RAF KENLEY AIRSHOW REPLACED BY SOUTHEND AIRSHOW! 75 th ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN TOUR Monday, 7 th Monday, 21 st September, 2015

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1 RAF KENLEY AIRSHOW REPLACED BY SOUTHEND AIRSHOW! 75 th ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN TOUR Monday, 7 th Monday, 21 st September, 2015 Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few was spoken by the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, referring to the ongoing efforts of the Royal Air Force pilots who were at the time fighting the Battle of Britain (BoB), the pivotal air battle with the German Luftwaffe with Britain expecting a German invasion. Churchill first spoke his famous words upon his exit from 11 Fighter Group s underground operations control centre at RAF Uxbridge which he visited on 16 th August during the battle (which we visit on Day 3). Pictured left are Spitfire pilots of No 610 Squadron, at RAF Biggin Hill during September This 15 day tour concentrates solely on the Battle, visiting various airfields, sites, monuments and 2 airshows commemorating what was a huge turning point not only of Great Britain s and Europe s history but that of the whole world. Had the battle been lost the world as we know it could have turned out very differently. This fabulous tour will include: Spitfire Pilots of No 610 Sqn, RAF Biggin Hill, Sep 1940 Solent Sky Museum (R.J. Mitchell Hall of Fame, designer of the Spitfire) RAF Tangmere Military Aviation Museum RAF Hawkinge Kent Battle of Britain Museum Capel le Ferne National Memorial To The Few RAF Biggin Hill (optional visit to the Kent Spitfire Restoration Company) RAF Biggin Hill St George s RAF Chapel of Remembrance RAF Bentley Priory, Headquarters Fighter Command Battle Museum RAF Hendon RAF Museum RAF Uxbridge 11 Fighter Group Battle of Britain Bunker (underground Operations Centre) RAF North Weald The Squadron (original NAAFI) RAF North Weald North Weald Aviation Museum RAF Coningsby Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) BBMF oldest airworthy, and the only Spitfire still flying to have actually fought in the Battle of Britain RAF Woodhall Spa No 617 (Dambusters) Squadron: Officer s Mess (we stay overnight) RAF Duxford Imperial War Museum, Airborne Museum, Land Warfare Museum & 8 th US Air Force Museum RAF Duxford 75 th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain Airshow Arrivals Day RAF Duxford 75 th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain Airshow: 1 or 2 full days: possibly including a BoB Me 109E (See page 5) RAF Kenley tour of the airfield including the RAF Kenley Tribute Southend Airshow and Military Festival Whitehall Churchill War Rooms Lambeth Imperial War Museum The Embankment Battle of Britain London Monument The Embankment Royal Air Force Monument Old Warden airfield The Shuttleworth Collection Tour th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain Provisional Itinerary Issue 3 Page 1 of 11

2 In February we received the very disappointing news that the planned airshow on RAF Kenley has been cancelled; however, all is not lost: will be given a talk and guided tour of the airfield, and in place of this airshow we will now attend the annual seafront over the beach airshow and military festival in the popular English seaside resort of Southend, famous for the longest pier in the world! All visits are confirmed, and in some cases we have been able to arrange special access to those that are normally closed. The tour price includes normal admission to the Duxford air show, however, upgraded admission including seating is available at a supplement. Please annotate your booking form if you are interested and details will be sent to you as they become available. As well as the organised visits, there is a free day in Cambridge and 2 full days in London to enjoy as you wish. Of the BoB airfields we visit, RAF Kenley, Duxford, Biggin Hill and North Weald are very active, civilian, airfields; RAF Tangmere, Hawkinge, Uxbridge and Hendon have ended their flying days, as has RAF Croydon now the location of one of our hotels; RAF Coningsby was not a BoB airfield, but is a busy operational station and home to the BBMF; RAF Woodhall Spa was a Bomber Command station; and RAF Bentley Priory during the Second World War was a Command Headquarters and a non flying station. We also pass but do stop at, a number of other famous BoB airfields, e.g.. RAF Hornchurch and West Malling, as sadly these are now housing or industrial estates and nothing remains to be seen of the airfields themselves. We stay each night in a comfortable hotel, on either a Dinner, Bed and Breakfast basis (3 nights) or Bed and Breakfast basis (11 nights), see daily itinerary; details of all the hotels are given on pages 7 9; our travels around England are by air conditioned coach; and the group is accompanied by one of Ian Allan Aviation s well travelled and experienced tour managers, himself an aviation enthusiast. This is a truly comprehensive tour of historical sites associated with the Battle of Britain, and although open to one and all, we especially welcome those living overseas and who do not have many opportunities to visit Old Blighty! Why not extend your stay in the UK. Please contact us if you require additional arrangements. PROVISIONAL ITINERARY (all times local) DAY 1: MONDAY, 7 th SEPTEMBER Arrive in England. Those flying into London s Heathrow Airport will be met on arrival by a representative and transferred by the Hotel Hoppa bus service to the 4* Arora Hotel located on the airport s northern perimeter; your Hoppa ticket will be handed to you by our representative and is included in the tour price. Full English breakfast and/or Continental Breakfast is included, as you prefer. We stay 2 nights at this hotel. This evening there will be a short informal meet and greet with your fellow enthusiasts and your Tour Manager, in the hotel bar. DAY 2: TUESDAY, 8 th SEPTEMBER Leaving our hotel at 09:00 hrs. we go to Stanmore in the north of London, to what was the wartime headquarters of Fighter Command: RAF Bentley Priory. Originally built in 1766, Bentley Priory was once home of the Dowager Queen Adelaide, queen consort of William IV, and subsequently became a hotel then a girls' school, before being acquired by the Royal Air Force in This beautiful Grade 2* listed country house, now the recently opened Bentley Priory Museum explains how technology, leadership and courage forged victory, allowing Britain s darkest hour to also be her Finest Hour. It also tells the story of The One Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding (pictured left), the Few who took to the air to defend our skies, and the Many without whose tireless work on the ground victory would not have been possible. Website: Our next visit is to one of the world s finest, and largest, collections of aircraft in the world: the Royal Air Force Museum. Located on the historic, and now hardly recognisable aerodrome Hendon. An important centre for aviation between 1908 and After the First World War it was famous as a place of pioneering experiments which included the first airmail, the first parachute descent from a powered aircraft, the first night flights, and the first aerial defence of a city. Website: DAY 3: WEDNESDAY, 9 th SEPTEMBER At 09:00 hrs. we depart for west London, to the former RAF Uxbridge station. During the Second World War it was Fighter Command s No 11 Group underground ops centre. From here fighter operations were controlled throughout the War but most notably during the BofB and on D Day. Winston Churchill made more than one visit during the summer of The Plotting Table and all the Squadron Alert State Boards, (pictured right), show the situation as it was at the height of the Battle on the 15 th September. Tour th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain Provisional Itinerary Issue 3 Page 2 of 11

3 Moving from the west of London to the north, we arrive at another RAF station that played such a vital role during the Battle: North Weald. The resident Hurricane squadrons quickly became heavily involved in fierce encounters with the Luftwaffe, with 39 pilots losing their life between the 10 th July and 31 st October. Like all the airfields defending London, North Weald was heavily bombed on several occasions with many service men and civilians being killed. Website: We then go around to the other side of the airfield to The Squadron: here you can take lunch (at your own expense) in the NAAFI restaurant which is housed in one of the two original 1940s RAF buildings. Website: Mid afternoon we depart for Lincolnshire, to the small market town of Woodhall Spa where we stay overnight at the Petwood hotel (pictured right), on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. This hotel is also a famous and historic aviation site: it is the original Officers Mess of No 617 Dambusters Squadron! Things have changed since World War II: the squadron was dis banded last April and will be re formed later this decade with the new F 35 Joint Strike Fighter. However, the original 617 Squadron bar is untouched, and the hotel has many interesting items of memorabilia on display. DAY 4: THURSDAY, 10 th SEPTEMBER After breakfast there is the opportunity to look around No 617 (Dambusters) Squadron Bar which will be opened especially for us. At 10:00 hrs. we set off for the very busy RAF station of Coningsby, a 30 minutes drive to the south. Arriving at the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight s Visitors Centre where at 11:00 hrs. we will be given a fascinating guided tour of their hangar where most, if not all, of their collection of 6 Spitfires, 2 Hurricanes, 1 Lancaster, 1 Chipmunk and a DC 3 will be present. Website: Pictured here is Spitfire Mk IIA (P7350), the oldest airworthy Spitfire in the world and the only Spitfire still flying to have actually fought in the Battle of Britain! It is currently presented as a Spitfire Mk 1a (N3162) of No 41 Squadron, coded EB G, the aircraft flown by the top scoring Battle of Britain fighter ace Eric Lock, who on 5 th September 1940, destroyed 3 enemy aircraft in a single sortie. Returning south, to Hertfordshire, we arrive on the outskirts of Letchworth, and stay 1 night on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis at the delightful Mercure Letchworth Hall Hotel. DAY 5: FRIDAY, 11 th SEPTEMBER Departing the hotel at 09:00 hrs. we travel 30 minutes up the Great North Road, originally built by the Romans, to Biggleswade and Old Warden, home of the unique Shuttleworth Aircraft Collection. This truly awe inspiring collection of historic aircraft and vehicles dating from the first half of the 20th century, includes a Gladiator, Spitfire, Lysander, the DH88 Comet racer which won the England to Australia Air Race in 1934, and the world s oldest airworthy aircraft: a Blériot XI, built in 1909 and still flying today! Lunch, at your own expense, can be enjoyed in the Collection s restaurant. Website: collection/ At 12:30 hrs. we leave Old Warden and drive south towards Greater London, crossing the River Thames at Dartford, into Kent and the famous BofB airfield of Kenley. At 15:00 hrs. we will be given a talk and tour of the airfield, including the original blast pens and the RAF Kenley Tribute (pictured right). Website: A few miles down the road is Croydon, and we check in at a very special hotel: the Hallmark (see page 8) where we stay one night on a bed and breakfast basis. DAY 6: SATURDAY, 12 th SEPTEMBER We set off at 08:30 hrs. for Southend in the county of Essex, and spend the day at their Airshow and Military Festival. This very popular airshow takes place over the beach! The town is famous for having the world s longest pier. After the show we go to the centre of London, to the ideally located Ibis Earls Court Hotel where we stay 4 nights on a bed and breakfast basis. DAYS 7 & 8: SUNDAY, 13 th & MONDAY, 14 th SEPTEMBER Two free days to enjoy as you wish. Tour th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain Provisional Itinerary Issue 3 Page 3 of 11

4 DAY 9: TUESDAY 15 th SEPTEMBER Today is Battle of Britain Day. Then to the nearby Battle of Britain London Monument. The monument utilises a panelled granite structure 25 metres long which was originally designed as a smoke outlet for underground trains when they were powered by steam engines. A walkway was cut obliquely through the middle of the structure, and is lined with panels of high relief sculpture in bronze depicting scenes from the Battle of Britain. The centrepiece, pictured right, is an almost life sized sculpture of airmen scrambling for their aircraft during the Battle. The outside of the monument is lined with bronze plaques listing 2,936 airmen and ground crew from 14 countries who took part in the Battle on the Allied side. Website: Our coach leaves the hotel at 09:00 hrs. for King Charles Street in Whitehall, where we visit the Churchill War Rooms: an historic underground complex that housed a British government command centre throughout the Second World War, and the Churchill Museum. Imagine who was in this room 75 years ago! During its operational life the Map Room (pictured left) was vitally important: in constant use and manned around the clock by officers of the Royal Navy, British Army and RAF, these officers were responsible for producing a daily intelligence summary for the King, Prime Minister and the military Chiefs of Staff. Two other notable rooms include the Transatlantic Telephone Room and Churchill's office bedroom. Website: war rooms Next is the district of Lambeth, south of the River Thames, to the Imperial War Museum and its collection of aircraft, part of which is pictured left. The museum's collections include archives of personal and official documents, photographs, film and video material, and oral history recordings; an extensive library, a large art collection, and examples of military vehicles and aircraft, equipment and other artefacts. Website: london DAY 10: WEDNESDAY, 16 th SEPTEMBER At 08:30 hrs. we board our waiting coach and depart for Southampton, about a 75 minutes drive away, and our first visit: the Solent Sky Museum: the birthplace and home of the Spitfire which includes the R.J. Mitchell (pictured right) Hall of Fame. Geographically this area was the most important area in the country, if not the world, for aircraft experimental and development work between 1908 and the late 1960s, the most famous being the Spitfire. The museum has 18 aircraft of various types, including the Supermarine Spitfire and S6b. The Engine Bay also has a good selection of engines. Website: Late morning we depart Hampshire and stop for lunch (at your own expense) on the road to West Sussex, and our second visit of the day: the RAF Tangmere Military Aviation Museum. Situated in a corner of the old airfield, famed for its illustrious service from 1916 through to the post war years, it serves as a memorial to the airmen and airwomen who gave their lives in the service of this country. It has an impressive display of historic aircraft and a unique collection of aviation memorabilia stretching from the First World War through to the Cold War. Website: museum.org.uk/ Travelling eastwards along the south coast, at around 18:00 hrs. we arrive in the historic and famous town of Hastings. We stay tonight at the Royal Victoria Hotel, situated on the waterfront overlooking the beach, on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. DAY 11: THURSDAY, 17 th SEPTEMBER This morning we leave at 08:30 hrs. and continue along the coast to the ex BoB airfield of RAF Hawkinge, the home of the Kent Battle of Britain Museum. It is the oldest museum dedicated to the Battle. Since opening in 1971, the museum has gained the support of a large number of Battle of Britain pilots many of whom have donated personal items to the museum making it the most comprehensive and longest serving Battle of Britain Museum in the UK. Website: We then drive a few miles to the Battle of Britain Memorial, a monument to aircrew who flew in the Battle. It is sited on the White Cliffs at Capel le Ferne, near Folkestone. Tour th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain Provisional Itinerary Issue 3 Page 4 of 11

5 Initiated by the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust and opened by the Queen Mother on 9 th July 1993, it is formed of a large propeller shaped base, with the figure of a seated pilot sitting at the centre. Also on the site are replicas of a Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire, and the Christopher Foxley Norris Memorial Wall (pictured right), on which appears the names of the almost 3,000 fighter aircrew who flew in the Battle. Website: Leaving the Kent coast behind us we travel north to RAF Biggin Hill. On the perimeter of the station we visit St George s Royal Air Force Chapel of Remembrance. RAF Biggin Hill will remain forever linked with the Battle of Britain in 1940, and the Chapel is a memorial to all the aircrew who died flying from the Biggin Hill Sector. 17 Stained glass windows commemorate squadrons, aircrew and ground crew. The reredos records in gold lettering the names of those aircrew who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Spitfire and Hurricane replicas stand guard at the gate. You will experience the peaceful atmosphere of this wonderful memorial. Website: george s royal air force chapel of remembrance/11272#sthash.fvp1vpuw.dpuf You have the option of visiting The Kent Spitfire Company who own and fly Spitfire IXe, TA805; they also restore original Spitfires back into flying condition. Price of this optional visit is per person, please annotate your booking form if you are interested. Early evening we arrive in the famous university town of Cambridge, staying 3 nights on a bed and breakfast basis at the superb Arundel House Hotel overlooking the River Cam and Jesus Green Park: the historic centre is only a few minutes stroll away. DAY 12: FRIDAY, 18 th SEPTEMBER We leave at 09:30 hrs. for one of the most famous fighter airfields of the Second World War: Duxford. Today you are free to visit at your leisure the various museums located here: Imperial War Museum, 8 th US Air Force Museum, the Land Warfare Museum (tanks AFVs etc), the Airborne Museum, the classic civil airliners belonging to the Duxford Aviation Society, and last but not least, the warbird restoration and display hangars. It will be a less crowded day for looking around, compared to when we return on the morrow for the 75 th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain Airshow airshow when up to 40,000 people fill the airfield. Website: duxford/air shows In addition to looking around the museums, keep a lookout for landing aircraft especially Spitfires today is Arrivals Day for the weekend airshow! At 16:00 hrs. we return to our hotel. DAY 13: SATURDAY, 19 th SEPTEMBER Enjoy a non aviation day in Cambridge exploring the streets, parks, riverbank, famous colleges and stunning architecture. Alternatively, attend the first day of the 75 th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain Airshow on Duxford airfield. Transfer by free bus service from Cambridge railway station (or local taxi); transfers and admission (today) are not included in the tour price. DAY 14: SUNDAY, 20 th SEPTEMBER Departing at 08:30 hrs. we enjoy a full day at the 75 th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain Airshow. This will undoubtedly be the best airshow of the season, and the perfect venue Duxford was home to the famous Bader Wing, commanded by the famous, legless fighter pilot. In previous year s, at the annual Flying Legends airshows each July, up to 20 or more Spitfires and Hurricanes have flown en masse, and it is not beyond the bounds of possibility that such a spectacle will be seen at this show! In December it was announced that Messerschmitt Bf 109E White 14 had ben purchased from its Canadian owner and would be moved to the UK. Built in 1939 it participated in the Battle of Britain, shooting down at least one Spitfire, and was once the mount of the famous Luftwaffe ace Hans Joachim Marseille! The aircraft, one of only two airworthy examples of a Bf 109 in the world will be the only flying example in Europe. White 14 is expected to participate in the commemorations of the Battle of Britain, and although not confirmed at this time, must be a likely participant at this airshow. After the flying programme has ended, usually around 18:00 hrs. we drive to London s Heathrow Airport and check in again at the Arora Hotel for our last evening; breakfast is included. This evening why not join your fellow enthusiasts and tour manager in the bar for a farewell toast before turning in for the night. Tour th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain Provisional Itinerary Issue 3 Page 5 of 11

6 DAY 15: MONDAY, 21 st SEPTEMBER This morning, after breakfast, you are free to transfer to the appropriate terminal on Heathrow Airport and check in for your flight. Your tour manager will be in the hotel s reception to assist at check out if required. Transfer is on the Hotel Hoppa coach service, and a ticket which will be handed to you by the tour manager. TOUR PRICE PER PERSON TOUR: From 1, From Land Only package price based on sharing a twin bedded room on a bed and breakfast/dinner, bed and breakfast basis as indicated in the itinerary Single room supplement TOUR PRICE INCLUDES 14 nights hotel accommodation sharing a twin bedded room with private facilities Continental or Full English Breakfast each morning, as included in the room rate Dinner (1 night) at the Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa Dinner (1 night) at the Mercure Letchworth Hall Hotel Dinner (1 night) at the Royal Victoria Hotel, Hastings Transfers to/from the Arora Hotel on Days 1 and 15 Coach transportation throughout the itinerary as indicated Special access to No 617 (Dambusters) Squadron bar Admission to all aviation museums and collections, as stated in the itinerary One days general admission to the 75 th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain Airshow, Duxford Additional coach charter to the Southend Airshow and Military Festival Services of an Ian Allan Tour Manager throughout Gratuity for coach driver NOT INCLUDED Flights to/from the UK (London) Midday and evening meals, except where stated as being an included item Transfer to/from Duxford and admission to the airshow on Day 13 (optional second day visit) Upgraded admission tickets, where available, at the two airshows Travel insurance Visa to enter the United Kingdom if necessary Personal expenditure, for example, telephone calls, laundry, drinks, etc. Tips and gratuities (except for the coach driver) Porterage Tour th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain Provisional Itinerary Issue 3 Page 6 of 11

7 OUR HOTELS ARORA HOTEL LONDON HEATHROW AIRPORT Overlooking the airport, the Arora Hotel Heathrow is ideally located as it s only a short drive from all the terminals, with easy transfers using the Hotel Hoppa Transfer Coach Service. Time to recuperate after or before your long haul flight. This four star hotel features 350 Superior, Premier and Family accommodation bedrooms; and an exclusive Blue Sky Suite, with stunning views of the airport. Facilities include: Smith s Grill and Smith s Bar, a 24 hour gym, and complimentary Wi Fi in all bedrooms and public areas in the hotel. Bedrooms include satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, en suite bathroom facilities and individually controlled air conditioning PETWOOD HOTEL, WOODHALL SPA In the early twentieth century, non stop express trains would bring wealthy Edwardians from London to the woodland setting of Woodhall Spa for treatments at the baths. One of these frequent visitors was Baroness Von Eckhardstein: Grace Maple. During her divorce, the Baroness was looking for a country retreat within easy reach of London and she chose Woodhall Spa, in her pet wood. Grace was the only surviving daughter of Sir Blundell Maple the owner of the famous Maple furniture company who died in 1903 and bestowed to her a significant fortune with which to establish an English estate. Designed and built as a bungalow by 1908 the architect Frank Peck had been engaged to design further extensions featuring Tudor to Jacobean styles. Grace remarried in 1910 to Sir Archibald Weigall. In their newly extended, splendid home filled with Maple furniture, the Weigalls were ready to entertain on a lavish scale and royalty, nobility, stars of stage, screen and sport were all duly welcomed to Petwood over the years. Despite a spell as a military hospital for convalescents in the First World War, the Petwood s most notable appearance in wartime history is that as the Officers Mess for the 617 Squadron. Requisitioned by the RAF in 1942, originally Officers of 97 and 619 Squadrons were based at the Petwood. When it was decided that the 617 Dambusters Squadron should be made into a special duties squadron which would work in isolation and secrecy, Woodhall airfield was selected as the operational base. So 619 Squadron was moved out of the Petwood and 617 Squadron was moved in. For Officers at war, the Petwood was fondly remembered as a splendid place remote from battle. Today, the Squadron Bar hosts a range of memorabilia and tributes to Guy Gibson VC, Leonard Cheshire VC and their Officers. The hotel s excellent facilities include in room tea and coffee makers, satellite TV, direct dial telephone, and free Wi fi. Summary taken from extracts of Petwood: The remarkable story of a famous Lincolnshire Hotel by Edward Mayor, Photo courtesy of the Petwood Hotel Tour th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain Provisional Itinerary Issue 3 Page 7 of 11

8 MERCURE LETCHWORTH HALL Letchworth Hall was built in 1625 as an exquisite English Manor house, and is set in 8 acres: the ideal place to enjoy a leisurely stroll. Its facilities include Lytton s restaurant, and a bar with a large range of wines and spirits, where in the summer you can sit out on the hotel's patio overlooking the magnificent landscaped gardens. Wi fi available throughout; in room facilities include TV, telephone and tea and coffee makers. Guests staying at the hotel can use the nearby health and fitness facilities at Cannons health and fitness club free of charge; its range of facilities include a swimming pool, sauna steam room, cardiovascular machines and gym. Website: mercure letchworth hall hotel/index.shtml HALLMARK HOTEL, CROYDON London s first airport was located in Croydon, and the former Aerodrome Hotel, originally built in 1928 to serve the airport, is today of a comfortable 4 star standard. A host of famous guests have passed through its doors, including King George VI and Charlie Chaplin. It has a stunning contemporary lobby, relaxing lounge bar and Brasserie as well as fully equipped meeting and conference facilities. All rooms benefit from a 32" screen LCD TV system, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, iron and ironing board and luxury toiletries. Complimentary Wi Fi is available in all the bedrooms as well as in all areas of the hotel. IBIS EARLS COURT, LONDON The Ibis Earls Court is ideally located between Kensington, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Fulham and Hammersmith. On site are the La Table Restaurant and the George & Dragon Pub. It has perfect travel links to many of London's major attractions, with the nearest Underground station of West Brompton, on the District Line, only a 2 minutes walk away (or you can take a bus) to the West End, famous for the theatre and shopping, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, the Strand; also, the City, St. Paul s Cathedral and the Tower of London. All rooms have TV, tea/coffee makers, individually controlled airconditioning; Wi Fi is available in rooms and throughout the hotel. Porterage is available. Tour th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain Provisional Itinerary Issue 3 Page 8 of 11

9 ROYAL VICTORIA HOTEL HASTINGS Part of the Best Western group, the Royal Victoria Hotel is perched on the picturesque Hastings waterfront. It facilities include the locally renowned Sea Terrace Restaurant and Piano Bar serving both traditional & international cuisine. Just a brisk walk along from the hotel you'll find Hastings centre, with cobbled streets in the Old Town, the Fisherman s Museum on the Stade, the Smugglers Adventure, the 1066 Story in Hastings Castle and Hastings Pier. All bedrooms feature: free Internet, complimentary toiletries, hairdryer, clock with illuminated display, heated towel rail, TV with Freeview channels, tea & coffee making facilities, iron & ironing board and telephone. ARUNDEL HOUSE HOTEL, CAMBRIDGE Beautifully located overlooking the River Cam and open parkland the hotel is only a short walk across the park, known as Jesus Green, to the city centre and the wealth of fascinating architecture for which Cambridge is famous throughout the world. The hotel, which is privately owned, has been formed from a terrace of particularly fine late nineteenth century Victorian houses. The facade and elegantly proportioned interiors have been carefully preserved while still allowing the hotel to offer all the modern services which discerning travellers now demand. All of the hotel s 103 bedrooms have private facilities en suite, with either a bath, a shower or bath and shower. All rooms also have tea and coffee making facilities, television, radio, hairdryer and a direct dial telephone with an automatic wake up alarm facility. Free Wi Fi is available in all areas of the hotel. Tour th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain Provisional Itinerary Issue 3 Page 9 of 11

10 GENERAL INFORMATION PAYMENT FOR IAN ALLAN AVIATION TOURS A deposit of per person should accompany your Booking Form, with the balance due 10 weeks prior to the tour s departure. Please see your Booking Confirmation/Invoice for the exact date. Please note that a reminder of the payment date will not be sent. CHANGES TO THE FINAL ITINERARY Unforeseen World events, changes in the geo/political situation, no notice or minimum notice changes due to operational reasons may result in the itinerary being amended. Whilst we will keep you fully informed, Ian Allan Travel Ltd cannot be held responsible for any visit or tour being cancelled due to world events, or circumstances, beyond our control. Your attention is drawn to our Booking Conditions on the reverse of the Booking Form. PASSPORTS AND VISAS Please contact your local British Embassy or Consulate Office for details on who does and who does not require a tourist visa to enter the United Kingdom (UK). HEALTH REQUIREMENTS Currently there are no known compulsory health requirements for visiting the UK; however, for the latest information we recommend you consult your doctor or local health centre. BAGGAGE REGULATIONS Please check with the airline with whom you are flying. The carriage of liquids may differ, depending on where you depart, however, in general hand baggage may not contain liquids such as shampoo, suntan lotions, creams, toothpaste, hair gel and hair spray, perfumes, cosmetics such as mascara and lip gloss, water and other drinks, soups and syrups and other items of a similar consistency. Please be advised that the carrying of liquids in your hand baggage is prohibited when departing from all UK and European airports. Cigarette lighters are NOT permitted in hold baggage or through the security search. These may be purchased airside. Hand baggage can also include electronic equipment such as mobile phones, digital cameras and MP3 players (such as i Pods). Laptops must be removed from the bag for x ray. Prescription medicines in liquid form, e.g. diabetic kit can also be included. At security all remaining items should be placed in the tray provided for screening, e.g. car keys and fobs, cash, solid food, books, newspapers, cigarettes and tobacco, belts and shoes. Pushchairs and walking aids are permitted but must be x ray screened. All wheelchairs will be subject to search. Please note: you may be subject to a hand search by the security team and required to remove footwear to be x ray screened. BAGGAGE WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS UK AIRPORTS Since 2004, any single piece of checked baggage weighing more than 70lbs (32kgs) has not been handled at most UK airports (including London s Heathrow and Gatwick Airports); nor accepted at check in on leaving the UK in an attempt to reduce manual handling injuries amongst airport staff. Please bear this in mind when packing your suitcase. CLIMATE AND DRESS A warm and sunny summer in England is something that cannot be guaranteed. We recommend clothing for both warm and cool temperatures (it should be in low 70⁰sF), and waterproofs for any wayward shower. Tour th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain Provisional Itinerary Issue 3 Page 10 of 11

11 MEALS Meals are included in the price only when they are part of the room rate, giving you the option to either eat in the hotel (all have on site restaurants and bars), or locally in the town/city. Please see itinerary inclusions for specific details. TRAVEL INSURANCE You are strongly advised to ensure you have adequate travel insurance. Unfortunately we can only provide a quotation and issue policies to residents of the UK. PHOTOGRAPHY Photography is allowed at all the airshows, aviation museums and collections we are visiting. Special permissions are not required. FLEXIBLE ITINERARY We are very happy for enthusiasts to take time away from the printed itinerary to pursue their own interests during multi day stays in the same place, so long as they inform the Tour Manager. It will be the individual s responsibility to ensure that they re join the group in the hotel at the stated time on the day of departure, and no responsibility can be accepted by Ian Allan Travel Ltd for any missed departure nor the consequences of any action where independent arrangements are made. OPTIONAL PLEASURE/SIGHTSEEING FLIGHTS DISCLAIMER Should you decide to undertake any pleasure/sightseeing flights which have not been offered or sanctioned by us, Ian Allan Travel Ltd will not be held liable for any injuries or death resulting thereon. * * * Tour th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain Provisional Itinerary Issue 3 Page 11 of 11