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:
Bucket list experience:
Fly in a WW2 plane – Spitfires, Tiger Moths & more
Credit Shutterstock.com/kev Hughes
Last updated: 04 November, 2022
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.
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Destination Guide >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
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.
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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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Overview >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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Duxford Air Show
Duxford, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0 miles]
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Best for ages: 4+ | £25 | 4 hours
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Orchard Tea Garden
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)[9.5 miles]
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Best for ages: 13+ | Free
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The Mathematical Bridge
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)[11.9 miles]
Originally built in 1749, and rebuilt twice to the exact specifications, this bridge across the Cam looks curved, but is created from entirely straight timbers.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
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Eagle Pub
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)[12.1 miles]
The second-oldest pub in the city, dating back to 1684, is famous for its RAF bar, where the ceiling still shows the signatures and doodles of Allied airmen, who drank at the bar between missions.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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