IWM Duxford

IWM Duxford is the Imperial War Museum's air museum, set on a wartime airfield in the Cambridgeshire countryside a short drive south of the city. The airfield opened in 1918 and became famous as a Spitfire base during the Battle of Britain, then as the home of American fighter squadrons later in the war. Today the site is a collection of vast hangars filled with aircraft, tanks, boats and vehicles, from early flying machines to Cold War jets. Highlights include Spitfires and other Second World War fighters, a Concorde, a large American Air Museum building with bombers hanging overhead, and displays that explain how the airfield worked, with restored operations rooms and crew rooms that put you in the shoes of the pilots who waited for the call to scramble. It is a place where the scale of the aircraft hits you, and where you can walk under wings and peer into cockpits. In the flying season, which runs through the warmer months, the airfield also stages live displays, so the machines you see on the ground may be roaring overhead later in the day.

Plan a long visit. IWM suggests allowing at least half a day, and many enthusiasts spend a full day. The site is spread over a large area, with several hangars and an outdoor area, so wear comfortable shoes and be ready to walk. Opening hours are shorter in winter and extend later in the day in spring and summer, so check the museum page for the day you plan to go.

Tickets are sold by the museum, with concessions and free entry for members, and booking ahead is sensible at weekends, in school holidays and on flying days.

Think about what you want to see. If you love Second World War aviation, start with the Battle of Britain displays and the restored operations rooms. If you prefer sheer size, head for the American Air Museum and the hangars of large aircraft. Families can use the outdoor play area and the Spitfire zone to keep younger children happy, while older visitors may enjoy the Cold War and early aviation collections.

Land warfare and naval displays add variety if aircraft alone are not enough. A cafe and shops on site make it easy to spend a whole day.

Getting there is straightforward by car, with the site close to the M11 motorway, which is the easiest way to travel with a family. Without a car, buses and trains link Cambridge with the Duxford area, though it is worth checking times and transfers before you set off, and a taxi can bridge any gap. The trip pairs well with the Cambridge American Cemetery, which tells the human side of the same wartime story, and it makes a satisfying day out away from the colleges for anyone who has already seen the headline sights.

Wrap up warm in winter, because the hangars are large and can be cold, and bring a waterproof if you plan to see outdoor exhibits. The site has cafes and shops, but queues can build at lunchtime, so eat a little earlier or later than the crowds.