September 25, 2012 at 8:47 am
Vulcan XL426 will be open to the public at our next Visit the Vulcan day on Sunday 30 September 2012.

Visitors will be able to get close-up to XL426 and talk to the volunteers who look after her.

There will also be the chance to climb inside the Vulcan’s cockpit to see at first hand the cramped conditions in which the Vulcan’s five man crew had to work.

Gates open at 10.00 a.m. and last admission is at 4.00 p.m. Tickets are available on the gate and cost £2.50 for adults with children under-16 admitted free. Please note that there is an additional fee of £2.50 per person (including children) for cockpit visits. The Vulcan’s cockpit is small so visits are subject to availability. Cockpit visits take place at 15 minute intervals and timed visit tickets can be purchased on the day to avoid having to queue. Admission for VRT Members carrying a current membership card is free.
VRT Members are also entitled to a free cockpit visit. We regret that no pets can be admitted to our Visit the Vulcan days because of airport regulations. Assistance dogs are permitted.
We will be starting XL426’s Airborne Auxiliary Power Plant (AAPP) at 1.00 p.m. to demonstrate the movement of the Vulcan’s flying control surfaces. The cockpit will be closed to visitors for approximately 30 to 45 minutes for the period prior to, during and immediately after the AAPP run.
A selection of Vulcan souvenirs and memorabilia will be on sale from our stand. Teas, coffees, alcoholic beverages and lunches will be available throughout the day from the Lancaster Bar & Restaurant which is situated next to the Vulcan.
Visitors are strongly encouraged to arrive by train. London Southend Airport station is only two minutes walk from XL426 and is served by frequent trains on the London Liverpool Street to Southend Victoria line. Those arriving by car can park in the airport’s short stay car park which is situated by the new passenger terminal. Please note that there is a charge for parking. The short stay car park is situated approximately two to four minutes walk from XL426.

Our Visit the Vulcan days are a vital part of our ongoing fund raising to help preserve Southend’s Vulcan and we would like to thank the management and staff at London Southend Airport for their help in making possible public access to XL426.
By: WJ244 - 2nd October 2012 at 09:50
I couldn’t manage the cockpit ladder due to my knee problems but had a good wander around underneath and was there for the APU run. The sheer amount of work you have put into XL426 is unbelievable and you all have my respect and admiration for your devotion. Look forward to the day when she moves under her own power again.
By: WJ244 - 2nd October 2012 at 09:50
I couldn’t manage the cockpit ladder due to my knee problems but had a good wander around underneath and was there for the APU run. The sheer amount of work you have put into XL426 is unbelievable and you all have my respect and admiration for your devotion. Look forward to the day when she moves under her own power again.
By: cometguymk1 - 1st October 2012 at 22:16
Really enjoyed when my farther and I visited when learning to drive. Was very odd going from a Citroen C3 to a Vulcan’s drivers seat
By: cometguymk1 - 1st October 2012 at 22:16
Really enjoyed when my farther and I visited when learning to drive. Was very odd going from a Citroen C3 to a Vulcan’s drivers seat
By: rgb - 1st October 2012 at 11:25
Me, My Dad, and my 7 year old son went and we had a fantastic day, so thank you very much for opening it up!
My son has drawn a picture of the vulcan to take into school today, and has not stopped telling everyone about going up into the cockpit/navigators area. He loved it, and we all had a brilliant time, and we will be back!
By: rgb - 1st October 2012 at 11:25
Me, My Dad, and my 7 year old son went and we had a fantastic day, so thank you very much for opening it up!
My son has drawn a picture of the vulcan to take into school today, and has not stopped telling everyone about going up into the cockpit/navigators area. He loved it, and we all had a brilliant time, and we will be back!
By: AlanR - 25th September 2012 at 22:42
I hope the weather is favourable.
By: AlanR - 25th September 2012 at 22:42
I hope the weather is favourable.