Shuttleworth & Duxford
Description
If you're a fan of aviation history and want to immerse yourself in a day filled with remarkable aircraft, the Shuttleworth Collection and Duxford are two fantastic destinations you won't want to miss during your visit to the United Kingdom.
The Shuttleworth Collection, located in Bedfordshire, is a treasure trove for aviation enthusiasts. It houses a diverse assortment of vintage aircraft, many of which are still operational. The collection includes rare and historic planes from the early 20th century, such as the Bleriot XI to the beautiful deHavilland DH88 Comet pictured above. The highlight of the museum is the opportunity to witness these remarkable machines take flight during scheduled flying displays. Perhaps have a look through the Shuttleworth website (https://www.shuttleworth.org/) and see if there are any events that coincide with your visit. Nothing compares to seeing these beautifully restored aircraft soaring through the skies, evoking a sense of nostalgia and wonder.
In addition to the aircraft, the Shuttleworth Collection features a delightful Swiss Garden, where you can stroll through beautiful landscapes and explore various themed areas. (https://www.shuttleworth.org/explore/#garden) The tranquil setting is perfect for a leisurely walk or a picnic amidst nature. The adjacent Shuttleworth House offers a glimpse into the rich history of the Shuttleworth family and their connection to aviation.
A short distance away from the Shuttleworth Collection lies the Imperial War Museum Duxford. Known as one of the world's foremost aviation museums, Duxford showcases an extensive range of aircraft, military vehicles, and artefacts spanning various periods of aviation history. The museum boasts an incredible collection (https://shorturl.at/ksM49) , including iconic aircraft like the Spitfire, Lancaster Bomber, and Concorde although there are often visiting warbirds flying in and out too. You can explore meticulously restored hangars, learn about the brave men and women who served in the air forces, and even climb aboard some of the planes for an immersive experience.
Many of these pieces of airborne history are housed in the architectural marvel that is the American Airforce Museum. The lead up to the entry is flanked by a long series of glass panels on which every single lost aircraft of WWii is etched individually, which gives us some idea of the actual scale of the sacrifice made by so many brave men.
Duxford offers more than just static displays. The museum frequently hosts air shows and special events, where you can witness thrilling aerial displays by skilled pilots in both vintage and contemporary aircraft. The roar of engines and the sight of aircraft looping and soaring through the air will leave you awestruck.
Both the Shuttleworth Collection and Duxford provide unique experiences for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The opportunity to see these magnificent aircraft up close, learn about their stories, and witness them in action is truly remarkable. So, prepare for an unforgettable day filled with aviation marvels and take a journey through time at these two extraordinary destinations.
NB - These two destinations can be done together in one day or you could choose to spend the entire day at one or other. In fact we can retain flexibility on days that there are no big events (since there is less ticket demand) and decide 'on the fly' (ho ho) whether to stay at the first or move on to the other. We can visit them in either order.