About IWM Duxford
IWM Duxford, also known as the Imperial War Museum Duxford, is a museum in Duxford, Cambridgeshire, England. It is part of the Imperial War Museum and is located at the former Royal Air Force station RAF Duxford. The museum features a large collection of military aircraft, as well as exhibits on the history of aviation and the impact of war on society. It is known for its collection of World War I and World War II aircraft, including the Concorde and the Spitfire. The museum also hosts a variety of events and activities, including airshows and educational programs.
RAF Duxford was established in 1917 as a training base for the Royal Flying Corps during World War I. After the war, it was used for various purposes, including as a fighter base during World War II. In 1976, the site was designated as a museum and was opened to the public as the Imperial War Museum Duxford.
Over the years, the museum has expanded and now includes a number of historic buildings and exhibits, including the American Air Museum, the AirSpace exhibition, and the Battle of Britain Museum. The museum’s collection includes a wide range of military aircraft, ranging from World War I biplanes to modern jets, as well as vehicles, uniforms, and other artefacts related to the history of aviation and the impact of war on society. The museum also hosts a variety of events and activities, including airshows and educational programs.
IWM Duxford is owned and operated by the Imperial War Museum (IWM), which is a British national museum organization that is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of modern conflict, particularly conflicts involving the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. The IWM was founded in 1917 during World War I and has since grown to include five branches: IWM London, IWM North, IWM Duxford, IWM American Air Museum, and IWM Churchill War Rooms. The IWM is funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport and is a non-departmental public body of the UK government.
Notable exhibits
- The Concorde: This supersonic passenger jet, which was developed jointly by the British and French governments, is on display in the AirSpace exhibition.
- The Spitfire: This iconic World War II fighter plane is one of the most famous aircraft in the museum's collection.
- The American Air Museum: This exhibit features a collection of American military aircraft, including the B-52 bomber and the F-15 fighter jet.
- The Battle of Britain Museum: This exhibit is dedicated to the air battle that took place during World War II and features a number of aircraft and artefacts related to the conflict.
- The Land Warfare Hall: This exhibit features a collection of military vehicles, including tanks, trucks, and artillery pieces, as well as uniforms and other artefacts related to land warfare.
- The AirSeaPower Hall: This exhibit is dedicated to the role of air and sea power in modern conflict and features a number of aircraft, ships, and other artefacts related to naval and air operations.
Food & drink
IWM Duxford has a café and a restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat during your visit. The café, called The AirSpace Café, is located in the AirSpace exhibition and serves a range of hot and cold food and drinks, including sandwiches, soups, and pastries. The restaurant, called The Cockpit, is located in the Land Warfare Hall and offers a more formal dining experience. It serves a range of hot meals, including roast dinners, as well as a selection of sandwiches, salads, and light snacks. Both the café and the restaurant have indoor and outdoor seating areas.
In addition to the café and restaurant, there are also a number of food and drink vendors located around the museum grounds, including ice cream and refreshment stands. You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks into the museum, but please be aware that eating and drinking is not allowed in the exhibition halls.
Length of visit
The length of time it takes to visit IWM Duxford will depend on your interests and how much time you have available. Some visitors may be able to see the main highlights of the museum in a few hours, while others may want to spend a full day or more exploring the exhibits in detail.
There is a lot to see and do at the museum, including a large collection of military aircraft, vehicles, and other artefacts related to the history of aviation and the impact of war on society. The museum also has a number of special exhibits and events, such as airshows and educational programs, which can add to the length of your visit.
It is a good idea to plan your visit in advance and decide which exhibits and events you would like to see. This will help you to make the most of your time at the museum and ensure that you don't miss anything that interests you. You can check the museum's website or contact the museum directly for more information about the exhibits and events that are available.
Hints & tips
- Plan your visit in advance: Decide which exhibits and events you would like to see and plan your visit accordingly. This will help you to make the most of your time at the museum.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The museum is located on a former airfield, so there is a lot of ground to cover. Wear comfortable shoes to ensure that you can explore the museum comfortably.
- Bring a camera: The museum has a number of interesting exhibits and events, including a collection of historic military aircraft. Bring a camera to capture your visit and share your experiences with friends and family.
- Take a break: There is a lot to see and do at the museum, so it's a good idea to take breaks and rest when you need to. The museum has a café and a restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat and rest your feet.
- Follow the museum's rules: The museum has rules in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. Follow these rules to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable visit.
