Imperial War Museum Duxford
Explore a vast collection of historic aircraft and military vehicles at an active airfield, from WWI to modern jets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See planes fly & experience buzz
Imperial War Museum Duxford
Best Time
See planes fly & experience buzz
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a vast collection of historic aircraft and military vehicles at an active airfield, from WWI to modern jets.
"The best aviation museum I have ever been to, with so much to see and interact with!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across hangars and the airfield. Prioritize comfort!
✈️ Check Flying Schedule
Seeing vintage aircraft take off is a highlight! Check the website for flying days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Concorde Experience
Airfield
Step aboard the iconic supersonic passenger jet and imagine flying at twice the speed of sound. A truly unique opportunity!
Battle of Britain Hangars
Hangar 1
Witness an unparalleled collection of Spitfires and other WWII aircraft, including the only flying Bristol Blenheim.
American Air Power
American Air Museum
Explore a stunning array of US military aircraft, from bombers like the B-17 Flying Fortress to Cold War jets.
D-Day and Landings Craft
Exhibits
Immerse yourself in the D-Day landings with authentic displays and military hardware, including landing craft.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan for a Full Day (or More!)
Check the Flying Schedule
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across hangars and the airfield. Prioritize comfort!
✈️ Check Flying Schedule
Seeing vintage aircraft take off is a highlight! Check the website for flying days.
💰 Pack Your Own Snacks
Food and drink at the museum can be pricey; consider bringing your own.
🎟️ Consider Membership
If you plan to visit multiple times, membership offers great value.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across hangars and the airfield. Prioritize comfort!
✈️ Check Flying Schedule
Seeing vintage aircraft take off is a highlight! Check the website for flying days.
💰 Pack Your Own Snacks
Food and drink at the museum can be pricey; consider bringing your own.
🎟️ Consider Membership
If you plan to visit multiple times, membership offers great value.
📱 Download Museum App
Enhance your visit with interactive maps and information.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise IWM Duxford as an exceptional aviation museum, highlighting the impressive collection of historic aircraft, the thrill of seeing planes fly from the active airfield, and the opportunity to explore inside many exhibits. While the cost of food is noted as high, the overall value for a full day of immersive historical experience is highly regarded.
"As a big aviation enthusiast, I was really looking forward to exploring the site and seeing some of the iconic aircraft up close. There was a short wait to buy tickets, and while the entry price did seem quite steep, I was happy enough to pay it for the chance to see the planes I’d come for. Unfortunately, the gentleman at the ticket desk (older, with white hair and a beard) was rather unfriendly and didn’t offer the warmest of welcomes — not the best start to the day.
My first stop was the Concorde, which I’ve always wanted to experience. There were two staff members standing by the entrance, but they seemed too caught up in their own conversation to greet visitors or answer questions. Once onboard, there was no one available to provide information or engage with visitors, which was disappointing — especially for such a famous aircraft.
After leaving Concorde, I made a beeline for the commercial airliners on display outside — the part of the visit I was most excited for. Unfortunately, when I arrived, all of them were closed for the day except the aircraft in British Airways livery. While that one was open and staffed, and the gentleman onboard was extremely knowledgeable and happy to answer my questions (thank you for that!), I couldn’t help feeling disappointed that the others were shut.
Throughout my visit, I also noticed that staff presence around the site felt quite sparse. In several areas, particularly around the commercial airliners, I had a lot of questions but couldn’t find anyone to ask. I was later told that access to the aircraft varies by day, which feels like a bit of a “luck of the draw” situation — fine if communicated clearly, but frustrating when you’ve paid full price and key exhibits aren’t open.
Overall, while I did enjoy parts of the visit and found the open aircraft fascinating, the lack of staff engagement, limited access to exhibits, and inconsistent communication left me feeling underwhelmed. With such an incredible collection, I had hoped for a more welcoming and interactive experience."
Josh Martin
"Visited IWM Duxford during the school summer holidays and explored at our own pace. The vast hangars packed with iconic aircraft—from Spitfires to Concordes—bring aviation history to life. Interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and outdoor displays kept everyone engaged. Super accessible with wide paths and family facilities. A brilliant day out for all ages!"
Brother Jördh
"Very extensive collection contained at an active airfield. Vintage planes taking off and landing all day was a huge perk! To see these aircraft still flying is indeed a pleasure!
Everything was in good order and labeled.
Well worth spending the day here; so very much to see and experience!"
Elisabeth Harwood
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Reaching IWM Duxford without a car is feasible. You can take a train to Whittlesford Parkway or Cambridge station, then catch a local bus or taxi to the museum. Some visitors opt for a taxi from the nearest train stations.
Yes, IWM Duxford offers ample free parking for visitors arriving by car. It's a convenient option if you're driving to the museum.
IWM Duxford is typically open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but it's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially around holidays or special events.
IWM Duxford is generally open on public holidays, but hours may vary. It's advisable to confirm their operating schedule on their website before your visit.
From London, it typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours by train to reach a nearby station like Whittlesford Parkway, followed by a short taxi or bus ride. Driving can take around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but a day ticket is around £30, offering excellent value for a full day's exploration. Consider becoming a member for repeat visits.
Discounts may be available for seniors, students, and children. Check the official IWM Duxford website for current pricing and any applicable concessions.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is highly recommended to save time and potentially secure your entry, especially on busy days or during airshow events.
IWM Duxford is known for its excellent accessibility for wheelchair users, with ramps and accessible viewing areas throughout the museum and airfield.
While not always mandatory, booking a timed entry slot online is often recommended, especially during peak seasons or for special events, to guarantee your admission.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Concorde, the largest collection of Spitfires under one roof, the B-17 Flying Fortress, the Avro Lancaster bomber, and the unique Bristol Blenheim.
Yes, visitors can often go inside many of the aircraft, including the Concorde and various bombers, offering a unique perspective and interactive experience.
Yes, IWM Duxford is an active airfield and frequently hosts flying displays, especially on weekends and during airshow events. Check their schedule for specific dates. +1
Children will love the play park, climbing aboard aircraft, and interactive exhibits. The museum offers a great day out for families with plenty to engage young minds.
Yes, IWM Duxford is a working airfield, meaning you can often see vintage and modern aircraft taking off and landing throughout the day, adding to the dynamic atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, IWM Duxford has cafes and restaurants on-site offering a range of food options. However, they can be quite expensive.
Absolutely! Many visitors choose to bring their own packed lunches and enjoy them at the designated outdoor seating areas, which can save money.
The cafes typically offer standard fare like sandwiches, snacks, hot meals, and drinks. Options can vary, so it's good to check if you have specific dietary needs.
Reviews suggest that the food and drink options at the museum's cafes and restaurants are on the pricier side, as is common at many attractions.
While specific menus can change, most museum cafes aim to offer a few vegetarian options. It's best to inquire directly at the cafe upon arrival for the most current choices.
📸 📸 Photography
The areas around the hangars, the airfield perimeter for aircraft take-offs, and the interiors of aircraft like Concorde offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
Generally, photography is allowed inside the aircraft, but always be mindful of any specific signage or restrictions within certain exhibits.
Photography for personal use is usually permitted. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permission. Check with museum staff.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light for photography. If there are flying displays, any time during those is prime for action shots.
Yes, the active airfield provides excellent opportunities to photograph aircraft during take-off and landing, especially on flying days.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There's a dedicated play park for them to burn off energy, and the active airfield provides constant excitement with planes taking off and landing. Look out for interactive exhibits and displays that make history engaging for younger audiences. The museum's layout is generally accessible, and the sheer variety of aircraft ensures there's something to capture every child's imagination, from fighter jets to bombers.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
Explore the dedicated hangars like the American Air Museum and the USAF Hangar for a deep dive into different eras and nations of aviation. The opportunity to get up close and personal with these legendary machines, and even go inside some, makes for an unforgettable experience.
+1📸 Photographers
The interiors of aircraft like Concorde and the bombers also provide unique shots. Consider visiting during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for softer light. The variety of aircraft, from sleek jets to massive bombers, provides a diverse portfolio for any photographer. Remember to check the museum's policy on drone usage if that's part of your kit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Iconic Aircraft
+2Beyond WWII, you can step aboard the Concorde, the supersonic passenger jet that revolutionized air travel, and marvel at its sleek design and advanced technology. The museum also showcases Cold War jets and other significant civilian aircraft, like the Handley Page Dart Herald, providing a comprehensive overview of aviation's evolution.
+1Many of these aircraft are not just static displays; visitors can often walk through them, gaining a unique perspective on the cramped cockpits, bomb bays, and passenger cabins. The USAF Hangar is particularly impressive, featuring a vast array of American military aviation history.
The Active Airfield Experience
This dynamic environment offers incredible opportunities for planespotting and photography. Whether it's a formation of Spitfires practicing maneuvers or a large bomber preparing for a demonstration flight, the airfield brings the museum's collection to life. It’s a chance to see these iconic warbirds not just as exhibits, but as the functional machines they were designed to be.
It's highly recommended to check the museum's schedule for flying days and airshows. These events often feature more extensive flying displays and can include unique reunions of aircraft, making for an even more spectacular visit.
Beyond the Aircraft: Exhibits and History
The American Air Museum is a standout, housing a vast collection of US military aircraft and telling the story of American air power. You can also find exhibits on landings craft and other military vehicles, providing a comprehensive look at wartime technology and strategy.
For families, there are often hands-on activities and a dedicated play area, ensuring that younger visitors are engaged and entertained. The museum's commitment to preserving and presenting history makes it an educational and inspiring destination for all ages.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit