Join us for a talk through the captivating history of airships with materials from the archive of the National Aerospace Library. Discover the innovation and ambition behind these floating giants as we explore their dramatic rise and fall.

Join us for a journey through the remarkable history of airships.

From daring experiments of the early 20th century to the elegant floating palaces of the sky in the 1930s, airships once represented the cutting edge of aviation and the promise of a new age in travel. Join us as we explore the golden age of lighter-than-air flight, focusing on iconic vessels from the Nulli Secundus to the Hindenburg. Drawing on original material from our collections, we'll explore the ambition, innovation and the tragedy that defined the airship era and how the airship's downfall shaped the future of aviation.

Visit us in Farnborough, the birthplace of British aviation. Our normal tour lasts one hour and includes a presentation and time to browse the collection.

Timings & Tours 

Sunday 14 September: Tour & Talks at 10am-11am, 11:30am-12:30pm, 1:30pm-2:30pm & 3pm-4pm

Sunday 21 September: Tour & Talks at 10am-11am, 11:30am-12:30pm, 1:30pm-2:30pm & 3pm-4pm

Location & directions 

Contact on day: The National Aerospace Library

Telephone number: +441252701038

Additional Information

The National Aerospace Library is open to all, Tuesday to Friday 10am-4pm.

Booking information 

Pre-booking requirement: Pre-booking not required

Max no of people per tour: 30

Est. tour duration: 1 hour