Lincolnshire Dambusters

Day 1

We depart home area and after making a suitable refreshment stop we head to Oakham, a classic English market town bustling with shops and cafes. We then continue to our hotel in Lincoln. Time to freshen up before our evening meal.

Day 2

After breakfast we travel to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre in Coningsby for our one hour guided tour where we will be shown around the hangar by guides, many of whom have first-hand experience of the aircraft. Whilst in the hangar, we will be able to observe the RAF BBMF technicians maintaining the aircraft. Out of 7,377 Lancasters built, PA474 is one of only two remaining in airworthy condition. There are 6 Spitfires, 2 hurricanes and 2 chipmunks on display. Afterwards take the opportunity to purchase refreshments in the Tea Bar. Afterwards we visit the delightful town of Horncastle, a hotspot for antiques and artisan shops as well as galleries, award winning coffee houses, restaurants and cosy traditional pubs. There are plenty of delightful individual shops to browse. We return to our hotel for evening meal.

Day 3

This morning, after breakfast, we visit RAF Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre where we explore and learn about the history of the Royal Air Force and its training college. View the exhibits and artefacts related to aviation history and RAF Cranwell’s role in training pilots. Afterwards we visit Sleaford where there are plenty of restaurants, pubs and cafes to obtain lunch before our afternoon guided visit to RAF Metheringham Airfield. Here, we will have time to explore the exhibits that tell the story of the airfield’s role during World War II and its association with 106 Squadron. We return to our hotel for our evening meal.

Day 4

This morning visit Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, Spilsby. We have a guided tour of the museum, which is based in a former World War II bomber airfield. We will be shown the Avro Lancaster bomber ‘Just Jane’ and other historic aircraft. We learn about the history of Bomber Command and the aircrews who served during World War II. Afterwards visit the Petwood Hotel. The hotel building served as a military hospital for injured soldiers during the Great war complete with the wards and an operating theatre, but it is as the home of the legendary 617 ‘Dambusters’ Squadron in WW2 that the Petwood is best known. Opportunity to purchase lunch in the Terrace Bar. Afterwards we return to Lincoln for some free time to visit this charming mediaeval city, architectural grandeur and cultural vibrancy. Lincoln city centre features a mix of high street brands, independent shops and markets, Lincoln Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. Lincoln Castle houses one of the four copies of the Magna Carta. (Entrances extra).

Day 5

We depart for home area stopping in the mediaeval town of Newark for our lunch stop.

B=Breakfast Included, D=Dinner Included