IWM Duxford (the Imperial War Museum Duxford) is the largest aviation museum in Britain. Located near Cambridge, it is housed on a historic airfield that played a key role in both world wars. The site is home to an extensive collection of aircraft, military vehicles and exhibitions covering over a century of aviation history.
Duxford was first used as a military airfield during the First World War. In the Second World War, it became a key fighter station, playing a significant role in the Battle of Britain. The site remained in military use until 1961, when it was closed by the RAF. In 1969, the Imperial War Museum took over part of the airfield, and it has since developed into a major aviation museum. The site is still an active airfield, hosting air shows and flying displays throughout the year.
The museum highlights the role of aviation in warfare and explores how air power has shaped modern conflicts. Its exhibitions cover a broad range of subjects, from the development of early aircraft to Cold War-era jets. The site’s historic airfield setting provides context for the aircraft on display, many of which are housed in original hangars.
![The Imperial War Museum at Duxford is Britain’s largest aviation museum. (Photo: Paul Hudson [CC BY-SA 2.0])](https://englandrover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/iwm-duxford-plane.jpg)
What to see at IWM Duxford
IWM Duxford is home to several large exhibition spaces, each focusing on different aspects of aviation history. The AirSpace hangar displays British and Commonwealth aircraft, including a Concorde and a Lancaster bomber. The American Air Museum houses aircraft used by the United States, such as the B-52 Stratofortress and the SR-71 Blackbird.
The Battle of Britain exhibition explores the airfield’s role during the conflict, with displays featuring Spitfires and Hurricanes. The Land Warfare Hall includes military vehicles and artillery, covering conflicts from the First World War to the present day. Many aircraft in the museum are still airworthy, and visitors can often see restoration work taking place in the Conservation in Action hangar.
![A Cierva C30A Autogiro used by the RAF to check radar settings during the Second World War at IWM Duxford near Cambridge, Cambridgeshire (Photo: Michael Garlick [CC BY-SA 2.0])](https://englandrover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/iwm-duxford-1280x853.jpg)
Visiting IWM Duxford
IWM Duxford is near Duxford, 14.5km (9 miles) south of Cambridge, just off junction 10 of the M11 motorway.
It is best visited if you’re driving as it is only served by public transport on Sundays and that bus route is not particularly frequent.
The museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm, except for 24–26 December. Last entry is one hour before closing. Ticket prices vary, with discounts available for children, seniors and families. Additional charges apply for some events and air shows.
There is a lot to see at IWM Duxford and you’re recommended to allow at least half a day for your visit.
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