Introducing Duxford Tour
Talks & Tours, IWM Duxford
IWM Duxford celebrates the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in style with The Jubilee Air Show on Sunday 27 May. Here we look back at some of the significant Royal visits to RAF Duxford.
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visit 12 Group at RAF Duxford to decorate Battle of Britain airmen.
The fly-past at RAF Duxford on the occasion of King George V's Jubilee Review of the RAF. No. 19 Squadron gave a special display during the Review.
Tables set out for a formal lunch in one of Duxford's hangars on the occasion of King George V's Jubilee Review of the RAF.
HM King George VI and Queen Elizabeth are greeted by Brigadier Frank Hunter and Major General Ira Eaker of the 8th US Army Air Forces. RAF Duxford was handed over to the American forces in June 1943.
HM King George VI and Queen Elizabeth inspect the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt of the 78th Fighter Group during their visit to RAF Duxford.
The Queen and Princess Elizabeth talk to a camouflaged sniper during a visit to Airborne Forces. Princess Elizabeth carried out her first public engagement in 1943 aged 16. She accompanied the King and Queen on many of their tours around the UK.
Princess Elizabeth watching parachutists dropping in preparation for the Normandy Landings. On her visit to Airborne Forces in May 1944, Princess Elizabeth met airborne troops who would play a key role in the operation.
Princess Elizabeth (centre) with officers of the ATS Training Centre. Princess Elizabeth joined the ATS in 1945 at the age of 19. Her father was initially against her undertaking national service. However, Elizabeth persuaded him to change his mind.
After joining the ATS, Princess Elizabeth trained as a driver and mechanic with the rank of Second Subaltern. Five months later she was promoted to Junior Commander, which was the equivalent of Captain.
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth with Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, and Winston Churchill, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. On VE day, the Royal Family appeared on the balcony at Buckingham Palace to acknowledge the crowds celebrating below.
KS1-2
60 mins
A practical activity where children learn about the different parts of an aeroplane and their purpose. Children then assemble a large-scale wooden 'sit-in' model, which requires a brave pilot to test.

KS1
60 mins
Explore change and continuity through the different generations of the ‘Change’ family. Children handle artefacts that would have been used by different family members. This activity works best with an adult to each small group of children.

KS1-2
60 mins
Come and find out how things fly. We use simple materials and flying models to demonstrate the main forces governing flight. Children join in with hands-on activities. The level and detail is tailored to each group, and a follow-up pack is provided.

KS1
60 mins
Find out about buoyancy through the story of Archimedes in the bath. Have fun with a range of lighter-than-air craft whilst learning about flight before aeroplanes.

KS1
60 mins
Considering a range of materials, children think about generic names such as 'ceramics', and examine their properties and how these have been changed from their natural state.

KS1 (Yr 2), KS2
90 mins
Join in our poignant remembrance activities during a special week in November. Children explore the reasons why people go to war and why we should remember. They also learn about memorials and examine some of ours on-site.

KS1
60 mins
Have fun sorting old and new toys into two sets, explaining similarities and differences. Then explore books and play with additional toys and games to develop further skills. This activity works best with an adult to each small group of children.

KS1
60 mins
Children investigate vehicles such as bicycles, motorcycles, jeeps and trucks, plus aircraft and helicopters, and then spot the similarities and differences. All this takes place in our inspirational AirSpace exhibition.

IWM Duxford is located at a historic fighter station and houses many of the larger exhibits in IWM's collection, including aircraft, land vehicles and maritime craft. It provides a unique historic environment in which to explore a range of subject areas for different ages.
A visit to IWM Duxford can support National Curriculum Programmes of Study for Literacy, Numeracy, History, Design, Technology, Engineering, Art, Science, R.E, PSHE and Citizenship at all key stages, as well as broader topics such as Flight and Transport. A visit can also support post-16 programmes and adult education courses.
We welcome whole year groups and are happy to discuss any cross-curricular requirements.
Choose from stimulating hands-on workshops, illustrated talks, tours, role-play scenarios and special events.
Wherever possible we use artefacts and other primary sources of evidence to stimulate interest in the subject and to extend key skills.
Talks & Tours, IWM Duxford
Talks & Tours, IWM Duxford
Talks & Tours, IWM Duxford
Family events, IWM Duxford
Air Shows, IWM Duxford
Family events, IWM Duxford
Talks & Tours, IWM Duxford

From the World Wars to the Cold War, IWM gives teachers and students in UK schools everything they need to explore the course, causes and consequences of conflict from the First World War to today.
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