Tours - London
Let our expert guides amaze you with three fascinating behind the barriers tours that explores over 100 years of the RAF.
Get up close and personal to our collection and learn all about our unique RAF stories and history that comes with each aircraft. From the earliest days of flight, Spitfires protecting our skies during the Battle of Britain, to the soaring dominance of the Vulcan; each tour offers a fun and fulfilling experience for all.
We are currently running the following schedule:
| Monday | Battle of Britain |
| Tuesday | First World War Flying Machines |
| Thursday | Cold War Tour |
| Friday | Bomber Command |
| Saturday | Bomber Command or Cold War or First World War (alternating Saturdays) |
| Sunday | Battle of Britain Fighter Four |
£10 per person.
Start times: 11.00am & 2.00pm. Each tour lasts one hour.
Maximum 10 people per tour.
* Subject to guide and ticket availability. View availability on our bookings site.
Select one of the tours below for further information.
First World War Flying Machines
First World War Flying Machines
Learn how pioneering pilots, only 11 years after the Wright brothers first flew, discovered the potential and power of war in the air. Find out how the use of aircraft evolved from reconnaissance, taking pot shots at the enemy with oranges and revolvers, into effective war machines in the space of only four years; and how ultimately the Royal Air Force came to become the first dedicated Air Force in the world.
This Tour gives you the chance to step behind the barriers and encounter our oldest collections like never before. These Tours take place on selected days at 11:00am and 2:00pm. Click on the Book Now button to see which days this Tour will be running.
Battle of Britain Fighter Four
Battle of Britain Fighter Four
In June 1940 Britain and its Empire faced the might of Nazi Germany alone, outnumbered and out-gunned. The greatest air battle in history was about to be fought over the skies of Britain. Get up close to the actual aircraft that flew in the Battle of Britain and learn how, the Spitfire and Hurricane – and their pilots – flew into legend.
This tour gives you the chance to step behind the barriers and encounter our most iconic collections, the only place in the world which holds four authentic Battle of Britain Fighter aircraft. These tours take place on selected days at 11:00am and 2:00pm. Have a look at our booking site to see availability.
The Bomber Command Tour
The Bomber Command Tour
Follow our expert guides around the our new Bomber Command Exhibition - Strike Hard, Strike Sure : Bomber Command 1939 - 1945.
The tour will illustrate the role RAF Bomber Command personnel played during the Second World War, highlighting key stories and objects within the exhibition. Get up close to the three RAF heavy bombers, the Avro Lancaster, Handley Page Halifax, and Short Stirling, as well as many other fascinating artifacts now on display in Hangar 5.
The Cold War Tour
The Cold War Tour
Discover the Avro Vulcan B2 on a ground tour, exploring its significance in the Cold War and how it came to symbolise the last defence against nuclear winter in a time of great uncertainty. Then get up close to other significant Cold War aircraft, including the BAC Lightning F6, the McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR2 and the English Electric Canberra PR3, and hear fascinating real-life stories of people who flew the aircraft.
This tour gives you the chance to step behind the barriers, explore the Vulcan and other aircraft from the ground, and encounter our Cold War collections like never before. These tours take place on selected days at 11.00am and 2.00pm. Click on Book Now to see when this Tour is scheduled next.
Tickets
Each tour will cater to a maximum of 10 people per session and prices range from £10.00 for a standard tour ticket per person.
Pre-booking with an admission ticket is essential to guarantee your place. We can not guarantee that tickets will be available for purchase on the day.
Carers go free.
Please click on the button below and select your tour.
Gift an Experience
Why not purchase your friend or loved one a Tour or Experience? Click the link below to book an Experience Voucher. It’s the gift that gives twice! You show your friend or loved one how much you care, and you support the Museum at this challenging time.
Your Safety is important to us
Your safety is of the upmost importance. Please ensure that you read our FAQ’s highlighting some of the measures we have put in place for this event.
Click our Tours FAQ's here to find out more.
If you are booking an additional Cockpit experience please ensure you have read the following access details:
- You must be physically fit to climb a small number of steps and lift your legs and full body weight into the cockpit
- Please wear trousers or shorts. Skirts and dresses may prevent or restrict access
- Please wear flat shoes with a good grip on them. Please note: we cannot allow the public access without appropriate footwear.
- You are more than welcome to take pictures once inside the cockpit – please come with a camera that can be zipped into a pocket or a camera with a strap
- Spitfire Cockpits are small – please see measurements below for your information.
- If the museum feels that it is not safe or possible for you to access the Spitfire Mk XVI cockpit then we reserve the right to refuse access. Please refer to the terms and conditions displayed at the Experience before purchasing your ticket