American Air Museum image

American Air Museum

Tourist attraction Museum

One of the Best Places To Visits in South Cambridgeshire


Address

106 A505, Cambridge CB22 4RQ, United Kingdom

Website

www.americanairmuseum.com

Contact

+44 1223 835000

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (3.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Monday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 4 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: planes (24) visit (24) aircraft (18) American (18) great (17) museum (13) Duxford (11) history (10) part (9) collection (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Miles M. 3 years ago on Google
    I've partly covered this in my overall review of Duxford, but along with Hangar 1 (Airspace) these are my favourites. The B52 Stratofortress occupied a large part of this space which also houses my favourite military aircraft of all time, the totally awesome looking SR-71 Lockheed Blackbird. I like the modern design of this Hangar which blends nicely into the surrounding landscape.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Peter M. 10 months ago on Google • 460 reviews
    This is an astonishingly great place. The collection of aircraft is astonishing and ranges from a 1930s biplane to an SR71. There is also a segment of Sadat Hussain’s super gun and also a fragment of stew from the World Trade Centre. Outside the entrance away from the airfield is a wall commemorating lost USAF aircraft. There is a small cafe, with limited stock, but what we had was good. It’s worth considering bringing your own food and drink. I didn’t see anywhere to fill water bottles.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John P. 5 months ago on Google • 22 reviews
    Leave your bags and give yourself all day. The American Hangar I'd easily done in 90 minutes... But you'll be here all day for the rest of the campus unless you're not aware of how wings create lift. Sailors not welcome... Just kidding. (See what I did there?)
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kim B. 2 years ago on Google
    A truely great museum for anyone interested in aviation, history, geography. So many amazing planes in the hanger. A small cafe located inside, toilets and the museum visitor shuttle bus can collect you to take you back to the visitor centre at the far end of the side. A worthy trip! Highly recommend
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Les B. 2 years ago on Google
    You can get up close to have a look at lots of American planes, from ols bi-planes, the fighters and bombers from WWII, up to more modern fighter jets. This is on the same site as the Imperial War Museum, at Duxford, so you can also see lots of British planes too, and ground vehicles, guns, other WWII memorabilia.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicki A. 10 months ago on Google • 223 reviews
    Great day out, lots to see and do. Sadly didn't stay till the end of the day as it was way too hot, 32.5 degrees. The air display was fascinating, and the tank ride was exhilarating. Also joined their membership which is such a great deal. Will definitely go back.

  • 5/5 Kev I. 3 months ago on Google • 8 reviews New
    Second day of 2024 and a horrendously wet and windy visit to IWM Duxford. Arrived 5 minutes after doors open and rolled straight in through the member's door (if you plan on visiting more than twice in the year, membership is well worth it, check it out on the website). Didn't really matter as there were only a handful of people there at that time. It was noticeably busier when we left at about 1430. Even with storm Henk cranking up, the visit went ahead smoothly and was mostly indoors except when moving from hangar to hangar of course. We started in the American Air Museum and worked our way back to the AirSpace hangar closest to the entrance. It was quite eerie in a way being the only 4 people in the place to start with and for me personally it was great for taking photos without people in the way (the photos with this review are just phone pictures). We also got talking to the various guides dotted around. I have to say, I make a point of talking to these ladies and gentlemen because they are without fail, a fount of information and stories and great for just general avgeek type chats (also goes for the ground staff when the place is active, when able, they'll be more than happy to have a chat if they're not busy). I really do recommend talking to them, it'll really add to the visit. We didn't do the land warfare museum at the far end, partly because we spent ages in there last visit in October and partly because we'd still be drying out today (have I mentioned that it was rainmageddon out there?). Working our way back through the Flying, Restoration/Conservation, Air and Sea and finally AirSpace hangars took the best part of 4 hours (fairly quick visit by our standard) and again, the range of exhibits on show is excellent along with the information available. Special mention for the Spies in the Skies exhibit in AirSpace next to the Victor. Showing a collection of Spitfires (including a replica), a Lysander, a notable historic Lockheed Electra, along with some large format prints of recon images and a couple of video displays too. If you like aviation and are interested in the history of warfare in general or just want a different day out, then consider a visit. Obviously in better weather and during the airshow season you'll get the bonus flying activity outside along with the jets on the hardstanding being open for a wander through. But irrespective of that, it's still a good day out. If you are travelling from further afield, plan on 4 to 6 hours in good weather, book tickets up front. Food and drinks / refreshments are available, somewhat pricey as is the case with most places these days, but you can take your own and picnic outside if weather permits. Also a very comprehensive gift shop as you enter and exit and plenty of toilet facilities all around the site. As ever, a great day and you always see something different each time you visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robert A. 1 year ago on Google
    A really fascinating day out. Mutch more than I expected. The American aircraft hanger was awesome. The blackbird SR71 was a lot less smooth than I expected. There was also a B52 (we suspect they had to chop parts of the wings off to get it into the hanger!) Definitely need to visit again. I was also amazed that our landing fee included a 2hr ticket!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Darren B. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing place just in awe of the size of the planes and exhibits. The b52 bomber fills the building it is just huge! Also extra exhibits like part of the twin towers and iraqi supergun were unexpected bonuses. Would recommend highly for anyone to visit the imperial War museum, even with covid restrictions it is a great place to see. Restrictions are hardly noticeable, masks on inside building, hand sanitising at entrances and some cafes shut but there is still plenty to visit to eat.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mantvydas �. 1 year ago on Google
    absolutely unique and interesting place to visit and explore, and get in touch with WW2 history and it's technology/vehicles! the building itself is quite fascinating because of it's shape and design. And in it there is a plenty of unique and historically marked planes of all kinds. They have some legendary planes/aircraft which is very rare pieces like: SR7-Blackbird, and U-2 Spy plane. highly recommending it! to visit with your friends and families (especially kids would love it without a doubt) 10/10. must visit and see!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Samuel A A. 3 years ago on Google
    Loved it! Not only is there new and old planes but pieces from both the Twin Towers and the Berlin Wall. What history! If only they could talk! Here are just a few of the things you can see here. Make sure you schedule yourself lots of time you will definitely need it to be able to see everything.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Florin Alexandru U. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome! Great Display of some legendary American planes like the P-51 Mustang, B-17 Flying Fortress, SR-71 Blackbird and more
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephen B. 9 months ago on Google
    We visited the American Air Museum as part of our visit to the recent Duxford airshow. Always excited to go in. A quick tip, ensure you take time to walk to the main entrance up the hill. The site that awaits you is draw dropping! You are faced with the B52 strategic bomber, surrounded by the who's who of famous American aircraft. It's still amazing after all the times I've been in. There have been some changes and all for the good. All the American WW2 bombers are there, cold War favourites, the highlight always for me is the Blackbird SR71 the former fastest air breathing aircraft in the world. It's a star attraction without doubt amongst many. There is a tribute to Richard Graham who flew this aircraft and who I met some years ago. There is much to absorb, it is certainly one of the best air museums dedicated to the American airforce and if you visit Duxford, make sure this is on you list to see. The other buildings and collections are stunning but for me this one is still the one that gets me most excited. Will always recommend 👌
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Handy M. 1 year ago on Google
    Brilliant place, part of the Imperial War Museum Duxford. I cant say how much I love this place. If you're into aviation, military or history then this is one of the best places in the UK. Then there is the thrill of air shows at least three times a year and not forgetting flying days. For current admission prices, check their website. The site is wheelchair and pushchair friendly (although I can't remember about the Land warfare part). There are a few different cafes and prices are a little bit above average. We had a latte in the cafe next to the main entrance and was very disappointed. The latte was served in a mug, but at least half of it was froth. We had another in the American hanger, which was served in a takeaway cup and was full and really nice. There are plenty of toilets dotted about, so you are never far away from one. The museum is brilliant with plenty of aircraft in five different hangers, at least two of the hangers house air worthy aircraft and are often seen taking to the skies. Just to name a few: Lancaster Mosquito Spitfires Hurricanes B-17 B-25 B-52 B-29 SR71 Concorde ME109 A-10 F-15 F-111 Really is worth a day out, but don't take my word for it, go visit yourself ✈
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sharon W. 7 months ago on Google • 116 reviews
    Spectacular building with a dense and well displayed content. Amazing how many craft they have squeezed into this space. You can get so close to almost every piece! I loved being right under the stealth plane Blackbird, almost close enough to touch. Wicked video dispkays like air traffic over the U.S. and how many nuclear detonations each country has executed. So much more than planes. A MUST SEE at Duxford.

  • 4/5 James “Nesquik30” A. 3 months ago on Google • 92 reviews New
    All seems crammed into one hanger, felt it could of done with a second to space them out as they are literally over lapping wings on everything. Bit like tetras, incredible how they fit everything in perfectly but just seemed to much. But great planes inside some of my favourites, was hoping to see an F14 tomcat for obvious reason but unfortunately doesn't have one. But does have the blackbird! Amazing 👏🏽

  • 5/5 Ionut N. 6 months ago on Google • 79 reviews
    I've seen most of these planes in Hollywood movies and history books but being able to see them in real life has a special meaning. It's literally touching history and it's awesome! There are facilities and a tea bar on site, the walkways are wide and accessible. The only thing I couldn't do is take better pictures of the planes as they're quite cramped in some of these are absolutely huge and it must have taken a lot of planning to fit them in.

  • 5/5 Darren Juggins Photography G. 11 months ago on Google
    Very good day out, check the weather before you go as there is a fair bit of walking between the different hangers and exhibits. Very well organised, some fantastic planes to see from all over the world.

  • 5/5 Lee W. 1 year ago on Google
    To say that I was excited to visit the American Air Museum is an understatement. After missing out on seeing the Lockheed SR72 in New York, I managed to see one in the flesh, here in Duxford. Another cause for excitement was seeing the McDonnall Douglas Phantom. Lots of other great American military aircraft. Well worth visiting.

  • 5/5 Robert H. 10 months ago on Google
    Fantastic venue for the old and young alike. The military displays are very well put together, the aircraft are a sight to see, for history buffs it's a must.

  • 5/5 Garry B. 8 months ago on Google
    Great place for all ages, see iconic aircraft from WW2 to present day, including the awe inspiring A10 Warthog, the American section stands out above all others in its presentation, and it’s purpose built museum area. If you visit, please get there early as there is a whole lot to see both American and British, I was informed that there are over a million items to see, that includes flying Spitfires etc, it is a real treat for all ages

  • 5/5 Roland A. 8 months ago on Google
    Absolutely brilliant, a must for anyone. How they got all those great airplanes in there is unbelievable.

  • 5/5 Claire W. 1 year ago on Google
    A brilliant hanger, full of history. My only downside would be, that the shop is too small and the lady working there could do with some assistance. Also no air conditioning? Are you mad?! Stifling hot almost unbearable to stay in the hanger itself.

  • 5/5 marc r. 5 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    Well worth getting there. Have been a member for many years, but this was our first in person visit. Small, but impressive collection of American aircraft. Principally WW2 a/c, there are great examples of post war planes as well. Extremely polite and helpful staff. Interestingly I found a/c signage and labeling better than the rest of the IWM collection at Duxford. Don’t miss the rest of the museum there. Easy train ride for us from Paddington Station in London.

  • 5/5 Stephen R. 5 months ago on Google
    Absolutely awesome, planes, tanks, plus impromptu flying demo by a Hurricane. Fantastic day out!!!!!

  • 5/5 Juan Vila Rodriguez, Tampa R. 10 months ago on Google
    What a great museum. My favorite plane, the SR-71 Blackbird, is here and this museum gives you a much closer look than other plane museums. The also have an A-10 Warthog and B-52. Many more planes, a drone and a cafe for snacks. They also have flights on some well preserved planes like T-6 Texan and Spitfire. I highly recommend this museum. Dress is casual, staff is friendly and prices are fair.

  • 5/5 Ian M. 1 year ago on Google
    Brilliant collection especially for Europeans who can't visit the USA easily - after coming here many times I can also say the cafe is better than the actual IWN one!

  • 5/5 Carl c. 1 year ago on Google
    It's an amazing place to visit. You could spend all day there. There are a couple of places to eat and you could take a picnic. Plenty of grass areas to lay your stuff out. The planes. Guns and tanks are awe inspiring. You can walk inside a concord as well.

  • 5/5 Neil M. 1 year ago on Google
    A fantastic collection of historic and influential aircraft from across the decades. The sheer size of the B-52 Bomber was jaw-dropping. Slightly surprised there wasn't an F14 Tomcat but the F15 made up for that. The building itself is a work of engineering brilliance, and it's worth taking a few minutes over a coffee and cake in the small café to take it all in. Go. Just go. You won't be disappointed.

  • 5/5 Ben S. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome place to visit, for both enthusiasts and regulars alike! A huge collection that you could easily spend a couple days looking over in detail, lots of information and the ability to get up close to many planes you would never normally see. Would 100% recommend! Plan to start the trip early as there really is so much to see

  • 5/5 Edin H. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place with lots of interesting planes. Definitely worth a visit. especially the B-29 superfortress is amazing

  • 5/5 paul d. 1 year ago on Google
    Great part of the IWM. There are lots of great American aircraft .The huge B52 flying fortress and the iconic blackbird, too, there is a good American style food outlet that sells lovely cakes and stuff. There is also a lot more to see as you walk through the planes .All in all, it is well worth a visit you won't be disappointed.

  • 5/5 Karl I. 1 year ago on Google
    If you love military and civil flying history this is a great day out. Lots of friendly volunteer helpers and great exhibits. Good on the Americans to have donated a great selection of aircraft, the B52 is massive and the SR71 is an amazing piece of engineering.

  • 5/5 River Z. 1 year ago on Google
    Many planes shown several times in Hollywood movies can be found here. For instance, the SR-71 blackbird, the A-10 Thunderbolt, U-2 Dragon Lady, B-52 Stratofortress, and the F-15A eagle. Besides, famous items, for example, Berlin Wall and 911 steelwork, can be found here too. This museum also gives plenty of demonstration spaces to the people who contribute to the peace which makes it more informative. Overall, a war museum can always drive you into a reflection on the nature of humanity.

  • 5/5 Andy S. 1 year ago on Google
    I hadn't been to Duxford in years. I'm not sure too much has changed but it is still an amazing place to spend a day wandering around. And I would say it takes a day to go around properly if you take the time to look at all the infirmary provided and make you way around ask the planes etc. The American museum itself is a wonderful building. Very light and airy. It was cold outside the day I went and I spent time by the massive windows watching several planes coming and going. The volunteers are all very knowledgeable and like to chat about the exhibits as well which makes the whole experience even better if like me you are visiting by yourself.

  • 4/5 Jim A. 1 year ago on Google
    Incredible collection of aircraft (almost too many) kind of hard to take photos. But taken as a part of the whole of IWM Duxford it tells an essential part of the story of the Americans in East Anglia.

  • 5/5 julia s. 1 year ago on Google
    Went to the duxford battle of britain air show 11th sept. Wonderful. Fantastic airshow. Good wearher. Excellent disabled seating spot. Great commentating. Overall, excellent day. Spitfires galore.. and a b52 bomber all in the air doing a great show...plus much much more.


Call +44 1223 835000 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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