Help me plan a trip

The enquirer’s interest does not appear to be confined to WWII aircraft, so am sure the Wyvern would be of interest…………

Planemike

I would definitely go to Yeovilton: where in the UK can one see an Albacore, two Fireflies, a Fulmar and a British Corsair?
(and although not WW II, the unique Wyvern is a treat too:)
Highly recommended !!

Aerovet

There are sections of Whitley at MAM so thats in the time scale emntioned,however I second the comment about the members of staff, they were brilliant and I learned a lot from them, they are true enthusiasts with a depth of knowledge not often found.

If you can obtain a copy of Wrecks and Relics that gives a full run down of all UK museums and their contents.

A new issue is due to be published in May/June this year. It doesn’t have just museums, but includes very small collections, even single airframes.
Edgar

Ok, Being pedantic the MAM does actually have a 1939-45 airframe – the incomplete Flettner Fl.282 Kolibri helicopter. Additionally the Slingsby Cadet glider dates from (I think) 1943 and one could, at a push, include the Gloster Meteor F.4??

Roger Smith.

Call me old-fashioned, but if somebody asks for a tour of the UK looking at 1939-45 aircraft I wouldn’t send him to Blenheim Palace even if the staff offered to strip off and dance naked for him whilst stuffing his pockets with five pound notes.

I direct him to places where he can see 1939-45 aircraft and history.

Moggy

I think mostly because the OP had said his interest was in WW2 aircraft and it’s a bit of a struggle to find even one relevant airframe at the MAM

Moggy

Then again the folk there are so helpful and keen, they may pop open a cockpit or two to let you sit a while, when I went up there with my son, we had a good 45 mins in the Vulcan, then onto the Argosy and then the F-104, not WW2 but as the young folk say these days, OMG !! and F-104 cockpit… worth the drive for that alone.

Never mind all these bits of (sometime) airborne ironmongery (or alumini-mongery). Never mind the stone, or metal, memorials. Just treat them both with the respect they deserve.
Find yourself one of the now ageing persons (both male and female) who were there at the time – and did the bizz. You will learn more from 10 minutes (or – if you’re lucky, half an hour!) with someone like that either over a cup of coffee, or a pint, than you will ever learn just by looking at exhibits in a museum, or airfield museum!
In my case it was being able to talk to a Sqn Ldr (of S African origin) who wore an “O” Brevet and Pathfinders “Wings”, and who walked with a limp, who really gave me an insight into what it was really like to go and do “the bizz”!!! Quite frightening! Or, are you not prepared to be frightened?
Respectfully, and in respect for those went to do – but never came back!!!
Resmoroh

Also include Hawkinge BoB museum and the memorial at Capel le Ferne.

I think mostly because the OP had said his interest was in WW2 aircraft and it’s a bit of a struggle to find even one relevant airframe at the MAM

Moggy

If slotting in Cosford, then why not add the Midland Air Museum @ Coventry too – only approx 30 miles apart? 🙂

You can reach the DH Museum via main line train, and then Bus if need be.

Bruce

Also, though not reachable by tube, the DH Aircraft Museum at London Colney.

possibly via Salisbury Hall

😉

London Museums

Both TonyT and Moggy listed the IWM and RAFM in London – don’t forget the Science Museum there too. Also, though not reachable by tube, the DH Aircraft Museum at London Colney.

Re the excellent suggestion of “Wrecks and Relics” the UK aircraft mags do a comprehensive list of museums once a year (fairly recently) that has admission offers as well.

Roger Smith

I would seriously recommend Elvington and Newark but I guess it’s a bit much of a trek from London

London Day:

Hendon RAF Museum. If you clear that before the end of the day IWM Lambeth

W Midlands Day

Cosford. Travel to Bedfordshire

Beds Day

Old Warden / Shuttleworth. Any time left? Harrington Carpetbaggers Museum

East Anglia Day 1

Newark then Methringham and Coningsby

Day 2

East Kirkby then travel to Duxford staying at the Red Lion

Day 3

Duxford then head back to London possibly via Salisbury Hall

Moggy

Cosford Museum you could combine that with a day out to The BBMF at RAF Coningsby,

Even allowing for the use of a car do not think it would be practical to cover Cosford and Coningsby in one day. Would be at least a two hour drive from one to the other. Could combine Cosford with trip to Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry: contains about 20 a/c including a Shackleton.

If you can obtain a copy of Wrecks and Relics that gives a full run down of all UK museums and their contents.

This might help too………http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/mus/uk/ukmus-home.htm

My personal list would also include Solent Sky at Southampton, AAC Museum at Middle Wallop and of course FAA Museum at Yeovilton

Planemike

Trip Planning

Brooklands…….

I know I’m biased but TonyT did mention Newark Air Museum as well! 😀

Imperial war museum
RAF Museum

All in London and accessible via the tube

Duxford near Cambridge

Cosford Museum you could combine that with a day out to The BBMF at RAF Coningsby, have a guided tour down the side of the Hangar showing the fleet, see Typhoons flying and you would pass Newark museum as well as the end of Cranwells runway. There is a link to cosfords website off the Duxford one.

Fleet Air Arm Museum