PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LINCOLN ITNERARY HAS CHANGED. THE BRAYFORD BELLE BOAT HAS CEASED OPERATING. WE WILL NOW VISIT THE FASCINATING INTERNATIONAL BOMBER COMMAND CENTRE.
Grimsthorpe Castle and Stamford
Grimsthorpe Castle rises majestically above its sweeping parkland, an enduring and monumental presence, hewn from the golden limestone of local quarries. An unexpected marriage of architectural styles, the quirkiness of the Tudor south façade is contrasted by the Baroque splendour of the principal north front, the final masterpiece of Sir John Vanbrugh, architect of Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard. We spend the morning in Stamford widely regarded as one of the finest stone towns in England. Here you will find a thriving high street with coffee shops, restaurants and a vast range of retailers to tempt you.
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Lincolnshire Wolds Railway
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre is a unique and special aviation heritage site housing the Lancaster PA474, Douglas Dakota ZA 947, six spitfires, two hurricanes and two chipmunks inside the hangar. Experience exclusive up-close access to these famous aircrafts that are well-known for appearing in British state occasions. Enjoy this celebration of Lincolnshire’s unique, diverse and impressive aviation heritage. We enjoy an afternoon ride on the delightful Lincolnshire Wolds Railway between Ludborough and North Thoresby.
Lincoln and International Bomber Command Centre
Today we visit the historic city of Lincoln with its stunning Cathedral, pretty streets and castle, which featured TV’s ‘Downton Abbey’. In the afternoon we the multi-award winning IBCC, which opened to the public in 2018. The site includes the one of the UK's tallest War Memorials, the Spire, which stands out on Lincoln's skyline at 31.09m tall, the same height as the wingspan of a Lancaster Bomber. The Spire is surrounded by curved walls which carry the names of 57,871 men and women who gave their lives whilst in the service of Bomber Command during WW2. The Chadwick Centre uses state-of-the-art technology and interactive displays to tell the story of Bomber Command, through the eyes of those who witnessed events first-hand. Interviews with veterans of both Air and Ground Crew, and support staff from around the world, come together to create an Orchestra of Voices. There are accounts from survivors of the Allied bombing campaign, members of the Resistance Movement, and people affected by the influx of thousands of service personnel into their communities.