This exclusive 30-minute experience offers a rare chance to get up close and personal with not one, but two WW2 Spitfires, including our genuine Battle of Britain veteran Mk 1A Spitfire, X4590.
Battle of Britain Spitfire (Mk 1A, X4590)
You will be given a personal tour around the aircraft as well as the rare opportunity to view into the cockpit, from which Pilot Officer Sydney Jenkyn Hill of 609 Squadron helped shoot down a Junkers 88 in October 1940. Surviving the Battle of Britain, X4590 would later briefly serve with the legendary 303 (Polish) Squadron.
Take the Pilot’s Seat (Mk 16, RW393)
You will then take to the pilot’s seat of our late WW2 Mk 16 Spitfire, RW393. With a pilot’s-eye view from inside the cockpit, you’ll receive a detailed and hands-on guide to the controls and instruments. Discover the tactics used by Spitfire pilots in aerial combat and learn about the capabilities of this iconic fighter.
At the end of your session, you will receive:
- A Spitfire Experience Certificate
- A Spitfire Notebook
- A Spitfire Keyring
Perfect keepsakes to remember your visit.
Experience Details
Price: £99.00 per person
Duration: 30 minutes
Recommended minimum age: 8+ (under-16s must be accompanied by a paying adult)
Location: Hangar 3 (H3) — arrive 30 minutes before your session to check in at Admissions
Good to know: Cameras welcome; includes souvenir certificate, Spitfire notebook, and keyring
Capacity: Each session accommodates one person only. To book multiple sessions, please repeat the process of adding a ticket and choosing a time.
You will also need to book a Museum admission ticket with this Experience. Please ensure you read the access terms and conditions before booking. This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
Access Details
Sitting in the cockpit of a Spitfire is a once in a lifetime experience, so make sure you’re prepped for the day. Please take note of our access restrictions before purchasing your tickets:
- You must be physically fit to climb a small number of steps and lift your legs and full body weight into the cockpit.
- Please wear trousers or shorts. Skirts and dresses may prevent or restrict access.
- Please wear flat shoes with a good grip on them. Please note: we cannot allow the public access without appropriate footwear.
- You are more than welcome to take pictures once inside the cockpit. Please come with a camera that can be zipped into a pocket or a camera with a strap.
- Spitfire cockpits are small – please see measurements below for your information.
- If the Museum feels that it is not safe or possible for you to access the cockpit, we reserve the right to refuse access. Please refer to the terms and conditions displayed at the Experience before purchasing your ticket.
- Please read the Access Terms and Conditions before booking.
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.