RAF Coningsby, on the B1192 south of Horncastle, Lincolnshire. About half a mile from Coningsby…read morevillage, 13 miles north-east of Sleaford on the A153. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight operates a Lancaster, five Spitfires, two Hurricanes, two Chipmunks, and a Dakota. In 1986, it became possible to view these historic aircraft, at their base at RAF Coningsby. In the years immediately following World War Two it became traditional for a Spitfire and Hurricane to lead the Victory Day flypast over London . From that event there grew the idea to form an historic collection of flyable aircraft, initially to commemorate the RAF's major battle honour. Since it began in 1957, the aircrew on the Flight have been drawn from volunteers who maintain the 12 historic aircraft both at Coningsby and out on the display circuit. Visitors are led on a guided tour around the BBMF hangar by knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteer guides, who give freely of their time and who, in many cases, have first hand experience of the aircraft Entry to the exhibition centre, souvenir shop and car park is free; there is a small charge for guided tours of the hangar, with special rates for groups Well stocked shop offering an extensive range of aviation gifts. There is a permanent exhibition gallery exploring Lincolnshire's links with the RAF plus regular programme of temporary exhibitions. Open Monday to Friday 10.00am - 5.00pm Guided tours of the hangar from 10.30am - 3.30pm (3.00pm November - February) but of course in show season they cannot guarantee certain planes will be there. You will see them flying somewhere though. These are REAL planes folkand I love 'em!

An interesting hour spent studying all sorts of scientific instruments from Babbage's difference…read moreengine, hand held calculators and a cool section of hands on experiments and instruments for kids.

Museum has been established in the late 19th century. Most of it's specimen have been collected…read moreover this period. Specimen are displayed in two galleries. There are specimens from C. Darwin's famous 'Beagle' voyage. As well, as Finback Whale sceleton, which has been moved to museum from a different place at the end of 20th century. This whale is huge!! And I mean it. It is the second biggest whale on this planet. I don't think I would ever like to see it alive in front of me.... The other great thing - you can hire a gallery for a special event. From what I saw, I would say it can fit around 200 people. Red wine lovers should remember to think of other alternatives or have their red wine before coming to gallery, as red wine is not permitted on site.

The industrial revolution and the subsequent development of the British economy relied on the…read morepresence of a number of basic raw materials, notably coal and iron ore. The history of coal production in Britain is now widely recorded and recreated in a number of dedicated industrial museums located across England, Wales and Scotland, often located in the heartlands of the former coalfields. Given that interest, it is therefore surprising that so little is recorded and that there are so few ways of investigating the story of the other great industrial mineral resource, iron ore.

This is an amazing 2 story museum with all kinds of artifacts from old wedgewood to Egypt's tomb…read moreand artifacts Teapots and tea cups old coins to everything in between. 2 nd floor loads of paintings to look at. Entry is free which is always a plus.

The Fitzwilliam Museum offers a well rounded and varied collection. It is sure to please most…read moremuseum visitors regardless of interests. If you're a fan of the work of Georges-Pierre Seurat, you're sure to enjoy the 1884 Neo-Impressionism painting, "The Couple" (original title: Un dimanche après-midi sur l'île de la Grande Jatte). Does it somehow look familiar? This was a study for A Sunday on the Island of la Grande Jatte! "This work is one of many that Georges-Pierre Seurat made in preparation for a much larger painting. The woman's stiff posture is accentuated by her tightly buttoned jacket and the exaggerated bustle of her skirt, which echoes the curve of her parasol. Given that the area of Paris depicted here was known for prostitution, it has been suggested that the woman is a sex worker on the arm of a male client." Give yourself several hours if you plan to take in the entire collection. If you are fortunate enough to live nearby and can visit often, take your time and you're sure to fall in love with one of the many wonderfully curated items found within the museum walls.

What a great experiential aircraft visit in a historically significant place. The displays span the…read morecentury including spitfires, P-51's, B-52's, A-10's, SR-71, U2, and commercial aircraft like the SST. Two major display building with several hangars of planes WW2 operational planes or in process of being restored. For you yanks, this on the quality of the Smithsonian Aircraft exhibit in DC, with out all the outer space stuff.

It had been years since my last visit to Duxford. A Christmas present of tickets and an In the…read moreCockpit Spitfire Experience made a return visit a 'must do'. On arrival, and wandering around, I immediately noticed so many changes. More outlets throughout the grounds for refreshments. Prices are more than reasonable and the food very fresh having been made on site. My last visit there was only one restaurant. Also, it may sound silly, but many more toilet facilities. All a very big plus to this wonderful museum. We decided to start our visit in the Land Based War area at the very furthest point on the runway. Although there is a bus service we decided to slowly stroll the 15 minutes. This idea worked out perfectly as we finished our visit in the main hangar near the exit, tired, but having visited every area on our way back. The whole experience was an education and extremely enjoyable. The aircraft are an impressive display and the planning in setting out these huge vehicles in such small spaces incredible. This, especially, in the American hangar. Seeing the old passenger planes on the runway brought back memories of DanAir, BEA, BOAC, Monarch......all planes and companies I have flown with. Finally, my Spitfire experience was outstanding. An informative talk for 20 minutes before climbing into the cockpit of N3200. Still wonder how those pilots in flight jackets, boots and parachute managed to even move. Shown all the controls in a hands on way. It was so interesting, A fabulous day out and a would definitely advise a visit of a few hours.

The collection holds many geological samples collected by Charles Darwin on his voyage of the…read moreBeagle. Quite a few display cases hold personal effects such as equipment and notebooks from the voyage. As for the rest of the museum's collection, most of the rock samples are from the UK, but the most special for me were the Burgess Shale pieces; here the visitor can get a very close view which is a problem at other museums.

This is a lovely museum. It is full of fossils and alike…read more They run lots of events for children. They are also Very child friendly and dont mind excited children. Its also free.

This is a fantastic place! First of all, it's FREE, and the…read moreorganise great days for kids. It's really interesting for young & old, and well worth a visit.

I had fantastic couple of hours spent here and all for free. A realy intersting place both for…read moreadults and children alike. It has a realy nice garden area with very friendly helpfull staff and should be far better advertised. I don`t think anyone would argue that even if they charged a couple of quid that this wouldn`t be extremely good value for money.

Fantastic place to visit. Great collection and well presented art as well. Don't miss any floor.read more

The Imperial war museum in Cambridge Duxford is a wonderful place to visit…read more Located at an old airfield with many hangers and buildings ready to show off pieces of history and modern technology from throughout the years of arial warfare. Many planes from all around the world are housed here. They have concorde and lots of planes from years gone by. The museum is very good at showing you military planes from the modern Tornado back to the old spitfires. So really a good jump through time. You can also other bits and bobs too here, all mainly based around aircraft. They do also have other planes which are non military too just to help show the evolution of planes through the years. Its a very big place and you do spend a while outside walking between hangers. If its windy you will certainly know it especially near the runways, where it is just pure open space. The wind really does blow around the area. Not to good if its raining also, which can be a bit of a pain with all the outside walking. But with this aside its a great day out to look at history and how things have changed.

Newstead Abbey Museum in Nottingham is an absolutely outstanding place to visit and easily one of…read morethe most memorable heritage attractions I have been to. From the moment you arrive the setting alone is breathtaking. The abbey is surrounded by beautiful grounds lakes and woodland that instantly make you feel calm and immersed in history before you even step inside. It is the kind of place where you want to take your time explore slowly and really soak everything in. The museum itself is fascinating and exceptionally well presented. The history of the abbey is rich and layered from its origins as an Augustinian priory to its later life as the ancestral home of Lord Byron. Each room feels thoughtfully curated and full of character with original features artworks furniture and displays that genuinely bring the past to life. The storytelling throughout the museum is engaging and easy to follow whether you are already interested in history or just curious to learn something new. What truly sets Newstead Abbey apart however is the staff. Every single member of the team I encountered was incredibly helpful friendly and welcoming. They go above and beyond to make visitors feel comfortable and informed. Their knowledge is genuinely impressive and it is clear they are passionate about the abbey and its history. Questions are answered with enthusiasm and depth and conversations never feel rushed. Their insights added so much to the visit and made the experience feel personal rather than just observational. The atmosphere throughout the museum is warm and inviting and there is a real sense of pride from the people who work there. It feels like a place that is deeply cared for and respected. Even on a busy day the experience felt relaxed and well managed with plenty of space to explore at your own pace. Outside the abbey the grounds are just as impressive. The gardens are beautifully maintained and offer stunning views at every turn. Whether you are interested in photography a peaceful walk or simply sitting and enjoying the scenery there is something for everyone. It is easy to spend several hours here without feeling like you have run out of things to do. Overall Newstead Abbey Museum is a must visit in Nottingham. It combines history beauty and outstanding hospitality in a way that few places manage to achieve. Thanks to the knowledgeable friendly and genuinely kind staff this is not just a museum but an experience that stays with you long after you leave. I would highly recommend it to locals tourists families and anyone with even a slight interest in history or culture. I will definitely be returning.

http://www.newsteadabbey.org.uk/…read more Yet another near-derelict former-country-pile-former-Abbey in Nottinghamshire!! Once home to George Gordon "Lord" B. and all his excesses and eccentricities, this bohemian pile in its glorious grounds is a wonderful place to visit. Look around the house, wander around the beautifully landscaped gardens, eat, get married, or just play a ball game in the grounds. [The horses are no longer allowed inside though! ;) ]