Imperial War Museum

Duxford retains its wartime atmosphere and, as many of its aeroplanes still fly, you might even see one take to the air during a visit.

Over 400,000 visitors come to Duxford annually and see biplanes, Spitfires, Concorde and Gulf War jets among the 180 historic aircraft on show.

The aerodrome at Duxford was built during the First World War and was one of the earliest Royal Air Force stations.

By the summer of 1938 No.19 Squadron's reputation was such that it became the first RAF squadron to re-equip with the new Supermarine Spitfire and the first Spitfire was flown into Duxford in August 1938 by Jeffrey Quill, Supermarine's test pilot.

In February 1940 one of the heroes of the Second World War was posted to No.19 Squadron at Duxford. Flying Officer Douglas Bader had lost his legs in an air crash several years earlier and had been discharged from the RAF. Determined to serve his country in the way he knew best, he badgered the RAF until he was allowed to fly again.