"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few."
Winston Churchill, August 20, 1940
Explore the history of the Battle of Britain through the airfields, museums, and historic sites that played a role in Britain's defense during the summer and fall of 1940. This journey examines the people, places, and events that shaped one of the most consequential air campaigns of World War II.
Travel to former RAF fighter stations, command centers, and memorial sites while learning about the pilots, ground crews, and civilians whose efforts helped secure Britain's survival during the nation's darkest hours.
Tour participants will arrive at Heathrow Airport (LHR), where a representative from the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force will greet the group. From there, you’ll be transferred by private car to the Macdonald Hotel in Windsor.
After check-in, take time to explore Windsor at your own pace. In the evening, join fellow travelers for a cocktail reception and welcome dinner.
Located in the heart of Windsor, the Macdonald Windsor Hotel places you just a short walk from Windsor Castle. Its central setting offers easy access to the town’s historic streets, shops, and atmosphere.
Discover Bentley Priory, the headquarters of RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain that served as the wartime base for Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding. Explore the museum and discover the leadership, strategy, and decision-making that shaped Britain's air defense in 1940.
Continue to RAF Uxbridge for a guided tour of the Battle of Britain Bunker, the command center where RAF Fighter Command directed air operations during the Battle of Britain. Exhibits and preserved operations rooms provide insight into the decisions that shaped Britain's air defense in 1940.
Note: Access to the bunker requires descending 76 steps. A video presentation is available for those who prefer not to enter the bunker.
Explore the Royal Air Force Museum, home to aircraft and exhibits spanning the history of military aviation. The museum's Battle of Britain collection provides insight into the aircraft, people, and events that shaped Britain's air defense during 1940.
Enjoy lunch at your own pace at one of the museum's cafés before continuing the day's exploration.
Spend time at Northwood Cemetery, where the military section serves as the final resting place of several Polish airmen who served with RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain.
Learn about Josef František, the highest-scoring Allied pilot of the Battle of Britain, whose service and sacrifice are commemorated at Northwood Cemetery alongside fellow Polish airmen.
Dinner is on your own this evening, providing an opportunity to explore the restaurants, pubs, and historic streets of Windsor at your own pace.
Discover the history of Biggin Hill through exhibits that highlight the airmen, aircraft, and operations associated with the station. The visit also includes the Memorial Chapel, dedicated to those who served and lost their lives during the war.
Explore the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar, where a collection of airworthy World War II aircraft, including Spitfires, Hurricanes, and P-51 Mustangs, are maintained and flown. The visit offers a closer look at the aircraft and the work required to keep aviation history alive.
Travel to Ashford and check in to Eastwell Manor, a historic country estate set within the Kent countryside. The evening offers time to relax and enjoy the property's grounds and amenities.
Explore Tangmere Airfield, one of the key RAF fighter stations during the Battle of Britain. The visit includes the Tangmere Military Aviation Museum, where exhibits tell the story of the airfield, the pilots who served there, and its role in Britain's air defense.
Continue to Boxgrove Priory, where Pilot Officer William "Billy" Fiske is buried. An American volunteer serving with the Royal Air Force. Fiske became the first American pilot killed in action during World War II while serving in Britain.
BATTLE OF BRITAIN DAY - 87th Anniversary
Visit the Battle of Britain Memorial, which honors the pilots and aircrew of RAF Fighter Command who served during the summer and fall of 1940. This visit coincides with the 87th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, providing an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of those who took part in the campaign.
Explore the Kent Battle of Britain Museum Trust, which houses a substantial collection of artifacts, documents, and memorabilia related to the Battle of Britain. Its exhibits preserve the stories of the men and women who served during the campaign and the aircraft they flew.
Explore the RAF Hornchurch Heritage Centre, which preserves the history of RAF Hornchurch, one of the Royal Air Force's key fighter stations during the Battle of Britain. Exhibits highlight the airfield's role in Britain's air defense and the pilots who served there.
Arrive in Cambridge and check in to the University Arms Hotel, located in the heart of the city and within easy reach of its colleges, shops, and landmarks.
Visit Cambridge American Cemetery, the final resting place of 3,811 American service members who lost their lives during World War II. Set on the outskirts of Cambridge, the cemetery serves as a place of remembrance and reflection for those who served overseas.
Participate in a special ceremony honoring the men and women commemorated at the cemetery and their contributions to the Allied victory.
Visit Debden Aerodrome, a key fighter station in RAF 11 Group during the Battle of Britain and later the home of the famed Fourth Fighter Group in the Eighth Air Force. Explore the history of this important wartime airfield, including access to areas of the former base and a drive along its historic runways.
Attend the Battle of Britain Airshow at Imperial War Museum Duxford, featuring historic aircraft and flying displays that commemorate the aircraft and airmen of 1940.
Enjoy Gold VIP access throughout the day, including entry to a private hospitality marquee with food and beverages and a dedicated viewing area for the flying program.
The airshow offers excellent opportunities to photograph historic aircraft both in the air and on the ground.
Explore North Weald Airfield, one of the Royal Air Force's key fighter stations during World War II. The airfield was home to several RAF squadrons throughout the war, including the American Eagle Squadron. before the formation of the U.S. Eighth Air Force.
Dinner is on your own this evening, providing an opportunity to explore the restaurants, pubs, and historic streets of Windsor at your own pace.
Experience a behind-the-scenes tour of the Churchill War Rooms, the underground command center where Britain's wartime leadership planned and directed operations throughout World War II.
Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, one of London’s most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of resilience during World War II. A guided tour explores the cathedral’s history, architecture, and its place in Britain's wartime story.
Private car transfers will be arranged for your departure, providing transportation to Heathrow Airport.
Participants will be dropped off at their designated terminal in the Departures area, with time for a smooth check-in for their return flight home.
All accomodations are included in the tour package - Classic Standard Rooms.
All breakfasts, most lunches, and most dinners are included throughout the tour.
Beer and wine are included with all group lunches and dinners.
Travel by modern, air-conditioned motor coach and onboard restroom and a professional driver.
Airport transfers to and from Heathrow Airport via private car with a dedicated driver.
Dedicated Tour Leader/ Manager Full-time Tour Leader, Tour Manager throughout the tour.
Local historians will accompany the tour, giving additional insights to enhance the tour experience.
All gratuities to hotels and restaurants are included.
Airfare is not included with the tour package price to allow participants more opportunities for trip extensions, the use of airline miles, and better personal time flexibility.
Tour Leadership
Tours are led by Mark Copeland, Director of Educational Travel for the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. With more than four decades of research and travel focused on the Eighth Air Force, he brings extensive knowledge of the people, places, and events that shaped the American air war in Europe.
Questions?
For questions or additional information, please contact Mark Copeland using the information below:
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is located in Pooler, Georgia, and is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the Eighth Air Force from World War II to today.
The Educational Travel Program extends that mission beyond the museum, offering immersive experiences that connect participants with the sites and stories that shaped the Eighth Air Force's history.
