Museums

RAF Museum - A FREE, FUN, FANTASTIC DAY OUT FOR EVERYONE

Website RAF Museum

Details

This year, wing your way over to the Royal Air Force Museum for a free, fun day out.

The Royal Air Force Museum is Britain’s only national Museum dedicated wholly to aviation. With a world-class collection and display of aircraft, integrated with special exhibitions, films, interactives, artwork, engines, missiles, photographs, uniforms, medals and research and education facilities, the Museum takes an innovative approach while keeping with tradition.

While offering a detailed insight into aviation technology, it also focuses on the people who made it possible – from daredevil early aviators, through wartime heroes, to the thousands of ordinary Service men and women whose contribution shapes the world we live in today.

The Museum occupies two public sites at London, and Cosford, Shropshire. Each site offers a unique experience to the visitor and the exhibits compliment each other in terms of the history they project. Both Museums tell the story of aviation from the early bi-planes to the new strike-jets.

The London site is situated on what used to be RAF Hendon. It holds over 100 aircraft in 5 aircraft themed aircraft hall. Other exhibits include missiles, paintings, film shows, medals and uniforms. Be sure to see the Milestones of Flight gallery, with its suspended aircraft, interactive plinths and time-line wall.

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, is acknowledged as one of the top public attractions in the Midlands. The Visitor Centre, which includes a restaurant and souvenir shop, is a perfect take-off point for a tour of the Museum, including the wartime hangars in which many of the aircraft are housed - a number of them the only remaining examples in the world.

The magnificent National Cold War Exhibition, a stunning new hall focusing on the Cold War story from national, international and social/political as well as cultural perspectives. This permanent exhibition hall tells the exciting story of the Cold War years with exhibits including suspended aircraft, military tanks, interactives, films, and more. Learn about what life was like behind the iron curtain!

We also hold exciting events at both sites. This year events include Veterans day, D-Day celebrations, Battle of Britain weekend and a Roald Dahl birthday weekend. For more details you can click on to www.rafmuseum.org or call one of the numbers below and speak to a member of staff who will be glad to help you. So book a day out to remember at one of the Royal Air Force Museum sites.

Royal Air Force Museum, Hendon
Grahame Park Way,
London NW9 5LL
020 8205 2266

Royal Air Museum, Cosford
Cosford, Shifnal
Shropshire TF11 8UP
0870 606 2027

Remarks Visit the website for details

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. He would not permit his artificial limbs to deter him and soon showed himself to be a courageous pilot and a fine leader.
By June 1940 Belgium, Holland and France had fallen to the German forces and the conquest of Britain was their next objective. Duxford was placed in a high state of readiness and to create space for additional units at Duxford, 19 Squadron moved to nearby Fowlmere. Then came the start of Hitler's attempt to dominate the skies over Britain as a prelude to the subjugation of Britain.

The period of intense air fighting that followed has become known as the Battle of Britain. Duxford's first Hurricanes arrived in July with the formation of No.310 Squadron, made up of Czechoslovakian pilots who had escaped from France. At the end of August the Air Officer Commanding 12 Group, Air-Vice Marshal Trafford Leigh-Mallory, ordered the Hurricanes of 242 Squadron, now commanded by Douglas Bader, down from Coltishall to join 19 and 310 Squadrons on daily standby at Duxford. Leigh-Mallory was impressed with the performance of 19 and 310 Squadrons and authorised Bader to lead 242, 19 and 310 operating together as a Wing. On 9 September the Duxford squadrons successfully intercepted and turned back a large force of German bombers before they reached their target. On the strength of this two more squadrons were added to the Wing, No.302 (Polish) Squadron with Hurricanes, and the Spitfires of No.611 Auxiliary Squadron which had mobilised at Duxford a year before.
Every day some sixty Spitfires and Hurricanes were dispersed around Duxford and Fowlmere. Bader's 'Big Wing', now known more formally as 12 Group Wing, was ready for action by 15 September 1940, which became known as 'Battle of Britain Day'. On this historic day they twice took to the air to repulse Luftwaffe attacks aimed at London. RAF fighter Command was successful, the threat of invasion passed and Duxford's squadrons had played a vital role in the victory.

Duxford for Air Shows, Special Events, Family Activities, Lectures and Special Interest days.

Imperial War Museum
Duxford
Cambridgeshire
CB22 4QR

Telephone: +44 (0)1223 835 000

British Vintage Wireless and Television Museum
`Website`	British Vintage Wireless and Television Museum
`Details`	The Museum is open by appointment only. Please phone in advance if you wish to visit, to arrange an appointment and request address details and directions. There is no admission charge, but donations towards the running costs are gratefully received. British Vintage Wireless and Television Museum West Dulwich, London Telephone 020 8670 3667
`Remarks`	Visit the website for details

Sherlock Holmes Museum
`Website`	221b Baker Street
`Details`	The world's most famous address. Sherlock Holmes and Doctor John H. Watson lived at 221b Baker Street between 1881-1904, according to the stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The house was last used as a lodging house in 1936 and the famous 1st floor study overlooking Baker Street is still faithfully maintained as it was kept in Victorian Times.
`Remarks`	Visit the website for details

Imperial War Museum Duxford
`Website`	Duxford
`Details`	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. He would not permit his artificial limbs to deter him and soon showed himself to be a courageous pilot and a fine leader. By June 1940 Belgium, Holland and France had fallen to the German forces and the conquest of Britain was their next objective. Duxford was placed in a high state of readiness and to create space for additional units at Duxford, 19 Squadron moved to nearby Fowlmere. Then came the start of Hitler's attempt to dominate the skies over Britain as a prelude to the subjugation of Britain. The period of intense air fighting that followed has become known as the Battle of Britain. Duxford's first Hurricanes arrived in July with the formation of No.310 Squadron, made up of Czechoslovakian pilots who had escaped from France. At the end of August the Air Officer Commanding 12 Group, Air-Vice Marshal Trafford Leigh-Mallory, ordered the Hurricanes of 242 Squadron, now commanded by Douglas Bader, down from Coltishall to join 19 and 310 Squadrons on daily standby at Duxford. Leigh-Mallory was impressed with the performance of 19 and 310 Squadrons and authorised Bader to lead 242, 19 and 310 operating together as a Wing. On 9 September the Duxford squadrons successfully intercepted and turned back a large force of German bombers before they reached their target. On the strength of this two more squadrons were added to the Wing, No.302 (Polish) Squadron with Hurricanes, and the Spitfires of No.611 Auxiliary Squadron which had mobilised at Duxford a year before. Every day some sixty Spitfires and Hurricanes were dispersed around Duxford and Fowlmere. Bader's 'Big Wing', now known more formally as 12 Group Wing, was ready for action by 15 September 1940, which became known as 'Battle of Britain Day'. On this historic day they twice took to the air to repulse Luftwaffe attacks aimed at London. RAF fighter Command was successful, the threat of invasion passed and Duxford's squadrons had played a vital role in the victory. Duxford for Air Shows, Special Events, Family Activities, Lectures and Special Interest days. Imperial War Museum Duxford Cambridgeshire CB22 4QR Telephone: +44 (0)1223 835 000
`Remarks`	Visit the website for details

Bletchley Park Museum - the Enigma machine and code breakers of WWII
`Website`	Bletchley Park Museum
`Details`	Seeing one of our Enigma Machines, including the rare 'Abwehr G312', is undoubtedly a highlight of a busy day out at Bletchley Park, but there is much more than machines in a visit to the historic site. Check out the tales of spies and strategic deception. You may even be the one to discover the map to genius mathematician Alan Turing's silver, supposedly buried in or near Bletchley Park. There are more than enough different activities and exhibitions to occupy most families for a whole day, from wartime toys to working computers. There's a wartime mini cinema and an outstanding Churchill collection. Lively exciting events are held on special days throughout the year. Have a look through the ornate Victorian Mansion that was headquarters to intelligence staff during the War. Wander by the Lake, relax and observe the wildlife. Children can let off steam on our new playground. And there's much much more.. Bletchley Park Ltd The Mansion Bletchley Park Milton Keynes MK3 6EB Telephone: +44 (0) 1908 640404 Bletchley Shop: +44 (0) 1908 272671
`Remarks`	Visit the website for details

The Tank Museum Dorset
`Website`	The Tank Museum
`Details`	The tank was a British invention that changed warfare for ever when it was introduced in World War One – and Bovington has been the home of the tank ever since. From the Somme to Tiananmen Square or D-Day to Desert Storm the tank has played a part in shaping history – and it continues to do so today. At The Tank Museum we bring the history of tanks and tank crew to life… Supported by the world’s best collection of tanks & action packed live displays. The Tank Museum Bovington Dorset BH20 6JG Tel: 01929 405096 Email: info@tankmuseum.org
`Remarks`	Visit the website for details

The Pinball Parlour - sales, hiring our machines and parties at the parlour
`Website`	The Pinball Parlour
`Details`	Located about 75 miles east of London, The Pinball Parlour is the work of two long-time pinball fans, Peter Heath and Pinball Geoff. Peter has been involved with the game for many years, both as part of the Pinball Owners Association and through his Pinballs2Go sales and repair service. Pinball Geoff is a seasoned operator of more than two dozen pinball machines across a variety of sites In the north London area. To contact us regarding sales, hiring our machines, parties at the parlour, or simply to get in touch with us, contact Peter or Geoff. The Pinball Parlour is located at 2 Addington Street, Ramsgate, Kent, CT11 9JL, England and is open weekends 1pm to 6pm. Peter 07973 870544 Geoff 07930 326008
`Remarks`	Visit the website for details

Donald McGill Museum - the king of cartoon style saucy postcards
`Website`	Donald McGill Museum
`Details`	Our museum pays homage to Donald McGill, who spent his life creating comic artworks for the then thriving postcard industry We are located at 15 Union Street, Ryde Isle of Wight PO33 2DU. In the early 1930's cartoon style saucy postcards became widespread and at the peak of their popularity the sale of saucy postcards reached a massive 16 million a year. They were often tacky in nature making use of innuendo and traditionally featured stereotypical characters such as priests, large ladies and put-upon husbands in the same vein as the Carry On films. In the early 1950's, the newly elected Conservative government were concerned at the apparent deterioration of morals in Britain and decided on a crackdown on these postcards. The main target on their hit list was the renowned postcard artist Donald McGill. In the more liberal 1960's the saucy postcard was revived and became to be considered, by some, as an art form. The demise of the saucy postcard occurred during the 1970's and 1980's, the quality of the artwork and humour started to deteriorate with changing attitudes towards the cards content. Despite the decline in popularity of postcards that are overtly saucy, postcards continue to be a significant economic and cultural aspect of British seaside tourism. Sold by newsagents and street vendors as well as by specialist souvenir shops. Modern seaside postcards often feature multiple depiction's of the resort in unusually favourable weather conditions. These continuously draw tourist to the seaside. The use of saturated colour and a general departure from realism have made the postcards of the later twentieth century become collected and desired by undiscriminating taste. Original postcards are now highly sought after and rare examples can command very high prices at auction. Donald created over 12,000 postcards from 1904 till his death in 1962. Telephone: 01983 568 555 e-mail: info@donaldmcgill.info We are located at 15 Union Street, Ryde Isle of Wight PO33 2DU.
`Remarks`	Visit the website for details

Museums details are as follows