Chart a course and fly down to the UK’s aviation museums
Stretching back to the early days and pioneers of manned flight through the World Wars, British aviation history is famed and respected right across the world.
Whether you and your group have an interest in historic aircraft and aviation history or not, you will find an impressive range of museums and sites across the UK which will excite, enthuse and educate you during a fascinating day out.
The International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC Pictured Below) in Lincolnshire is a world-class facility acknowledging the efforts and sacrifice of World War II aircrew, ground crew and support staff who lost their lives whilst serving with Bomber Command dur-ing WWII.
Free guided tours include access to the Lincolnshire and International Peace Gardens and the Memorial Spire and Walls of Names.
Groups of more than 20 must pre-book their visit with a discounted group rate of £7 per person only available with pre-booked visits. There are convenient drop off and pick up points plus coach parking available with drivers receiving complimentary tickets for the exhibition and hot drinks for the duration of the visit.
In South West England, the Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre
(Pictured Below) provides visitors with the chance to get up close and personal with some historic jet fighters and bombers.
You and your group can view at close quarters their fully functional, ex-Royal Air Force Hardened Aircraft Shelter hangar and be right alongside historic jet fighters and bombers. Climb into jet aircraft from the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, as well taking a tour of the immense VC10 in-flight refuelling tanker and V-bomber training aircraft.
Volunteer guides will tell you all about the exhibits and the stories behind them, plus there is chance to get on board the simulator and fly their very-own Hawker Hunter, taking-off from Newquay Airport and hurtling around Cornwall. There is a stunning collection of more than 1,500 model aircraft to explore and cast your eye over, and watch the real thing arriving and departing from the airport runway right next door.
From February through to November the Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre is the perfect destination for coach party visits. A typical visit takes around two to three and a half hours, depending on whether your visit includes a lunch stop.
There is a cafe to eat, drink and relax in, plus a shop for buying presents, mementos and souvenirs of your visit.
Groups of 14 or more are entitled to a discounted admission rate, pus for the group organisers there is the opportunity of a free preview visit by arrangement. Reaching the Centre is easy with good coach parking also close by and a complimentary pasty and hot drink for your driver.
