Date/Time
Date(s) - Monday, May 12, 2025 & Thursday, May 15, 2025
3:00 pm - 1:00 pm

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Join us for a visit to the county of Lincolnshire, step back in time and discover the rich history of Britain’s aviation heroes on a memorable 4-day journey to Woodhall Spa, RAF Waddington and RAF Cranwell College plus much more. This exclusive short break will take you through the heart of Bomber County, where the legendary 617 Squadron (The Dam Busters) made their mark during World War II. Staying at the Petwood Hotel (post code LN10 6QG) , a historic landmark that once housed the brave aircrew of the Dam Busters.

Day 1 – Monday 12th: Arrival at the Historic Petwood Hotel

Begin your journey to the heart of Lincolnshire making your way to the Petwood Hotel, a historic landmark famously requisitioned during the Second World War to house the brave aircrew of 617 Squadron – more commonly known as The Dam Busters. This will be your home for the next three nights, where history comes alive.

Check-in is available from 3pm, after which we’ll take a short drive where we will meet at the Kinema in the Woods for an exclusive private screening at 4.30pm of the iconic film The Dam Busters Immerse yourself in the story of these legendary heroes in the very cinema many of the crew would have visited during their time based at Woodhall Spa.

After the film, we’ll return to the Petwood Hotel, where you’ll have time to enjoy drinks in the cozy ambiance of the Squadron Bar. This bar is brimming with fascinating memorabilia and heartfelt tributes to Guy Gibson VC, Leonard Cheshire VC, and the courageous crews of 617 Squadron.

Finish the evening with a delicious included dinner, reflecting on the rich history of those who shaped this remarkable legacy. This is just the beginning of an unforgettable journey!

Day 2 – Tuesday 13th: A Day of Aviation History

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll set off for a morning visit to East Kirkby, home of the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre. Here, you’ll have the unique opportunity to witness the only Lancaster Bomber in the world licensed to perform taxi runs, an awe-inspiring sight. You’ll also see the only licensed UK-based WWII Mosquito fighter/bomber, as it taxis out onto the airstrip and roars to life with its twin Rolls Royce Merlin engines.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby, where you can get up close to some of the UK’s most iconic aircraft, including the legendary Spitfires, Hurricanes and the UK’s only airworthy Lancaster Bomber. This base is also home to some of the RAF’s Typhoon fighters, where we may be lucky to see them thunder down the runway and take to the skies from the viewing area.

After a day filled with history and heritage, you’ll have some free time to relax before dinner in the Squadron Bar, surrounded by memorabilia and memories of those who served. This is a day you won’t soon forget!

Day 3 – Wednesday 14th

After a leisurely breakfast, prepare for an extraordinary experience as we embark on an exclusive visit to RAF Waddington (photo ID required) made possible by the Base Commander, where we have been granted access to this highly restricted location. RAF Waddington is one of the RAF’s busiest stations as the hub of UK Intelligence. It is also home to the Red Arrows. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness RAF Waddington up close, something most can only dream of!

We start with a tour of the Heritage Centre followed by a visit to one of the active Squadrons, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at one of the UK’s most important military airfields.

Next stop Thorpe Camp, home to the legendary 617 Squadron during WWII. Here, you’ll see a fascinating collection of wartime artifacts and how life was for ordinary people in Lincolnshire during WW2 in exhibitions set out in original buildings.

We’ll return to the hotel in time for dinner, with plenty of time to reflect on an unforgettable day that most will never experience. This is truly a journey reserved for the lucky few.

Day 4 – Thursday 15th: Exclusive Visit to RAF College Cranwell

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll depart the Petwood Hotel for one final exclusive experience – a rare opportunity for a guided tour of the prestigious RAF College Cranwell (photo ID Required) – not available to the general public. This exceptional visit takes you behind the scenes of the Officer Air Crew Training Base, where the next generation of RAF Officers and aircrew undergo their world-class training.

From 10am to 11:30am, you’ll enjoy an insider’s view of this historic institution, learning about its vital role in shaping the future of the Royal Air Force. This is a unique opportunity to explore a site that very few have access to!

After the tour, we’ll go our separate ways to begin our homeward journey, filled with memories of an unforgettable tour steeped in history, heritage, and rare, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exclusive tour!

Price includes:  3 nights dinner, bed & breakfast, RAF Waddington Tour, Entrance to Thorpe Camp, private viewing of Dam Busters Film at Kinema in the Woods, Lincolnshire Aviation Centre, BBMF Tour & RAF Cranwell College Tour.