IWM Duxford – Historic Airfield and Aviation Museum
Walk among Spitfires and Concorde on a historic WWII airfield where aviation history comes alive.
Imperial War Museum Duxford is a world‑renowned aviation museum set on a historic Second World War airfield near Cambridge. Explore vast hangars filled with iconic aircraft, from Spitfires and Lancasters to Concorde and the SR‑71 Blackbird. Walk through immersive exhibitions on the Battle of Britain, the Cold War, and modern conflicts, and experience the atmosphere of a working airfield where vintage planes still take to the skies. With multiple themed hangars, outdoor displays, and special flying days, it’s a must‑visit for aviation and military history enthusiasts.
A brief summary to IWM Duxford
- IWM Duxford Airfield, Cambridge, CB22 4QR, GB
- +442070913067
- Visit website
- Duration: 3 to 6 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Check the museum’s website before your visit for flying days and special events; seeing historic aircraft in the air greatly enhances the experience.
- Allow at least half a day, ideally 4–6 hours, to properly explore the multiple hangars and outdoor displays without rushing.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring weather‑appropriate clothing; the site is large and mostly outdoors, with significant walking between hangars.
- Visit early in the day to avoid peak crowds and to maximise time with indoor exhibitions and aircraft access before any early closures (e.g. Concorde).
- Look out for themed events and air shows, which often include additional aircraft, demonstrations, and family activities not available on regular days.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car
From central Cambridge, follow signs to the A10 and then the A140 toward Duxford; the museum is well‑signed from the A140. Allow around 20–30 minutes; there is free on‑site parking for visitors.
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Train + Bus/Taxi
Take a train to Whittlesford Parkway or Royston station, then a local bus or taxi to the museum (about 3 miles). Journey time from central Cambridge is roughly 30–45 minutes, depending on connections.
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Public Bus
Local bus services connect Cambridge with nearby villages; from there, a short taxi ride or walk (up to 30 minutes) is needed to reach the museum. Check local timetables as services can be infrequent, especially on weekends.
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Bicycle
From Cambridge, a dedicated cycle route leads toward Duxford; the ride takes about 45–60 minutes on quiet country lanes. Secure bike parking is available at the museum entrance.
IWM Duxford location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about IWM Duxford
Where History Takes Flight
IWM Duxford isn’t just a museum—it’s a living airfield where the roar of Merlin engines still echoes across the Cambridgeshire countryside. Once a key RAF fighter station during the Battle of Britain, this airfield played a crucial role in defending Britain in 1940. Today, it’s home to one of the world’s finest aviation collections, with more than 200 aircraft and hundreds of vehicles, artillery pieces, and personal stories from the First World War to the present day. As you walk the tarmac, you’re following in the footsteps of pilots and ground crews who shaped 20th‑century history.Hangars Full of Icons
The museum is spread across several enormous hangars, each with its own theme. In the Battle of Britain exhibition, you can stand in a reconstructed operations room and hear the tension of 15 September 1940, the battle’s climax. Nearby, the Air and Sea hangar traces aviation from the First World War through the Cold War, with aircraft like the Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane, and Grumman Avenger. The Land Warfare exhibition showcases tanks, trucks, and artillery, while the AirSpace hangar holds Cold War jets such as the English Electric Lightning and the Lockheed SR‑71 Blackbird, the world’s fastest manned jet.Step Inside Legendary Aircraft
One of Duxford’s most memorable experiences is climbing aboard famous aircraft. You can walk through Concorde 101, the first production Concorde, and see its cockpit, cabin, and technical features up close. The American Air Museum houses US aircraft including the B‑17 Flying Fortress, B‑25 Mitchell, and a C‑47 Skytrain, many of which visitors can enter. Civilian airliners are also on display, letting you compare how cockpits and cabins have evolved over decades. These hands‑on experiences bring engineering and history vividly to life.An Airfield That Still Flies
Duxford remains an active airfield, and on many days you can watch vintage aircraft take off and land. Special flying days feature Spitfires, Hurricanes, and other warbirds in the skies above the museum, often accompanied by air shows and themed events. The sight and sound of these historic machines in flight, against the backdrop of the original wartime control tower and hangars, is unforgettable. Even on quieter days, the airfield’s atmosphere—runways, dispersal pads, and the control tower—adds a powerful sense of place.More Than Just Planes
Beyond aircraft, Duxford tells the human story of conflict. Exhibitions explore life on the airfield during the war, with uniforms, personal letters, and oral histories. The 9/11 exhibition includes steel from the World Trade Center and a flight tracker showing the events of that morning. Temporary and seasonal displays often focus on specific campaigns, technologies, or anniversaries, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. With its mix of indoor galleries, outdoor displays, and live flying, Duxford offers a deep, multi‑layered experience of aviation and military history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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The Grantchester Green Man
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Hills Road War Memorial
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10 Downing Street
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Terrible Tours
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Byron's Pool LNR
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Grantchester Tours
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Balls Grove
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Cherry Hinton Chalk Pits
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The Church of Saint Andrew and Saint Mary Grantchester
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Grantchester Recreation Ground
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Grantchester Meadows
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The Red Lion
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Cambridge Distillery
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Essential places to dine
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Co-op Food - Grantchester Street - Newnham
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Business Friendly
