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:
Imperial War Museum Duxford
Photo Imperial War Museums
Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Set within the spacious grounds of a former First and Second World War airfield, Imperial War Museum Duxford is home to a spectacular collection of more than 200 aircraft, as well as tanks, military vehicles and boats.
The Battle of Britain exhibition focuses on historic war planes, while Airspace tells the story of British aviation, from Spitfires through to Concorde. Alongside the planes, the Land Warfare exhibition charts the technological advances that have changed the face of war.
While you’re there
Duxford is still an operating airport and flights in Tiger Moths, Spitfires or War Birds can be booked through Classic Wings.
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Destination Guide >Price from: £25
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
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.
Free tours of the permanent exhibitions are available on most weekends – but not all. Check the website for dates. There are three cafés at Duxford, offering everything from full lunches to sandwiches and cream teas.
When to do it
The museum is open all year round, Wednesday to Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Aeronuts wanting to see the exhibits in action should plan a trip to IWM Duxford’s air show, held annually in early September.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Hotel du Vin Cambridge
Cambridge , Cambridgeshire , United Kingdom (UK)[11.5 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)[11.5 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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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Fly in a WW2 plane – Spitfires, Tiger Moths & more
Duxford, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.1 miles]
Take to the skies in a classic vintage fighter plane – including the iconic Spitfire – for an insight into the skill and dexterity of World War II pilots.
Best for ages: 18+ | £149 | Variable
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)[10.8 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
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Duxford Air Show
Duxford, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.1 miles]
A unique chance to see historic planes flying in formation, the world-famous Red Arrows stunt team, and the spectacular Typhoon hurtling through the sky, with exhibits and aviation-themed stands on the ground.
Best for ages: 4+ | £25 | 4 hours
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Experience
Orchard Tea Garden
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)[9.4 miles]
Walk or punt along the Cam to this lovely café and rose-filled garden on the banks of the river, once home to the poet Rupert Brooke, and a lovely spot for afternoon tea.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
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Experience
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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Experience
Eagle Pub
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)[12 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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