IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

IWM DUXFORD

 

The Imperial War Museum (IWM) at Duxford is conveniently located just off junction 10 of the M11, south of Cambridge. Its location makes it easily accessible by car, and there is ample on-site parking. The museum is open daily (excluding 24^{th -} 26^th December) from 10am to 6pm (4pm in winter), with last admission being 5pm summertime and 3pm in winter.

The IWM was founded in 1917 and now consists of five museums, London, Duxford, Manchester, HMS Belfast, and The Churchill Rooms. IWM Duxford was opened in 1976 and has grown substantially over the years to its present day size, incorporating many impressive indoor exhibits, as well as outdoor displays, leisure areas and restaurants.

Among the many attractions, visitors can also experience:

AIRSPACE:

Here, visitors can view many historic planes, including the Lancaster, Spitfire, and Vulcan. Iconic Concord is also housed here, and visitors are invited to board for a truly close up, nostalgic experience. 

 

 

 

HISTORICAL DUXFORD:

This exhibit chronicles Duxford's time as an RAF airbase from 1918 to 1961.

LAND WARFARE:

A large collection of tanks and many other wartime land vehicles.

 

 

FLYING AIRCRAFT:

Housed in two old RAF hangers, visitors can browse through a variety of privately owned planes, many of them in flying condition. This is where these beautiful machines are restored and maintained.

 

 

 

BATTLE OF BRITAIN:

An exhibition of The Battle of Britain and air defence during the first world war and the cold war.

 

 

 

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM:

A memorial to the 30,000 American airmen who gave their lives flying from UK airbases during world war two, as well as more recent conflicts. Visitor should note that this part of the museum will be closed from 2015 to spring 2016 for re-development.

 

AIR AND SEA:

This exhibit shows the changes in defence methods from the first world war to modern day warfare.

1940 OPERATIONS ROOM:

A fascinating exhibit, showing the actual operations room, furnished as it was during the second world war.

 

 

 

PLEASURE FLIGHTS:

Visitors can also take advantage of a pleasure flight over Duxford, Cambridge or London in a number of aircraft, including a Spitfire, Tiger Moth, or a Dragon Rapide. These flights are provided by Classic Wings and can be booked either in advance or on the day (see my review 'Flight over Cambridge in a Dragon Rapide').

 

 

 

 

 

Besides these impressive exhibits, and the vast array of flying craft on display, IWM Duxford also holds regular, spectacular air shows.

 

For more information please visit the IWM website at: www.iwm.org.uk