Selected Dates
IWM Duxford
£350
N3200 is a special aircraft. This combat veteran Mk I Spitfire flew with 19 Squadron from RAF Duxford and was lost in 1940 on the day the Dunkirk evacuation began. Shot down and crash landing on the beach, it sank into the sand and remained there for over 45 years.
After being recovered and restored to flying condition, N3200 is now based at the airfield which it operated from in 1940, here at IWM Duxford.
Sit in our Spitfire
Enjoy an in-depth, two-hour encounter with N3200 in our VIP experience, which allows for an extended sit in the cockpit and the opportunity to return to the pilot’s seat following your talk.
You’ll be shown the controls, moving the control surfaces with the control column and pedals. Then close the Spitfire's canopy, immersing yourself in the cockpit experienced by the pilots of Fighter Command over 80 years ago.
Expand your knowledge
Your personal IWM expert guide will talk you through the history of this iconic aircraft, including the Spitfire’s starring role in the Battle of Britain and its close association with Duxford since 1938. Get to grips with exactly how this much-admired warbird became the symbol of British defiance in the air.
Exclusive to this experience, a number of panels will be removed to allow close-up access to the engine and gun bays. Also available for inspection will be a variety of parts from N3200 that weren’t used in the restoration to flight and have never been on public display, including the original engine that powered N3200 on the day it was shot down.
Take home an exclusive gift
Main ticket holders will take home an exclusive limited edition gift to commemorate their VIP Spitfire experience.
The experience takes place in Hangar 4, XIX Squadron’s 1940 home. Admission to IWM Duxford is included for the main ticket holder plus two guests, so your whole group can explore the museum after your experience and enjoy the private talk.
Please note that gifts change on a seasonal basis to ensure exclusivity and may not match the gift pictured.
Ticket includes:
“Now the take-off. Throttle right forward, stick central, ease her off the ground. Back with the throttle to normal boost. And now up with the wheels. The leader looks round to see if the rest of his section are with him. One is lagging a bit and he’s told briskly on the radio telephone to close up. And then they climb up to patrol height.”
- Two hour VIP Spitfire experience
- Admission to IWM Duxford for the main ticket holder plus up to two guests
- Extended sit in the cockpit of Spitfire N3200 and opportunity to close the hood
- Private talk from an IWM expert and explanation of the inside of the cockpit
- Tour of the aircraft with panels removed, allowing close-up access to the engine and gun bays
- Access to a selection of original pieces that weren't used in restoration and have never been on public display, including the original engine
- Opportunity to return to the pilot’s seat after your talk
- Mounted limited edition gift of N3200 in flight
- Free Duxford pin badge
- 10% discount in IWM shop
Important information
- Access to the inside of the Spitfire is limited due to the nature of the aircraft.
- To access the cockpit, you must be physically fit to be able to climb via a step onto the wing and then into the cockpit.
- If your Guide feels it is not safe or possible for you to access the cockpit of the Spitfire, then we reserve the right to refuse access.
- Customers who have a concern regarding their ability to access the aircraft should contact us in advance to discuss their needs.
- Please note that although guests are welcome to join for the private talk, only the main ticket holder will gain access to the cockpit.
- Ticket includes free entry to IWM Duxford for the main ticket holder and up to two guests. Additional guests beyond this number are welcome to join but must purchase an admission ticket to IWM Duxford in advance.
- Tickets must be purchased in advance; they are not available to purchase on the day.
- Although the VIP Spitfire experience is primarily aimed at an adult audience, we are happy to allow children aged 12 and over to participate. All children must be accompanied by an adult.