Departs 15th July 2026
Join a group of international aviation enthusiasts for the most comprehensive escorted UK tour on offer this year.
A varied selection of aviation and motor museums with historic city stays.
5 major events Including a "money can't buy" experience, not to be missed.
22 day tour escorted from Auckland or join us at Heathrow on 17th July for an 18-day tour.
Singapore Air Force Museum, Battlebox Singapore, Brooklands & Mercedes-Benz World, Jet Age Museum, Vulcan XM655, British Motor Museum, Silverstone Museum, Bletchley Park, Military Intelligence Museum, Aircraft Restoration Company, Imperial War Museum Duxford, The Shuttleworth Collection, City of Norwich Aviation Museum, Norfolk Broads Cruise, Newark Air Museum, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre, Metheringham Visitor Centre, Lincs Aviation Heritage Centre, The Stirling Project, The Bunker at Hatfield Police Station, RAF Museum Hendon
Lots included but still leisurely with time to explore local history! Optional extras.
Experienced tour hosts with 15 years of aviation tours and many repeat guests.
Travel worry-free with 24/7 escorts.
Return flights economy with Singapore Air are included, with 4* accommodation.
Fully flexible, stay on post tour, upgrade flights or rooms, etc.
Cost $15495 per person twin share
Cost $17995 per person for single room
Land only joining in London -
Cost $10975 per person twin share
Cost $13095 per person for single room
Call anytime for a chat +64 21 076 8308
For the full day by day printable itinerary
English Summer Wings, escorted from NZ by aviation enthusiasts Kevin & Melanie Salisbury.
Join a group of international enthusiasts, couples and singles, and let us take you on a leisurely 22 day tour escorted from Auckland departing 15th July or join us at Heathrow on 17th July for an 18-day tour.
Also includes some of the UKs best aviation & motor museums.
Why book this tour?
1. It will be the last UK tour for a few years.
2. Its a bumper itinerary with 5 main event days.
3. We are special guests of the Old Buckenham Airshow
4. Plenty of alternative days for friends/partners with less interest in aviation.
5. It is flexible as usual, and you can stay on after the tour if you wish.
6. Everything is taken care of for you with tour hosts available 24/7
7. Do the longhaul while you can and give yourself lasting memories.
The tour departs Auckland at 2.10 pm so connection from domestic NZ airports is possible. However, you may wish to arrive into Auckland the evening before and meet the tour hosts and some guests for supper. We usually stay at the Jet Park Hotel.
If it is more convenient to meet us in Singapore (for example joining from Australia), that can be arranged and costs adjusted.
If you are joining us at Heathrow, we suggest staying at the Renaissance Hotel as we will collect from there on the morning of arrival - 17th July.
We are happy to help with these arrangements.
Included : Lunch & Dinner in flight
Our first stop today is The Air Force Museum, a physical embodiment of the history, heritage, and values of the Republic of Singapore Air Force. It creatively combines original artefacts with interactive media, fighter jets, missiles, and anti-aircraft systems. Then we’ll visit The Battlebox, a historic underground World War II command center located beneath Fort Canning Hill. It is most famous as the site where the British made the fateful decision to surrender Singapore to Japanese forces on 15 February 1942. Today, it is a museum that immerses visitors in the tense atmosphere of wartime strategy and surrender.
Alternatively, you can explore Singapore at your leisure. There are plenty of options to choose from.
We will have time to spend at The Jewel Changi which is a nature-themed entertainment and retail complex linked to the airport. Its centrepiece is the world's tallest indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex, that is surrounded by a terraced forest setting and quite stunning in the evening when lit up.
Our evening flight SQ322 departs at 11pm.
On arrival at Heathrow we clear immigration, collect any guests joining in the arrivals hall and meet our coach. We will make one pick up from the Renaissance Hotel should any guests have an overnight stay pre-tour.
Our first stop is Weybridge where we explore the fantastic Brooklands Museum, birthplace of British aviation and motorsport, and the site of many engineering and technological achievements. Brooklands-based aircraft companies such as Bleriot, Hawker, Sopwith, Martinsyde, and Vickers were were key players in the early years of aviation and were crucial to its early development. Also here is The London Bus Museum which houses a remarkable collection of around 35 buses and coaches, and the largest collection of working historic London buses in the world.
A 2-minute stroll away is Mercedes-Benz World, the ultimate showroom where you’ll find yourself up close to an array of automotive icons past and present from the Gullwing and Patent Motor Wagen to modern-day supercars such as the SLS AMG. Early afternoon we head over to Abingdon and check into our hotel for some rest before our Welcome Dinner.
Included : Breakfast in flight & Dinner
If you wish to have two days at the Royal International Air Tattoo, today is the optional day. RIAT is the world's largest and most prestigious military air show. Spectacular in the air and on the ground with a two-mile-long static display (serviced by a shuttle bus), it’s a fantastic line-up of international displays and 7 hours of flying.
RIAT26 will have an operational theme of 'Fighter Meet' highlighting the aircraft used throughout the last century for air-to-air combat and hope to include examples of modern fighter aircraft used across the globe.
You can choose your entry ticket type – from General Admission up to the VIP enclosures. Attending both days gives you more time to fully explore all the trade stands, static displays and catch all the flying. Both Saturday and Sunday are full 7-hour flying displays with the majority of the same aircraft although there may be variations due to availability, serviceability and weather etc. Tickets will need pre-booking and are at your own cost for today. Our coach will be available for the trip.
If you prefer a more restful day to adjust to the time difference, you can stay in lovely Abingdon, explore the town, Abbey Gardens, walk the Thames riverbank or hire a boat, or check out the Loose Cannon Brewery.
Included : BreakfastToday is our scheduled group day at RIAT. As well as enjoying the static displays and trade stands, we have the luxury of our Cotswold Club enclosure with its summer garden party atmosphere, including a tasty lunch, unlimited tea and coffee, and an afternoon treat. The enclosure is directly on the crowd line for a great view of the fantastic flying display and includes a standing photography area.
Included : Breakfast & Lunch
Jet Age Aircraft Museum is home to a number of aircraft which were designed and manufactured by the Gloster Aircraft Company covering the years 1920’s through to 1960’s, as well as aero models, open cockpits and books. We spend the morning learning about Gloucestershire’s rich aviation heritage and then continue North to Stratford-upon-Avon, a market town with more than 800 years of history, for an afternoon at leisure. You can visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace, take a canal boat tour, visit the Butterfly Farm or enjoy a town walking tour.
Included : Breakfast
Our day begins at Wellesbourne Airfield as we drop in to see Vulcan XM655, one of the few in ground running condition and the only one with the most powerful of the engine variants (Bristol Olympus 301s). This was third from last of the Vulcan bombers produced for the Royal Air Force, being delivered in late 1964, and was part of the UK’s nuclear deterrent force throughout the 1960s and 1970s. It is now owned by Wellesbourne Airfield and is looked after by 655 Maintenance and Preservation Society (655MaPS), a volunteer group of Vulcan enthusiasts.
Then it’s on to one of the top car collections in the world The British Motor Museum, which has over 400 classic, vintage & veteran cars to explore from the collections of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust and the Jaguar Heritage Trust.
The Museum building is a spectacular piece of architecture with an art deco design, whilst the Collections Centre building is a modern contrast. Together they stand proudly in a beautifully landscaped setting of 65 acres, which rolls out onto the Warwickshire countryside.
As an alternative, you may wish to visit Warwick Castle, built in 1068. A visit here includes the Birds of Prey show and the castle dungeons. Our coach can include this in our route.
There are plenty of other options if you prefer to stay in Stratford, or you could hop on a train to Henley-in-Arden, one of the prettiest towns in England: a mile-long High Street of medieval, Tudor, Georgian and Victorian architecture including 150 historic buildings, shops, pubs and restaurants.
Hotel: Alveston Manor, Stratford upon Avon
Included : Breakfast
This morning, we step into the heart of British motor racing at Silverstone Museum, located at the iconic Silverstone Circuit where we explore immersive exhibits, legendary cars, and the stories of racing heroes that shaped history.
Then it’s on to Bletchley Park. Once the top-secret home of the World War Two Codebreakers, Bletchley Park is now a vibrant heritage attraction. Immersive films, interactive displays, museum collections and faithfully recreated WW2 rooms will guide you on a journey to discover the past. Exhibitions, set within beautifully restored historic buildings, tell the story of this once top-secret operation. We find out more about the brilliant minds and complex machines that made this vital work possible and discover the global impact Bletchley Park had on the outcome of WW2.
Also onsite here is The National Museum of Computing, located in Block H of Bletchley Park but an independent museum. It houses the world's largest collection of functional historic computers and World War II machines, including Enigma, Lorenz, the working Turing-Welchman Bombe, the rebuilt Colossus (the world’s first electronic computer), and the WITCH (the world's oldest working digital computer). This is optional, time permitting and at your own cost but it does complement the Bletchley Park Story. Dinner this evening will be at the hotel.
Included : Breakfast & DinnerHere we discover the history and development of British military intelligence from its early roots to modern-day operations. The exhibits provide fascinating insights into codebreaking, espionage, surveillance, and the people behind key intelligence efforts. The museum’s artifacts, interactive displays, and detailed narratives offer a unique look at the often-hidden work that has shaped national security.
This afternoon we have a private tour of the Aircraft Restoration Co hangar where the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster will be undergoing a major overhaul. ARCo is a specialist engineering company dedicated to the restoration, maintenance, and operation of historic military aircraft — especially WWII fighters and is widely regarded as one of the leading Warbird companies. With John Romain at the helm, they’ve completed some of the most ambitious, historically significant warbird restorations anywhere in the world including the Mk1 Bristol Blenheim.
Here at Duxford, you have the opportunity for a flight experience in one of the Aerial Collective aircraft – Spitfire, Hurricane, Mustang, Lysander or Blenheim. Register your interest early if you are keen to take to the skies over Duxford.
If you prefer, you could stay in Letchworth for the day.
Included : Breakfast
Duxford will be the start of our three days of flying action with an event celebrating the strong historic ties between the U.S. and Britain. The flying displays feature iconic American aircraft, with impressive demonstrations that highlight their power, agility, and role in aviation history. Alongside the flying programme, the ground exhibitions and museum collections add rich context to the stories behind the aircraft and crews and showcase the enduring American influence on Duxford’s aviation heritage. We have a full day exploring the impressive Imperial War Museum hangars with a couple of hours of flying to enjoy.
Hotel: Cambridge Belfry Hotel & Spa
Included : Breakfast/Dinner
Perfectly capturing the charm and heritage that Shuttleworth is known for, the Summer Airshow is a wonderful celebration of aviation set against the beautiful backdrop of Old Warden. The afternoon flying displays showcase a mix of vintage aircraft, historic warbirds, and graceful aerobatic performances, all brought to life with Shuttleworth’s signature close-up flying style and with their own collection at the core of the displays, we are sure to see some unique aircraft. Weather permitting there will be an early evening display which puts a new light on the flying just ahead of sunset.
Behind the six hangars, is a picturesque Regency style Swiss Garden, with 13 listed structures and intriguing vistas in 9 acre grounds, and a woodland walk and sculpture trail leading to the mansion house that was the Shuttleworth family home. The relaxed atmosphere, classic vehicles, and scenic surroundings make for an enjoyable and memorable day.
Hotel: Cambridge Belfry Hotel & Spa
Included : BreakfastWe are very privileged today to be attending the Old Buckenham Airshow as guests of the Sally B enclosure. This area is by invitation only and tickets are not available to purchase. The theme of the show is “MH434” celebrating one of the most famous Spitfires of all time and her legendary Kiwi pilot Ray Hanna, former Red Arrows leader and founder of the Old Flying Machine Company. Ray is remembered for his stunning Spitfire displays, precise low-flying, and embodying the spirit of daring vintage aviation with his many stunts. We are honoured to have been invited to share this exclusive “money can’t buy” experience and help celebrate MH434, The Old Flying Machine Company, and Ray Hanna.
Set in the Norfolk countryside, the air show combines impressive flying displays with a vibrant festival atmosphere and a diverse international lineup of aircraft from classic warbirds to modern aerobatic performers. Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress ‘Sally-B” is the regular centrepiece for the show and, along with MH434, will be the backdrop for our full-service catered lunch and a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Hotel: The George, Norwich
Included : Breakfast & Lunch
Chosen for its city centre location, our hotel offers a base for you to explore at leisure. Take in the history with a walking tour, browse the market with over 200 stalls, wander through the Norwich Lanes - a maze of independent shops, cafés, vintage stores, and quirky boutiques, or check out the castle with its impressive keep. This evening we have dinner together at the hotel.
Hotel: The George, Norwich
Included : Breakfast
The museum features a range of around 30 historic aircraft, including a Vulcan bomber and some of the military and civil aircraft which have flown from Norfolk airfields. Indoor exhibitions detail the local presence of the American 8th Army Air Force. The RAF 100 Group Association collection is presented in a special section devoted to Bomber Command. We’ll spend the morning here with the opportunity to have included 30-minute guided experiences in the Vulcan, Nimrod, RJ85 and possibly the Lightning.
After lunch we have a leisurely cruise aboard the Vintage Broadsman. The Norfolk Broads are a vast network of rivers and shallow lakes often called "Britain's Magical Waterland". They are a man-made landscape, created over centuries by flooding pits left from medieval peat digging and an internationally important wetland home to unique wildlife.
Hotel: The George, Norwich
Included : Breakfast
Situated on the former World War II airfield of Winthorpe, this museum displays a diverse collection of more than 90 aircraft and cockpit sections covering the history of aviation. The aircraft on display include 13 National Benchmark aircraft; 34 Significant aircraft and 21 Noteworthy aircraft as listed in the National Aviation Heritage Register. In addition to the aircraft, the museum displays a diverse range of aviation artefacts and a collection of more than thirty-five aero engines. Many aircraft will be open to climb into including the Vulcan & Shackleton. We’ll stop on the way into Lincoln to look at the newly erected Bomber County Gateway Lancaster artwork “On Freedom’s Wings".
Hotel: Doubletree by Hilton Lincoln
Included : Breakfast
This morning, we have some time at leisure to explore Lincoln. We suggest visiting the Cathedral with the Airmen’s Chapel or the Castle with Medieval Wall Walk, Victorian Prison & Magna Carta. Those brave enough may tackle the walk up Steep Hill. Luckily there are two pubs at the top to wet your whistle for those who make it.
Then it’s on to the IBBC to remember over a million men and women from across the world who were part of Bomber Command’s efforts during WWII, to educate and to tell the stories of those affected by the bombing campaigns across Europe. We will explore the Peace Gardens, Walls of Names and the Spire with a guide, and then have time in the Chadwick Centre which 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.
Included : Breakfast
We start the day at RAF Coningsby, home of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre, where we will have a guided tour of the hangar. Aircraft in the collection that may be present include Dakota ZA947, six Spitfires, two Hurricanes and two Chipmunks. The BBMF is a Royal Air Force unit dedicated to preserving and flying some of the most iconic British aircraft of the Second World War and serves as a living memorial to the aircrew who served and sacrificed during the war.
After our tour we will enjoy a light lunch at the Bluebell Inn. Built in 1257, this is the famous haunt of Hunters, Poachers and Royalist Fugitives through the years to RAF heroes of the Second World War including the famous 617 (Dam Busters) Squadron. You will see the signatures on the ceiling, the many pictures of airmen and women who frequented here and the pennies left in the beams to pay for their next pint that sadly so often never came.
After lunch we visit MAVC, a small but deeply atmospheric WWII aviation museum located on the former RAF Metheringham. preserving the history of 106 Squadron, which operated Lancaster bombers from the airfield during 1943–45. Centrepiece of the museum is Dakota KG651.
Hotel: The Petwood Hotel
Included : Breakfast
This smaller airshow, held on the grass airstrip adjacent to the Lincs Aviation Heritage Centre, is full of character and offers a wide variety of historic and civilian displays. The site is home to Avro Lancaster ‘Just Jane’ and de Havilland Mosquito NF11, both in taxying condition, along with the more recent addition of North American B-25 Mitchell, which will eventually be available for taxy rides as well.
Hotel: The Petwood Hotel
Included : Breakfast
The Stirling Aircraft Project aims to recreate the forward fuselage of a Short Stirling Mark 3 aircraft, represented by EE944 'HA-H' of 218 Squadron, which crashed on 5th March 1944 at RAF Tempsford after an SOE mission. The passionate team here will tell us about the project and its dedication to the crew of EE944.
We will have lunch at a local pub before continuing South to The Bunker Museum at Hatfield Police Station where we will be guided round the four rooms.
This evening, we have our farewell dinner.
Hotel: The Comet, Hatfield
Included : Breakfast
We spend our final day at the RAF Museum at Hendon. There are 6 hangars, home to a vast collection of aircraft, engines, weapons, uniforms, and other artifacts including the world’s only surviving example of a Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-8, the Avro Lancaster S-Sugar, and the Vickers Wellington bomber. The museum is interactive with options for Eurofighter Typhoon and Red Arrows simulators and a Sit in a Spitfire Experience (own cost) and constantly changes to meet the needs of its visitors so there is always something new to explore.
We make our way to Heathrow at the end of the day, arriving around 6pm to check in for your flights home or your own onward arrangements. The group flight SQ321 departs at 10.05pm. Your tour hosts will be staying on in the UK.
Overnight flight
Included : Breakfast & Dinner in flight
Included : Breakfast in flight
Your post tour arrangements are flexible and we can help with these if you wish to do something different. You may stay on in the UK, stopover in Singapore on the way home to break the journey etc
22-Day escorted tour including return Singapore Air economy flights Auckland-Auckland
NZD 15495 per person twin share
NZD 17995 per person for guaranteed own double or twin room
18-Day escorted tour land only joining in UK
NZD 10975 per person Twin/Double Share Room
NZD 13095 per person for guaranteed own double or twin room
$500 non-refundable deposit required on booking with full balance due by 15th April 2026
For bookings after *15th April 2026 the full balance is payable immediately.
The $500 deposit is refundable should the tour not reach minimum numbers.
Premium Economy and Business Class are subject to availability and will be quoted on request.
Please ask if you would like any variations to the above arrangements. We are quite flexible! You may choose a different return date or decide to stop over on the way back to break the journey. Costs are subject to availability.
We hope you can join us!