with a variety of hands-on activities, such as a real Airbus A319 wing where visitors can move the flaps and slats to explore the physics and engineering of flight.

Lloyd Burnell, executive director of Aerospace Bristol, said: “Aerospace Bristol offers something for everyone: Concorde, as always, has the power to amaze and looks just stunning in her new home; we have created a first-class exhibition to tell the story of Bristol’s aerospace achievements from 1910 to the modern day, and there are great fun interactives to keep all members of the family interested and entertained.

“We hope that all those who saw Concorde on her final flight into Filton that historic day will want to be one of the first to come and pay tribute to this very special design and engineering icon and learn about the Bristol people who worked here over the years.”

Although fundraising is not yet complete for the museum, a considerable amount of support has already come from the likes of Rolls-Royce, Airbus, BAE, South Gloucestershire Council, GKN and Renishaw, as well as players of the National Lottery, with a £4.7million grant coming from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Nerys Watts, head of Heritage Lottery Fund South West, said: “From First World War fighter planes to the ground-breaking Concorde, British aviation was born and bred at Filton Airfield and thanks to National Lottery players, Aerospace Bristol is an incredible gateway to that heritage.

“We’ve been delighted to support this project and all the wonderful team and volunteers who have made it possible – we look forward to Aerospace Bristol’s continuing success.”

The new museum also gratefully received generous support from corporate partners – including Rolls-Royce, Airbus, BAE, South Gloucestershire Council, GKN and Renishaw.

Fundraising is not yet complete and the museum is appealing for public donations and asking people to share their memories of Concorde via an online ‘memory map’ at aerospacebristol.org/concorde-stories.

For more information about Aerospace Bristol and to buy tickets, visit aerospacebristol.org or call 01179 315 315 and for volunteering opportunities, visit aerospacebristol.org/volunteer,