Imperial War Museum Duxford

Walk through the same hangars and buildings as those who served at RAF Duxford. See aircrafts take to the skies from the airfield that Spitfires first flew. And get up close to over a century of aviation with hundreds of aircraft and objects on display. A visit to IWM (Imperial War Museum) Duxford is a full day out for schools with plenty of areas to explore. We have plenty of free online resources and trails to support your visit and we also offer Learning Sessions that are curriculum mapped to support students from upper Key Stage 2 – Key Stage 4.

IWM Duxford is not just a museum but working airfield and historic site. You can climb aboard historic aircraft, see conservation in action and walk through the very rooms where Duxford’s Battle of Britain ( World War 2) was conducted. IWM Duxford is a working airfield and you’ll likely see aircraft take to the sky during your visit.

Our Bookings Team can tailor your visit to your needs. You can visit us on a self-guided option where you can make use of our online resources and free gallery guides. Or you can book a Learning Session to supplement your visit. Choose what session is right for your class as we have options for upper Key Stage 2 – Key Stage 4 studying History, English, Religious Studies or Citizenship.

We can accommodate groups of any size although we might ask you to stagger your arrivals and lunch times depending on the size of your group. Our Learning Sessions can accommodate groups of 30 per session.

We have a number of free Learning Resources available online: https://www.iwm.org.uk/learning/resources

And we have Activity Trails designed for KS2 and KS3 available for free online: https://www.iwm.org.uk/learning/sessions/activity-trails-iwm-duxford

You are welcome to take photos and video for personal, non-commercial use. Please avoid taking photos or filming people without permission. Please observe signage indicating where photography and filming is not permitted.

We encourage teachers to conduct pre-visit planning. To request two free group leader pre-visit tickets email: Dux-Edu@iwm.org.uk

Please see IWM Identified Risk to help you with your own risk assessment: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford/groups/schools/risk-identification

Booking: Dux-Edu@iwm.org.uk

Admission to IWM Duxford is free for pre-booked school groups with children aged 5-15 years old. School sessions are from £110-125 per session. For a full price list please visit our website: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford/schools/plan-a-visit

N/A, although we would recommend usual school attire and to travel light as large bags are not permitted in the galleries. You will need to go outside to access the other hangars and various outbuildings so please dress appropriately for the weather.

Our front of house Security Team can assist you on your visit. Please find the nearest member of staff and they will be able to assist you.

We have a shop (with the option to pre-book goodie bags), a school lunch room and a bag room to leave heavy coats and bags.

We are committed to ensuring IWM Duxford is accessible to all visitors, and hope the facilities we have introduced enhance your visit: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford/access

10am to 4pm, with AirSpace open until 5pm.

Closed 24, 25 & 26 December.

Testimonials:

“The session helped the pupils to think analytically and not just about history but about diversity, British values and life learning. They are now more aware of what is going on in the world and their place in it.” – Key Stage 2 Teacher booking a We Were There session.

‘An incredible way for students to learn. The opportunity to explore, be creative, make choices, voice their thoughts and do so with the rigidness of having to know an examiners mark scheme. Teachers crave being able to support students in learning this way. A wonderful experience!’ – Key Stage 3 Teacher, Documentary Challenge session.

‘A thoroughly 21st century learning event which genuinely helps to develop historical and deeper understanding of the past.’ – Key Stage 3 Teacher.

Please take a look at our bookings terms and conditions before you visit: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford/groups/booking