Imperial War Museum Duxford – Flying Season 2023!

We’ve visited the Imperial War Museum at Duxford a few rimes now, both as a regular day trip visitor (which was pretty special) and to see the Duxford Air Shows which are really quite something else! The last one we went to before this past weekend was to close the season last year and we really did have the most tremendous day out but this year, for the opening of the flying season at Duxford, we all unanimously agreed, was EVEN better! Jimmy in particular is into it, he loves military history and is keen on the fashion too – lots of people dress up! Tactical Boots is a good place to start feet up and there are people dressed in military uniforms from all over!

Flying season for 2023 celebrates 50 years of air shows at Duxford and they’ve pulled out all the stops with so much to keep the whole family entertained! For their special 50th anniversary celebrations the September show is the one not to miss with their Battle of Britain show being held on the 15th and 16th of September. That one, like this past weekend, is especially geared up for families with children going free and then, once inside, all the entertainment for little ones covered under the tickets. From rides and face painting, to special hands on exhibitions within the hangers that house the aeroplane museum artefacts all year round!

This past visit Jimmy met up with a friend and with their binoculars in hand got to go off and explore the show independently which they absolutely loved!

Jimmy has a special interest in military history and finds it utterly fascinating being at Duxford. He was so interested in the flying programme and he and his friend had a great time watching planes together.

For the rest of us we just enjoyed soaking up the atmosphere which was jovial and really full of sunshine! Practically there isn’t enough shade at Duxford for a very sunny day and though we managed to bagsy a spot under one of not very many trees, I noticed lots of people had brought SPF beach tents and I’d say that’s a must whatever the weather to provide shade from the sun or shelter from the rain – this is Britain after all!

We made up a day camp in our spot with chairs and our picnic (there’s lots of foodie vendors on hand and the IWM cafe is also excellent – we have eaten there before) and from here we watched the shows in the air (the wing walkers were beyond!) and darted about when we could bare to come out from under the shaded trees to enjoy the fair ground rides and get the little ones faces painted. They had the most enjoyable day, they felt freedom, they didn’t have anyone restricting them on numbers of times they could go on the helter skelter, swing boats, carousel or roundabout and they just had a thoroughly lovely time exploring the hangers, seeing the planes up close and even getting to go aboard one!

The time seemed to evaporate while we were there and though we arrived at 11 (a perfect arrival time) and didn’t leave until half past five, after the finale of the red arrows (who were absolutely spectacular), it felt like we’d been there no time at all. Gram and I said even yesterday, again, what a lovely, lovely day we had at Duxford for the air show… And you know what, Battle of Britain and we might just be back! Check out my Insta reel to see what fun we had!

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If you fancy visiting Duxford this flying season for one of their air shows then check out their website for full details and prices (which vary depending on the show you go to)! They have dates coming up in July, August, September and October so there’s plenty of time to take the family along for a really great day out where anything goes! Dress up, dress down, sit in one spot, move all over and take advantage of everything on offer. The day is whatever you need it to be but do remember sun cream and some shade!

Here’s some of my favourite bits from our visit this past weekend!

We were invited to Duxford as guests of the Imperial War Museum.