Tour Overview
The rural farmland of England’s East Anglia region became the Allied headquarters for the “Bomber War” during the 1940s. Tiny villages suddenly buzzed with the energy of thousands of pilots, crew, and support staff carrying out the missions to bring about the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany. Almost daily, residents of villages such as Thorpe Abbotts, Parham, and Horham could hear the roar of the engines and watch B-17s, B-24s, and fighter escorts of the US “Mighty Eighth” Air Force take to the skies. This was a new type of warfare, a war waged from the skies against an unseen enemy.
Join The National WWII Museum for a reminiscent tour to England that brings to life the airbases, landscape, and history of East Anglia and London.
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Additional Tour Dates
Tour Inclusions
- 8-day journey through the heart of East Anglia and London
- 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
- Welcome and Farewell receptions
- Beer, wine, and soft drinks with included lunches and dinners
- Full-time logistical tour manager, expert WWII-focused local guides and guest speakers
- 2 nights at the four-star Hotel Gonville, Cambridge
- 3 nights at the four-star Angel Hotel, Bury St. Edmunds
- 2 nights at the five-star Rubens at the Palace, London
- Roundtrip airport transfers when arriving and departing on scheduled group tour dates
- Private, first-class, air-conditioned motor coach transportation
- VIP access to sites not offered on other tours
- Video oral history presentations from the Museum’s digital collection
- Personal listening devices on all included touring
- Gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, and servers
- Informative map book including useful battlefield maps and archival images to be throughout your journey
- Personalized luggage tags and customized name badge
Download the Brochure
Download the official Mighty Eighth in England brochure for a full listing of inclusions, accommodations, and other useful information.
Destination Map
Full Tour Itinerary
September 6, 2023 - Day 1
London/Cambridge
Arrive at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) in the morning and meet the tour management staff. Depart for Cambridge with a lunch stop along the way. This evening, settle into East Anglia and enjoy a welcome dinner with the tour group.
Accommodations: Hotel Gonville (D)
September 7, 2023 - Day 2
Cambridge History, Transformation & Sacrifice
The first stop on the itinerary offers a chance to reflect upon the carnage of the “Bomber War” at the Cambridge American Cemetery. The cemetery contains the remains of 3,812 of our military dead, and 5,127 names are recorded on the Tablets of the Missing. Most died in the Battle of the Atlantic or in bombing raids over Hitler’s Reich. In the afternoon, visit the Churchill Archives at Cambridge University, featuring Winston Churchill’s official papers along with those of 600 other British figures of the 20th century. Contemporaries of Churchill sit alongside major political, military, and scientific figures such as Margaret Thatcher, Ernest Bevin, John Major, Neil Kinnock, Admiral Bertram Ramsay, and Field Marshal William Slim. Tonight, enjoy a group dinner with fellow tour members.
Accommodations: Hotel Gonville (B, L, D)
September 8, 2023 - Day 3
American Air Museum
The American Air Museum in Britain, part of the Imperial War Museums, is located at Duxford, near Cambridge. It is home to the best collection of American military aircraft on public display outside of North America. The museum features the warplanes and equipment of not only the Eighth Air Force, but also of aircraft that flew before and after World War II. After lunch on your own on the museum’s campus, witness a simulated dogfight between a British Spitfire and a Messerschmitt Bf 109 in the skies over Duxford. The experience is designed exclusively for The Mighty Eighth in England tour. Continue to Bury St. Edmunds this evening and enjoy free time exploring the village for dinner on your own.
Accommodations: The Angel Hotel (B)
September 9, 2023 - Day 4
Thorpe Abbotts
Touring begins at Thorpe Abbotts, the wartime base of the 100th Bombardment Group. Known as “The Bloody Hundredth,” the group is remembered for the staggering losses its B-17 crews suffered in daylight raids over Germany and Nazi-occupied Europe. A nostalgic visit to the airbase includes Eighth Air Force reenactors and a fish and chips wagon to transport guests back to the 1940s. Local villagers greet tour members and provide a guided tour around the air base they have lovingly brought back to life. Many of these locals lived in the area as young boys and girls when the American fliers arrived in the spring of 1943, and they have wonderful stories to share. Continue to nearby Horham, home of the 95th Bombardment Group, one of the most decorated air units of the war. The villagers who restored the base host a pub party in their officer’s club complete with local musicians celebrating the music of the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
Accommodations: The Angel Hotel (B, L, D)
September 10, 2023 - Day 5
Parham
From Framlingham, also known as Parham Airfield, the men of the 390th Bomb Group flew missions through the end of the war. From hitting targets in Normandy before D-Day to dropping food to the Dutch during the “Hunger Winter,” the 390th aided significantly in the Allied victory. The 390th Museum at Parham is unique in the region for its section on the British Resistance Organization. British operatives were trained to go into action in the event of a German invasion. Parham features a recreated underground bunker typical of those designed for potential use against the Germans. This afternoon and evening are free to take advantage of Bury St. Edmund’s historic charm with a visit to one of the many local pubs or a stroll through the magnificent Abbey Gardens.
Accommodations: The Angel Hotel (B, L, D)
September 11, 2023 - Day 6
The Royal Air Force
Bid farewell to East Anglia and enjoy a scenic return to London. The touring begins with a visit to Bentley Priory, the headquarters of RAF Fighter Command during World War II. At this 18th-century estate, analysts would review radar data and information from the aircraft spotters of the Royal Observer Corps. The order to scramble would go to the fighter groups who would counter the German bombers in the air. The next stop is St. Clement Danes Church, the spiritual heart of the Royal Air Force. Destroyed by a German air raid in 1941, the RAF spearheaded the effort to rebuild the church, an artistic gem. Outside the building, are statues of Arthur “Bomber” Harris, head of the RAF’s Bomber Command, and Hugh Dowding, who directed the Battle of Britain and air operations over Dunkirk. Explore London on your own this evening. Our hotel, the historic Rubens at the Palace, overlooks Buckingham Palace and is walking distance to Victoria Station.
Accommodations: Rubens at the Palace (B, L)
September 12, 2023 - Day 7
Churchill's London
During today’s touring, hear stories of the man who inspired the free world, Sir Winston S. Churchill. The morning begins at the recently renovated Imperial War Museum London, renowned for its exhibits on World War I, the Holocaust, the Air War, and the British Home Front during World War II. After a pub lunch, spend a free afternoon in London before reconvening for a closing dinner at the Churchill War Rooms. Explore the underground bunker that protected the staff and secrets at the heart of Britain’s government during the war. See the Map Room where Churchill and his war cabinet directed the British war effort.
Accommodations: Rubens at the Palace (B, L, D)
September 13, 2023 - Day 8
Flight home from London Heathrow Airport
After breakfast, transfer to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) for your return flight home.
(B)
Program Pricing
Price per person based on double occupancy
$6,995 $6,495
Price per person based on single occupancy
$8,795 $8,295
Taxes and Fees of $229 per person will be added to your final invoice.
Hotel Gonville Cambridge
Winner of multiple accolades for quality, this hotel originated in 1830 as the Gonville & Caius College as a house for one of the college’s Senior Fellows. This lovely hotel offers everything you'll need for the perfect stay in this beautiful and historic city, and is an ideal location for an easy stroll to the city's attractions; it also boasts a view overlooking 25 acres of open parkland. Guests will enjoy both a casual Brasserie, as well as Cotto, their fine dining venue on-site. Accommodations are spacious, with coffee machine, Smart TV, robe and slippers, air-conditioning, pillow menu, and premium bath amenities.
Angel Hotel Bury St. Edmunds
A contemporary boutique hotel set in the heart of historic Bury St. Edmunds, The Angel is a sumptuous haven for our guests. The individuality of each room makes staying here a truly personal and luxurious experience. The hotel offers multiple dining and meal venues, including the recently refurbished restaurant and an extensive lounge area. The Angel is located adjacent to the famous Abbey Gardens, a perfect location for an afternoon or evening stroll among the ruins of the old abbey.
Rubens at the Palace
For your stay in London, we are pleased to offer accommodations at the luxurious Rubens at the Palace Hotel, a historic property that dates back to the 1700s and has served royalty throughout the centuries since. Overlooking the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace The Rubens is moments away from Victoria Station and some of London's best shops and restaurants. Amenities include 24-hour room service, complimentary Wi-Fi access, luxury toiletries, plush bathrobes, iron and ironing board, and hair dryer.
