RAF Coningsby, on the B1192 south of Horncastle, Lincolnshire. About half a mile from Coningsby…read morevillage, 13 miles north-east of Sleaford on the A153. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight operates a Lancaster, five Spitfires, two Hurricanes, two Chipmunks, and a Dakota. In 1986, it became possible to view these historic aircraft, at their base at RAF Coningsby. In the years immediately following World War Two it became traditional for a Spitfire and Hurricane to lead the Victory Day flypast over London . From that event there grew the idea to form an historic collection of flyable aircraft, initially to commemorate the RAF's major battle honour. Since it began in 1957, the aircrew on the Flight have been drawn from volunteers who maintain the 12 historic aircraft both at Coningsby and out on the display circuit. Visitors are led on a guided tour around the BBMF hangar by knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteer guides, who give freely of their time and who, in many cases, have first hand experience of the aircraft Entry to the exhibition centre, souvenir shop and car park is free; there is a small charge for guided tours of the hangar, with special rates for groups Well stocked shop offering an extensive range of aviation gifts. There is a permanent exhibition gallery exploring Lincolnshire's links with the RAF plus regular programme of temporary exhibitions. Open Monday to Friday 10.00am - 5.00pm Guided tours of the hangar from 10.30am - 3.30pm (3.00pm November - February) but of course in show season they cannot guarantee certain planes will be there. You will see them flying somewhere though. These are REAL planes folkand I love 'em!

Excellent Airshow for the whole family or the Plane fanatics…read more Excellent Aerobatic displays throughout the weekend with small and large civilian and military aircraft from around the world. Great chance to meet the pilots and crew from many different country and get on board some of the fantastic aircraft on the ground. Lots more to see and do other than Airplanes, there are craft stalls, beer tents, Fire Engines and Old Cars, food stalls, books, models and clothes on sale. And a small Fair ground. Fantastic Day out at a reasonable Price.

I have completely lost interest in this. I suppose thats what I get from being an RAF child and…read morebeing brought up with these planes taking off and flying around me all day. I admit it is a large airshow and that it is a nice day out for people who dont see these things day in and day out. There are lots of arts and crafts stalls and things to do for children. One of the biggest low points is the amount of traffic that it creates through Lincoln.

RAF Manby is now a showground and has a small flying school where you can do parachute jumps…read more The, now private, housing around has street named after aircrft like Lighening, Spitfire, Vulcan etc. This is one for my ghost guide: First a bit of history: RAF Strubby came under RAF Manby RAF Flying College from VJ Day until closure in 1972. The nucleus of the staff of the Empire Central Flying School was transferred to RAF Manby to open the Flying College in 1946. Manby later became the home of the College of Air Warfare, part of which was the School of Refresher Flying. Ghosts: The area is haunted by a Second World War pilot. He is sometimes seen wearing a long coat, and at others wearing his flying gear. The drone of aircraft engines is sometimes heard over the old runways. Personal ghost story. I was working at manby on a Car show for the exhibition team. In a break my father and I went to the old control tower. It had huge signs saying danger keep out. Ok I am like my dad..we climbed through a window and went up the stairs..some were missing.. We stood in the contro; tower thinking of the men who once operated it. My dad said take a photo and see if any ghosts are going to be in it..very tongue in cheek. When the photos came back I told my parents no ghosts. My mum looked at the photo and told me I was wrong..no no one in the room. Look at the window she said..and sure enough sat on the none existant runway outside the window..was shape that for all the world looked like a Lancaster Bomber! There was nothing there when I took the photo and it was full sun..no shadows. Footnote: I understand the aircraft noise..when I was a teen my dad woke me up and said listen. A full moon and silent night but we could hear an aircraft..a big bomber (they used to call me radar as I know engines and could hear planes coming long before anyone else) and as we listened it would cough and we heard only 2 engines..then one cut out. He didn't make it said dad. The skies were empty.

My first job after leaving school in 1961 was as an Assistant (Scientific) at the Main…read moreMeteorological Office at RAF Manby, next to Tedder Hall, now the district Council HQ. We worked on a roster 24/7, 365 days a year. One of my tasks was to make hourly weather observations day and night, which involved an hourly cycle ride to the instrument enclosure to read temperatures, and cloud heights using a cloud searchlight at night. The camp was usually deserted in the wee small hours, and the hourly journey took me past two hangars, often with aircraft parked outside them. I am not susceptible to ghost stories but in a gale the rattles and bangs of the heavy hangar doors sounded spooky, also the steel cables that tethered the aircraft. One morning a thermometer was found to be missing, but the culprit, an airman who had been merry-making the previous night, was caught returning the thermometer in a fit of conscience the next day. He was put on a charge and admitted taking the thermometer and "urinating in the rain gauge".

An amazing afternoon out with so much histrory in the fantastically develped museum. When you enter…read morethe Ops room its as though they finished their shift so we could come in to have a look around. The memrobilia dotted around is just full of histrory and local connections it is breath taking. The staff staff appear to know everything and were so engaging. Whilst not a place for children to run around in the models were definatly centre of attention for the group when we were there. Notes from web site: There is no need to book, just arrive at the Sports Ground Car Park opposite Digby main gate situated on the B1191 between the A15 and Scopwick, south of Lincoln. The tour will depart promptly so please arrive in good time.

"The Collection" is a small-ish general purpose museum in Lincoln, but focuses mostly on the…read morearchaeological history of Lincolnshire from the stone age through Roman times and the Middle Ages. Next to that you will find a single room devoted to changing modern arts exhibits. For the actual fine arts you need to mosey off to the Usher Gallery, which is right next door. The Collection also harbours a nice, rather roomy café on the lower floor. The building itself is modern and brightly lit, and quite attractively designed. The displays in the archaeological collection are well-presented, with plenty to read AND see. It naturally appeals more to school children, but adults should also find enough interesting info. The arts room was fun, too. Entry is free of charge, and photography allowed. But don't forget to go to the Usher Gallery next.

worth a visit. just off Steep hill next to usher gallery. Cafe downstairs is excellent Nice decor…read morecomfy seats god views. Good coffee and light meals /snacks very well priced. . Never seems too busy on week days. Tourists seem to miss it.

This is an old RAF station. Several antique centres open all…read moreweek where real bargains can be had. A beautiful coffee shop in the main one. Also a big craft centre and several flea market building. All housed in RAF buildings and hangers. There is a small aviation museum and planes too. Lots of greasy spoon eateries. Best on a Sunday when it has a huge car boot and market. I have bought Victorian pen and inks for approx £3 and sold them for £90. Lot's of books and well anything..furniture, clothes, plants. It is HUGE! Ghosts: My father and I looked around an old hanger with ex RAF furniture and equipment for sale. All the time we were in there a phone was ringing. It was annoying and my father declared he wished someone would answer it. Later he read that the hanger was haunted by a phone constantly ringing and that there was no phone in the building! Others: Two ghosts have been reported at this former World War Two airbase. A pilot who crash landed runs down the runway with his clothes on fire, while an engineer who lost his arm in machinery staggers around screaming. A ghostly rendition of the Missouri Waltz is also reported.

This is a massive car boot/market. People come from miles and miles to hunt for a bargain or two…read more You really do need to leave yourself a good couple of hours if you want to see everything, however after a while all the car boot stalls begin to merge into one. The market side has a good range of stalls from clothes and shoes, through to diy goods and confectionary. There are also flea market areas within the outbuildings which make a nice diversion whilst walking around.

A beautiful location dedicated to the hero's of war. This facility offers event space, a welcome…read morecentre with gift shop, museum and guided tours. Also on site is a lovely cafe that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner for reasonable prices. The staff are very helpful and friendly, and they will do certain substitutions without overcharging! There is a parking fee of £3, even if you use the cafe and also an entrance free to the museum if you wish to visit that. You can use the cafe and then have a walk around all the outside war commemorative displays free of charge. Well worth a visit!

This classic 17th century English country house is set in delightful gardens with a magnificent…read moredeer park. The perfect symmetry, opulent decor, fine furnishings and the Brownlow family portraits gives Belton both grandeur and a more intimate feel, whilst the 'Below Stairs' tours give fascinating insights into how Belton's servants lived and worked in the 1900s. This tour took about one hour and was simply unmissable, the facts that flow from the guides always amaze me. The tranquil riverside woodland next to a bustling adventure playground makes this a perfect place for the whole family. You can even rest your legs by taking the mini railway. Of course there is also the obligatory restaurant in this case it's the Stables restaurant and ride cafe, there is also the usual gift shop as well as a secondhand bookshop.

A great day out for adults and children alike. A fantastic, enormous (the National Trusts largest!)…read morewooden play area for children which amuses them for quite a while and is suitable for ages 0-80! As ever with National Trust properties, it is well maintained, educational and fascinating. There is dressing up for adults and children, lovely walks through the grounds, the usual gift shop and tea room - everything we've come to expect from the NT!