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Imperial War Museum Duxford - practical travel guide with honest advice.
Duxford is a former RAF station 9 miles south of Cambridge now home to the Imperial War Museum's aircraft collection. The site features over 200 military aircraft from World War One through the Cold War, including a Concorde, Spitfires, B-17 bombers, and Soviet MiGs. The museum occupies original wartime hangars and control tower, with exhibitions covering aviation history and pilot experiences. Families find it engaging due to the scale of planes, outdoor airfield walks, and hands-on simulator experiences available at additional cost. Best for aviation enthusiasts and families with children. This is a easy activity lasting 5 hours. Group size: max 30. You meet at Parker's Piece. Key highlights: 200+ military aircraft spanning World War One to Cold War era on display, Restored Concorde supersonic jet available for walk-around viewing, Original RAF wartime control tower and Operations Building with interactive displays.
Price: £45
Duration: 5 hours
Difficulty: easy
Group size: max 30
Best for: aviation enthusiasts and families with children
Best time: June to September for weekend air shows featuring flying displays; April-October for dry weather; avoid December-February due to limited daylight for viewing outdoor aircraft
Meeting point: Parker's Piece
Languages: English
Here is how the experience unfolds:
Morning start Coach departure from Parker's Piece, Cambridge - Approximately 20-30 minute journey to Duxford airfield south of Cambridge.
Late morning Arrival at Duxford and orientation - Guide briefs the group on the site layout, opening hours, and key aircraft locations across the airfield.
Late morning to early afternoon Self-guided exploration of outdoor aircraft and hangars - Visitors walk around the airfield and enter hangars to see Spitfires, bombers, transport aircraft, and the Concorde on display.
Midday to early afternoon Explore indoor exhibitions and restored hangars - View wartime control tower, learn about pilot experiences, and see Cold War aircraft including Soviet jets and experimental planes.
Early afternoon Lunch break at on-site café or picnic areas - Museum café offers sandwiches, pastries, and hot drinks; outdoor picnic areas available.
Return journey Coach departs back to Parker's Piece - Approximately 30 minutes to return to Cambridge.
The whole experience takes 5 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Parker's Piece.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Price | £45 |
| Duration | 5 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Group size | max 30 |
| Meeting point | Parker's Piece |
| Languages | English |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation up to 72 hours before; cancellations within 72 hours forfeit 50% of tour price |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair access to main hangars and outdoor viewing areas; airfield terrain is uneven in places. Mobility assistance and accessible parking available. Contact museum in advance for accessibility requirements. |
What is included: Coach transport from Parker's Piece, Entry to the airfield and exterior aircraft viewing, Access to hangars and exhibition spaces.
Not included: Museum entry fee (additional £18 for comprehensive access to all buildings and exhibitions), Simulator experiences and virtual reality activities (additional charges apply), Meals (café on-site at standard prices), Parking for personal vehicles. You will need to arrange these yourself.
What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes (the airfield is large with significant distances between hangars), Sun protection and hat for outdoor aircraft viewing, Waterproof jacket (airfield is exposed to wind and rain), Camera for aircraft photography (tripods not permitted), Spending money for café, gift shop, or simulator charges. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.
Best time to go: June to September for weekend air shows featuring flying displays; April-October for dry weather; avoid December-February due to limited daylight for viewing outdoor aircraft.
Tip: Air shows run summer weekends
Tip: Museum entry additional £18
Accessibility: Wheelchair access to main hangars and outdoor viewing areas; airfield terrain is uneven in places. Mobility assistance and accessible parking available. Contact museum in advance for accessibility requirements..
Operator: Cambridge Tour Company | Book directly (opens in new tab)
After this activity, these are within easy reach:
This activity is run by Cambridge Tour Company.
Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).
Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 72 hours before; cancellations within 72 hours forfeit 50% of tour price.
Accessibility: Wheelchair access to main hangars and outdoor viewing areas; airfield terrain is uneven in places. Mobility assistance and accessible parking available. Contact museum in advance for accessibility requirements..
Best time to go: June to September for weekend air shows featuring flying displays; April-October for dry weather; avoid December-February due to limited daylight for viewing outdoor aircraft.
The £45 tour price includes coach transport and entry to the airfield with exterior aircraft viewing and hangars. Full museum entry with comprehensive exhibitions costs an additional £18. You can see many aircraft and hangars without paying the museum fee, but indoor exhibitions and interactive displays require the additional charge.
Duxford is spread across a large former RAF airfield. Visitors typically walk 2-3 miles total depending on how thoroughly they explore. Main attractions are clustered in the central area, but aircraft are scattered across the site. Comfortable shoes are essential; mobility assistance is available from visitor reception.
Air shows run on select summer weekends (typically June-September) and feature vintage aircraft flying displays. Standard tours do not guarantee air show attendance; check the Duxford calendar before booking if viewing a flying display is important to you. Air show dates may require separate booking or adjusted tour scheduling.
The £45 tour price includes coach transport and entry to the airfield with exterior aircraft viewing and hangars. Full museum entry with comprehensive exhibitions costs an additional £18. You can see many aircraft and hangars without paying the museum fee, but indoor exhibitions and interactive displays require the additional charge.
Duxford is spread across a large former RAF airfield. Visitors typically walk 2-3 miles total depending on how thoroughly they explore. Main attractions are clustered in the central area, but aircraft are scattered across the site. Comfortable shoes are essential; mobility assistance is available from visitor reception.
Air shows run on select summer weekends (typically June-September) and feature vintage aircraft flying displays. Standard tours do not guarantee air show attendance; check the Duxford calendar before booking if viewing a flying display is important to you. Air show dates may require separate booking or adjusted tour scheduling.
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