The Lancaster Bomber Experience

Itinerary

2023 Itinerary - Taxy Ride Included

• Day 1

  This tour begins at our hotel near Rotherham for a two-night stay.

• Day 2 - Derwent Dam & the International Bomber Command Memorial

  Today, we visit the Derwent Dams where 617 Squadron RAF practiced attacking the dam towers, which resembled their target in Germany.

  We then travel across to the Lincoln area and visit the new International Bomber Command Memorial. This commemorates the thousands of men who died serving in Bomber Command and we take time to see this and see the Visitor’s Centre.

  Meals - Breakfast

• Day 3 - Lancaster Bomber Taxy Ride

  Today we visit the Lincolnshire Aviation Centre to see the museum and displays, and in groups of ten people take runway taxy rides in an original WW2 Lancaster Bomber, 'Just Jane'.

  Restored to almost flying condition, the aircraft will power up and taxy along the runway: a totally unique experience!

  Later we depart for Hull and an overnight crossing to Holland.

  Terms and conditions apply, click here for more information

  Meals - Breakfast

• Day 4 - Bergen op Zoom War Cemetery

  After arrival in Rotterdam we visit the grave of Guy Gibson VC, who commanded 617 Squadron, and died in a Mosquito crash in 1944.

  We then visit Bergen op Zoom War Cemetery to see the RAF Bomber Command crews, including Dambusters crewmembers.

  We then travel to the Dortmund area for a two-night stay.

• Day 5 - Mohne and Eder Dams

  Today we have a full day visiting the Möhne and Eder Dams, attacked in Operation Chastise in May 1943 by 617 ‘Dambusters’ Squadron.

  We discover the story of the raid and look at the dams which were attacked, seeing the local museum.

  Meals - Breakfast

• Day 6 - Rheinberg War Cemetery

  On our final day we visit the graves of men who died in Operation Chastise at Rheinberg War Cemetery and then visit Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, the largest British WW2 Cemetery in Europe, where half of the burials are RAF crews, many from Bomber Command.

  We then travel for an overnight stay in Belgium or Holland.

  Meals - Breakfast

• Day 7

  We return to the UK today.

  Meals - Breakfast

• IMPORTANT - Information regarding the Lancaster Bomber Experience

  Lancaster Taxy ride Terms and conditions

  Taxy riders must be able to board the Lancaster without any assistance and be able to exit the aircraft quickly, should there be an emergency, without any assistance.

  Access to the Lancaster is by five steps with a hand rail. Riders have to be able to climb over the main spar, which is 30 inches high and 14 inches deep. There is a step up to this of 12 inches. The head space to climb over the spar in is 30 inches high and 32 inches wide. This area is an arc and the measurements are to the widest and highest points.

  Without being able to cross the main spar, the rider would not be able to access the W/OP, Navigator, cockpit or nose areas of the aircraft. One of our 2 emergency exits is in the front of the aircraft and so it is important that the riders can cross the main spar in case the other exit cannot be used. The emergency escape route from the front and rear of the aircraft is by ladder and so riders must be able to use a ladder without assistance.

  Anyone undertaking the Lancaster taxy ride experience must be able to hear and follow verbal and visual instructions in noisy surroundings. This experience may not be suitable for anyone who has disabilities affecting mobility, concentration, dexterity and co-ordination.

  If we deem the rider unable to move around the aircraft with enough ease and sufficient speed to such an extent that they may put themselves and others at risk during an emergency, then sadly, it would not be possible for them to take part in the taxy ride. If this decision is made by the Centre upon the customers’ arrival, then no refund will be given.

Accommodation

You will stay for two nights at the 4-star Hellaby Hall Hotel near Rotherham.

Overnight crossing from Hull to Rotterdam on board ship with P&O Ferries.

You will then spend two nights at the 3-star Leonardo Hotel Dortmund.

Overnight stay in Belgium/ Holland will be in a city-style hotel.