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Imperial War Museum, Duxford

Background

This is the Imperial War Museum's historic aircraft and aviation museum. It is situated on what was once a World War II operational fighter base, where the flying legend, Douglas Bader, flew from. It has hundreds of aircraft including Concorde, an SR71 Blackbird spy plane, which was the fastest plane ever to fly, and of course, the ever famous Spitfire. It is a massive site and takes a full day to explore properly, so come prepared, and remember to bring the camera as the site is an operational airfield and it is not uncommon to see some of the aircraft taking to the skies.

Getting there

It is situated on the A505, next to junction 10 of the M11. So if you are going on an air display day, and there are several throughout the summer, the traffic can be a bit heavy as you enter and leave the site.

Children under 15 go FREE, and admission for adults (2010) is £15.50. Various concessions are available and details of these are on the Duxford website. The web site will give you all the information you could want to plan your visit, including directions, opening times and what to see and do. The telephone number is 01223 835000

For the SatNav the post code is CB22 4QR, although this is a new recently issued code and some SatNavs will not recognise it. If that happens when you programme yours, use the old code which is CB2 4QR.

Journey time from Shefford, Bedfordshire: 55 mins (28 miles)

The Royal Airforce Museum, Hendon

Background

Situated in Colindale, North London, this is the capital's only museum dedicated to aviation. Officially it is the Royal Air Force Museum and it houses exhibits ranging from the very early aircraft used by the RAF right up to today's fast jets. It also has a Spitfire, a Hurricane and a Lancaster bomber from the Second World War.

Getting there

The museum is located in Grahame Park Way, Colindale, Middlesex and they recommend that you use the road name for SatNav as the postcode does not work; the device will tell you that you have arrived when you are still on the M1! Alternatively you can use a different post code, NW9 5LT, which will take you to within a mile of the site where you will see clear and frequent signposts.

The website is www.rafmuseum.org.uk and the museum office can be contacted on 020 8205 2266 (General Information). You will see on the website homepage reference to the RAF Museum at Cosford in the West Midlands - also well worth a visit.

Admission is totally free.

Journey time from Shefford, Bedfordshire, going South on the A1(M): about 1hr 15mins (40 miles).

Shuttleworth

The Shuttleworth Estate is situated just west of Biggleswade and is easily accessed by car. Just go on the A1 until you get to the Biggleswade North junction, easily identified by the large Sainsbury's superstore, and turn left. The site is about 2 miles from the junction and is well signposted. The estate includes many facilities open to the public, as well as Shuttleworth College, well known for its Agricultural and Horticultural courses.

The Shuttleworth Collection

The Shuttleworth Collection is a unique collection of motor vehicles and historic aircraft, all under cover in several hangers. As you walk around the hangers you can often see restoration work going on planes in the collection and any budding aviation enthusiast could not fail to be impressed at the wide range of aircraft on display, or the extremely high condition to which they are maintained. The collection hosts a Supermarine Spitfire as well as the De Havilland DH88 Comet which won the 1934 England to Australia air race.

Car parking is plentiful, although on display days you can expect to queue. You should also be aware that during the summer the Spitfire is often displaying away from Old Warden and may be missing from the collection.

The English School of Falconry and Bird of Prey and Conservation Centre

If you like things which fly, but not necessarily aircraft then also on the site is the Bird of Prey centre, or The English School of Falconry and Bird of Prey and Conservation Centre to give it its full title. This is undoubtedly one of the finest collections of birds of prey anywhere in the country with Falcons, Hawks, Owls, Eagles and Vultures and many more species all housed in a woodland environment.

hold regular flying displays and have a barn owl aviary which you can walk though and see the birds nesting in the eaves and rafters. Hands on activities also feature for children.

The Swiss Garden

Finally, Old Warden is also home to the famous Swiss Garden. Built in 1820, it is a fine example of its type and home to many different specimens of shrubs, trees and flowers.

The site has an excellent cafeteria, situated next to the shop at the entrance to the aircraft collection and every assistance is given to those with disabilities.

Wheelchairs for loan are available free of charge from the visitor centre. Most paths in the Swiss Garden are easily accessible and there are benches at frequent intervals. Toilets are suitable for people in wheelchairs On occasional event days (flying days and concerts) arrangements may change, please follow any temporary signs, or enquire before your visit.

Jubilee Play Centre

Children will love the Jubilee Play Centre, which is actually a research centre into children's play, but they will see it as loads of different activities to climb on, walk over, swing on, balance on and slide down. Many different play activity manufacturers provided equipment for the site which can be used by children of differing physical abilities.

More information

For more information got to the website at www.shuttleworth.org or call the visitor centre on 01767 627927. The website will give up to date details on all the Flying Displays that take place during the Summer, including fabulous Sunset Displays; opening times for the Bird of Prey Centre and Swiss Garden. The admission rates can vary depending on the event. Combination Tickets for the various public parts of the estate are also available, with accompanied children over 16 FREE on Display Days!

Getting there

Post code for the SatNav is SG18 9EP

Journey time from Shefford: 15mins.

It is well worth noting that while many places make reductions for children, very few are generous enough to allow free entry to people under 16.