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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Annabelle Thorpe

The ultimate aerial experience for history lovers, Classic Wings at IWM Duxford offers the chance to fly in a vintage Tiger Moth or Spitfire – two of World War II’s most iconic fighter planes.

Flights range from a short hop over the airfield, to longer trips over Cambridgeshire and even London. If being a passenger isn’t exciting enough, it is possible to book trial flying lessons in the Tiger Moth.

The Spitfire is perhaps the most famous of all World War II planes; to see it in action, book a wing-to-wing tour, where you fly alongside in a Dragon Rapide – or go up in the Spitfire itself as a passenger. All the planes are authentic WWII aircraft that participated in the war, either in training or battle action.

Price from: £149
Minimum age: 18
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Duration: Variable

Getting there & doing it

Duxford is just off the M11, a few miles south of Cambridge, (about a 1.5-hour drive from London). The easiest way via public transport is train from King’s Cross to Cambridge (about 50 minutes) and then the C7 bus from the station to Duxford.

All flight experiences must be booked in advance through Classic Wings. The cost includes a fast-pass entry to IWM Duxford. Some flights have set durations, others (for example the Tiger Moth flight) can be 15, 20, 30 or 40 minutes.

Wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes (no sandals). Flying gear (jacket and helmet) is provided but in the colder months, take gloves.

When to do it

Flights can be pre-booked from Tuesday to Sunday, from April to October. There are no flights in the winter months. If the weather is bad, flights are cancelled and rescheduled.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

The Clayton Hotel

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)[11 miles]

A big bustling hotel with one of the city’s most glamorous cocktail bars, a stone’s throw from the beautiful Botanic Garden.

Official star rating:

Hotel du Vin Cambridge

Cambridge , Cambridgeshire , United Kingdom (UK)[11.6 miles]

A beautifully converted former university building, serving up Hotel du Vin’s classic brand of hedonistic charm, with a buzzing bistro and predictably excellent wine cellar. 

Official star rating:

Gonville Hotel

Cambridge , Cambridgeshire , United Kingdom (UK)[11.6 miles]

One of Cambridge’s best boutique hotels, with a renowned restaurant and separate spa. Ideal for couples, looking for a romantic base among the bustle. 

Official star rating:

University Arms

Cambridge , Cambridgeshire , United Kingdom (UK)[11.9 miles]

A re-imagined Victorian hotel, with one of the city’s best restaurants and elegant rooms with a Modern British design.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Cambridge

Cambridgeshire , United Kingdom (UK)

A picturesque, charming city steeped in learning, architecture and history. It’s home to two world-class art museums and one of the world’s oldest and most famous universities.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Imperial War Museum Duxford

Duxford, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.1 miles]

A world-class collection of aircraft and military vehicles housed in a spectacular historic airfield, with the chance to fly in a vintage plane.

Best for ages: 4+ | £25

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)[10.9 miles]

A leading centre for horticultural research for 175 years, the Botanic Gardens is home to over 8,000 different plant species, with Mediterranean gardens and flower-filled glasshouses.

Best for ages: 10+ | £6

Fitzwilliam Museum

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)[11.6 miles]

A world-class collection of art and architecture, ranging from illuminated manuscripts to sculptures from Ancient Greece.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Cambridge University Colleges

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)[12.1 miles]

One of the world’s most illustrious universities, Cambridge consists of 31 magnificent colleges rich in history, architecture and stories, most open to the public.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Orchard Tea Garden

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Eagle Pub

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