Duxford - never been!

[lost in espace]

Until last week. We go to Hendon a fair bit and love it. I thought the entry fee was steep, but when I took into account that my 2 kids are free it was quite reasonable. Half term activities were laid on and the kids got to send their names in morse code.

The displays are sensational, and I don't know how it has taken so long for me to go. We were lucky with the weather and in the rain it would not be so much fun though.

[staples230uk]

I went back in '98 when I was in the Air Cadets, loved it!!! Was meant to go back with my wife and little girl last November, until I broke a rib and could not move without a lot of pain. Mrs Staples and my little lady went with the inlaws instead....gutted. Planning for sometime this spring

awaiting cool story bro.....

[Simpo Two]

Now you need to go again to see all the bits you missed

Did you find the Land Warfare Museum?

[speedtwelve]

I reckon Duxford is the second best aviation museum anywhere in the world, after The Air & Space museum in Washington DC. There's almost too much to see. The American hangar with SR71, B52, B29 et al is fantastic. There's a good chance of seeing some decent stuff flying too, even on an ordinary weekday. Last time I was there we casually scoffed lunch on a picnic table with the F86 Sabre flying a display practice in the background.

[Ali Chappussy]

I think anyone interested in old aircraft should visit Duxford at least once in their lifetime.

Personally, I feel they charge too much for their display days but that's just me. Best time to go for a general is midweek when the kids are in school.

[eccles]

Simpo Two said:

Now you need to go again to see all the bits you missed

Did you find the Land Warfare Museum?

I've not been since 1989! They've got that new fangled American air museum now!

A freind of mine works there and has offered to show me round, I really should take him up on his offer.

[danjama]

Ali Chappussy said:

I think anyone interested in old aircraft should visit Duxford at least once in their lifetime.

Personally, I feel they charge too much for their display days but that's just me. Best time to go for a general is midweek when the kids are in school.

The spring airshow is in May. Tickets are £21- in advance or £26 on the day. The massive Legends airshow is similarly priced in the summer and has one of the best warbird line ups in the world. Consistently. Every year.

I couldn't disagree more. The pricing is spot on.

OP, get to the spring airshow. This years commemorates the 70th anniversary of the US 8th AF arriving at Duxford with their P=47's. Should be a cracker.

Edited by danjama on Tuesday 26th February 18:43

[lost in espace]

Simpo Two said:

Now you need to go again to see all the bits you missed

Did you find the Land Warfare Museum?

It was going to be a bit much to fit in with the kids to be honest.

Next time!

[yellowjack]

lost in espace said:

For anyone who has not been, or who has not seen this ^^ it is the memorial wall for the WWII USAAF in Europe. It is a very sobering memorial, when you walk it's length and realise that every single silhouette represents a lost aircraft. The silhouettes are etched onto glass panels, are accurate to aircraft type, and losses are represented by squadron. Located behind the American Air Museum.

On a lighter note, the first time we went, we were in the American Air Museum, when my Mrs asked "where is this B52 thingy then?" I told her to look up, which she did. Right up to the U2 suspended from the roof. "It's a bit small, isn't it?" she asked, whereupon I pointed out the fact that she was stood right below the cockpit, and when I said look up, I meant to the massive black fuselage, replete with mission markers and rippled panels.

Duxford is a great place. You could spend a week in there 'consuming' information and not see everything, or you can just enjoy the atmosphere with a coffee or even a picnic. My best advice would be: don't go on a flying display day and expect to see all the covered exhibits as well - there's simply too much to get around. Go on a 'normal' day to see the exhibits, and if you go for an airshow, stick mainly to the outdoor stuff.

[williamp]

If you go with your wife, dont forget to tap her handbag and say "gas mask cases. They are for gas masks. I know the requirements of women differ somehwat from men but....take cover!!"

[Eric Mc]

williamp said:

If you go with your wife, dont forget to tap her handbag and say "gas mask cases. They are for gas masks. I know the requirements of women differ somehwat from men but....take cover!!"

Or

"Don't you yell at me, Mr Warwick".

[Simpo Two]

[Eric Mc]

Simpo Two said:

I can name them all apart from the chap in the cockpit.

[wokkadriver]

danjama said:

Ali Chappussy said:

I think anyone interested in old aircraft should visit Duxford at least once in their lifetime.

Personally, I feel they charge too much for their display days but that's just me. Best time to go for a general is midweek when the kids are in school.

The spring airshow is in May. Tickets are £21- in advance or £26 on the day. The massive Legends airshow is similarly priced in the summer and has one of the best warbird line ups in the world. Consistently. Every year.

I couldn't disagree more. The pricing is spot on.

OP, get to the spring airshow. This years commemorates the 70th anniversary of the US 8th AF arriving at Duxford with their P=47's. Should be a cracker.

Edited by danjama on Tuesday 26th February 18:43

Agreed, although their normal entrance price is a bit eye watering at £35 for an adult couple. They don't offer a military discount, either!
I went to the Legends a couple of years ago and it was absolutely packed, in fact, just after we arrived they closed the gates and had to turn away a lot of visitors - I'd never seen it so busy!!

Now go to RIAT, there's an expensive day out!!

[eccles]

wokkadriver said:

Now go to RIAT, there's an expensive day out!!

Unless you're being paid to be there!