Aviation Heritage

This three-night break is perfect for aviation enthusiasts or ideal for those who have a keen interest in aviation and history. Spend a full day at the Shuttleworth and the Imperial War Museum at Duxford. Meet the experts, discover vintage aircraft and veteran vehicles, and explore a historic airfield on this fascinating break.

Your Itinerary

19 March 2027

Make your own way to The Mercure Hotel, Milton Keynes, meeting fellow u3a members at 18:30 for a welcome-drink reception followed by dinner.


20 March 2027

This morning, after breakfast, board the coach for Shuttleworth, home to a collection of vintage aircraft and veteran vehicles. On arrival, there will be a guided tour before meeting the engineers. There will be time at leisure to explore the attraction in addition to an interactive Bofors gun experience and a ride on a vintage bus.


21 March 2027

Today, we visit Duxford, a preserved airfield with historic buildings, to learn all about the Battle of Britain. Duxford still has its original Fighter Command Sector Operations Room, a requirement of the RAF, as Duxford had Squadrons based at a satellite airfield, and a Fighter Controller was needed to manage aircraft interceptions with incoming Luftwaffe raids. On arrival, there will be a 30-minute presentation before visiting the WW2 Fighter Command Sector Operations Room. Afterwards, we walk to Hangar 4 to discover the Supermarine Spitfire N3200. There will be a short break before reconvening to learn all about the characters stationed at Duxford.


22 March 2027

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and make your own way home.