North East Land, Sea and Air Museum

The North East Land, Sea and Air Museum (NELSAM) is located on the former RAF Usworth and Sunderland airport site in Washington, and showcases unique exhibitions including aircraft and military vehicles from history. 

The North East Aircraft Museum boasts a range of passenger aircraft and planes, including a Cold War era Avro B2 Vulcan Bomber - the first Vulcan to feature in a private collection. Many aircraft from WWI and WWII also feature in the hangars.

The Military Vehicle Museum (NEAM) on site also has a collection of smaller vehicles from the armed forces such as trucks and armoured personnel carriers.

Kids and adults alike will love exploring history through the collection of fascinating aircraft and vehicles housed here.

Plan your trip to the North East Land, Sea and Air Museum and discover a glimpse into our past. Volunteers have created several collections in one museum, and the North East Electric Traction Trust (NEETT) is also based here, with a collection of vintage trams and a trolleybus available to view on selected dates.

The museum welcomes visitors from all over each year, including families, school trips and history lovers. 

There is a recreated street scene from the 'home front' during World War Two that tells the story of life in Britain between 1939 - 1945, while a display dedicated to local Royal Air Force Squadron, 607 (County of Durham) allows you to get up close with more modern aircraft. 

Hosting a wide variety of events each year, such as transport heritage days and even science fiction themed activities, the North East Land, Sea and Air Museum is packed with fun educational experiences for all ages. 

How To Get There

The North East Land, Sea and Air Museum is based in Washington and is roughly a 20 minute drive from Sunderland city centre via A1231.

Opening hours

To view North East Land, Sea and Air Museum opening hours, please click here.