Are we nearly there?

Are we nearly there?

Forget trainspotting. This weekend is for planespotting.

Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovil (01935 841524). At this operational Royal Naval Air Station the budding Biggles can follow a storyboard giving the background to 40 historic planes, visit a replica of the flight deck of a battle-ready carrier, and board a prototype Concorde. The active airfield provides real-life aviational thrills; the flight simulator offers virtual rides in a Harrier jump jet and Lynx helicopter. Sat & Sun, 10am- 5.30pm. Adults pounds 6.50, 5-16yrs pounds 4, OAPs pounds 5.50, family (2+2) pounds 18.

Royal Air Force Museum, London (0181-205 2266). As well as the regular display of 70 legendary planes, today and tomorrow there's a 20 per cent discount for families. For demanding digital consumers, the museum offers some of the best games around: a Tornado flight simulator; flying 21st- century style with the panoramic Eurofighter display; a chance to sit in the driving seat of a Jet Provost. There will also be balloon modelling, "build and fly" workshops and a children's trail. Sat & Sun 10am-6pm. Adults pounds 5.85, 5-16yrs pounds 2.95, OAPs pounds 4.40, family (2+2) pounds 12 (discount price).

The Red Arrows at Whitstable regatta, Kent, and the Air Tattoo at Fairford, Gloucestershire. At Whitstable the world's most famous air display team will be causing stomachs to do their own loop-the-loops at 1pm sharp. The regatta also has stalls and sideshows, and a working 19th-century carousel. It ends with fireworks at 9.30pm. Sat & Sun (Arrows Sat only), Tankerton Slopes. Free admission. At the Air Tattoo the Arrows are up against tough competition. Flying teams from all around the world will give little and not-so-little boys stiff necks all day. Highlights will include Tom "Top Gun" Cruise's F14 Tomcats and the UFO wannabes, the Stealth Bomber and Fighter. Sat & Sun 9.40am-5pm. Adults pounds 16, Under 16 free. Further info: 01285 713 300

Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridgeshire (01223 835 000). The museum explains how planes fly in its hands-on exhibition, The Flying Machine. Kids then earn their wings by designing an aircraft with an interactive computer programme. Chances to look around Concorde and vintage war planes; best fun of all (circumstances permitting), take a trip in a Thirties airliner, the Dragon Rapide. Sat & Sun 10am-6pm. Adults pounds 6.40, 5-15yrs pounds 3.20, OAP pounds 4.40, family (2+3) pounds 18.

Mike Higgins