The Victory Tour 2025
24-day tour departing 24th August 2025, escorted from NZ by aviation enthusiasts Kevin & Melanie Salisbury.
Featuring main events
Best of British Airshow, Shuttleworth
The Victory Show
Battle of Britain Airshow, Duxford
Goodwood Revival
Also including –
Runnymede Air Force Memorial - de Havilland Museum – Bentwaters Cold War Museum - Parham Control Tower Museum – Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome
Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker – Midland Air Museum – RAF Museum Cosford - National Memorial Arboretum – Armourgeddon Military Museum
Imperial War Museum Duxford - Fort Amherst – Spitfire & Hurricane Museum – RAF Manston History Museum - The Wonder Works - Battle of Britain Museum
Battle of Britain Memorial - Tangmere Military Museum - Wings Museum
Tour Itinerary –
Day 1 – Sunday 24th August In flight (L & D in flight)
Meet & greet at Auckland Airport. SQ286 departs Auckland at 2.10pm, arriving in Singapore at 9pm.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
Day 2 – Monday 25th August Singapore Navy Museum (D in flight)
Our day in Singapore will include a visit to the Navy Museum where we journey through the RSN's evolution and explore how it has played a critical role in keeping their waters safe and secure through immersive exhibits and artefacts - including original equipment from the RSN's Challenger-class submarine.
You may choose to explore Singapore at your leisure until our late check out at 6pm.
We will have time in the evening 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. Especially stunning in the evening when lit up. Our evening flight SQ322 departs at 11.00pm.
Overnight in flight
Day 3 – Tuesday 26th August de Havilland Aircraft Museum (B in flight, D)
On arrival in the UK, we will visit the Air Forces Memorial at Runnymede which commemorates by name over 20,000 men and women of the air forces, who were lost in the Second World War during operations from bases in the United Kingdom and North and Western Europe, and who have no known graves. After paying our respects we head North to St Albans to see the collection of iconic de Havilland aircraft, including 3 Mosquitos, Sea Vixen and Comet. The museum includes displays and exhibits of aviation technology, films, wartime operations, weapons trials and military jet aircraft. We will also have interior access to the Comet, Trident and DH 146 demonstrating the evolution of modern jet air travel. There may be an opportunity for a cockpit experience in a Mosquito. This evening is our welcome dinner.
Hotel: Pontlands Park, Chelmsford
Day 4 – Wednesday 27th August Bentwaters Cold War Museum & Parham Control Tower Museum (B, D)
We start our day at Bentwaters Cold War Museum, based in the former USAF hardened command post on the former Bentwaters airfield. The main war operations room and battle cabin have been restored to their original condition. There is also the BT telephone exchange room, and decontamination showers and airlock to explore. Exhibition rooms cover the history of RAF Bentwaters from W.W.II until the base closed in 1993. We will also visit the restoration building where a lightning, meteor, jaguar and T33 are undergoing various stages of restoration.
In the afternoon we head to Parham Airfield Museum, situated on a World War II United States Air Force Station with the original control tower. There are two separate Museums which together, show how this corner of rural Suffolk was affected by the War in two very different ways. The 390th Bomb Group Memorial Air Museum pays tribute to the 740 servicemen killed or 'Missing in Action' from this airfield and the further 754 who were taken as Prisoners of War. The Museum of the British Resistance Organisation provides an insight into 'Britain's Secret Army', with contemporary artefacts housed in the Nissen Huts and a unique replica secret underground bunker. The Museum aims to shed light on "Britain's best kept war secret".
Hotel: Ufford Park Resort
Day 5 – Thursday 28th August Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum (B, D)
Today we visit Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum. The varied collection of over sixty military and civil aircraft will surprise you. Artefacts of every description can also be seen within three hangars and seven themed buildings, including RAF Bomber Command, Air-Sea Rescue, Royal Observer Corps, 446 Bomb Group USAAF. Beyond the hangars there is the Adair Walk, which offers a peaceful stroll along a raised boardwalk to the River Waveney. Winding through a Willow plantation, it stretches for around 350 yards.
We’ll stop for lunch at a country pub on the way back to the hotel and then have the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
If you prefer, you can relax at the hotel for the day and make use of the pool, jacuzzi, gym, sauna & steam room, fitness classes and full spa, have a game of golf or explore the local town.
Hotel: Ufford Park Resort
Day 6 – Friday 29th August Stow Maries & Kelvedon Hatch Secret Bunker (B)
As the largest intact group of Royal Flying Corps (RFC) buildings from WWI, Stow Maries is a treasure trove of historical significance. Unlike other aerodromes, it was not adapted for further military use, preserving its original charm and character. The growing collection of artefacts and memorabilia directly relating to the site further highlights its unique heritage. We spend the morning enjoying the history here.
This afternoon, hidden in a bunker deep beneath the Essex countryside we discover the three lives of Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker starting with its role as an RAF ROTOR Station, then a brief period as a civil defence centre through to its most recent life as a Regional Government HQ. Designed for up to 600 military and civilian personnel, possibly even the Prime Minister, their collective task being to organise the survival of the population in the awful aftermath of a nuclear war.
Hotel: The Kingfisher, Bedford
Day 7 – Saturday 30th August Shuttleworth Best of British Airshow (B)
With parades, thrilling air displays, and various interactive experiences, there’s plenty to keep us entertained at The Shuttleworth Collection today. The collection is home to the oldest airworthy British aircraft, significant agricultural machinery, iconic motor vehicles and bikes, and depicts the history of flight from the early 1900s to the 1950s. It shows how the aeroplane operated in the pioneering years, was rapidly developed through necessity during World War I, was used for sport, pleasure, and business in the 1920s and 30s and once again became a fighting machine in World War II. We also have the beautiful Swiss Gardens and Shuttleworth House to explore.
Hotel: Leonardo Hotel, Hinkley
Day 8 – Sunday 31st August The Victory Show (B)
The Victory Show is celebrating its 20th year and has some exciting plans in the pipeline. There will be over 60 stalls, static WWII Aircraft and 1940’s working and static Farming Machinery. There will be a huge Army Encampment and 50+ Re-enactment Groups, 200+ Vehicles including Heavy Armour, Paul Harper playing throughout the day in the Marquee and there will be an afternoon air display. We will have VIP tickets that include - entrance to the VIP enclosure, unlimited soft drink refreshments throughout the day, show brochure, flight line walk, meet the pilots, freshly prepared lunch, seating in the re-enactment battle viewing area and an unobstructed close view of the air display.
Hotel: Leonardo Hotel, Hinkley
Day 9 – Monday 1st Sept Midland Air Museum (B, D)
Today we enjoy this large, diverse collection including Vulcan XL360. Strongly featured are cold war aircraft, Coventry’s local aviation history and the fascinating history of the jet age, in the Sir Frank Whittle Jet Heritage Centre which details the life and work of the UK's jet engine inventor.
Hotel: Copthorne Merry Hill, Dudley
Day 10 – Tuesday 2nd Sept At leisure in Dudley (B)
It’s a day at leisure - you might like to rest, use the hotel leisure facilities, walk to the local shopping mall, take a stroll along the canal or venture further to Dudley Zoo and Castle, the Black Country Living Museum or take a boat ride through Dudley Canal & Caverns.
Hotel: Copthorne Merry Hill, Dudley
Day 11 – Wednesday 3rd Sept RAF Museum Midlands (B)
We’ll spend the day at the vast and impressive RAF Museum, Cosford. There are over 75 historic aircraft ranging from WW1 era through to the Cold War including the world’s oldest Spitfire, the unique TSR2, one of only 4 surviving Lincolns and the mighty Vulcan bomber to name but a few. All three British V Bombers are on display - Vulcan, Victor and Valiant and the English Electric Lightning is suspended vertically! The Test Flight hangar houses some extraordinary and exotic prototype aircraft, many having been produced in secrecy.
Hotel: Copthorne Merry Hill, Dudley
Day 12 – Thursday 4th Sept National Memorial Arboretum & Armourgeddon (B)
The National Memorial Arboretum was created in 1997 to be a place of joy where the lives of people would be remembered by trees that would grow and mature. Now this evolving, maturing woodland landscape has 25,000 trees and over 400 memorials for military, public service and civilian organisations and associations, along with tributes for individuals. It will be a serene and beautiful place to start our day.
In contrast, Armourgeddon comprises of several weatherproof hangers jam-packed full of military vehicles, guns, cannons and military paraphernalia. The ‘Inner Sanctum’ has a variety of pieces telling of the human side of WWII and a few exhibits from WWI. There will be the opportunity to do a tank driving experience as an optional extra (limited places) if it’s on your bucket list.
Hotel: The Gonville Hotel, Cambridge
Day 13 – Friday 5th Sept Imperial War Museum (B)
Imperial War Museum. This is a pre-show opportunity for those who want maximum time to explore the hangars, as airshow day has limited time. Duxford played a vital part in the Battle of Britain, and you can stand in awe of the world's most famous aircraft at this historic museum. Be dwarfed by the B-52 and Concorde; get up close to famous Second World War classics including the Spitfire, Lancaster and Tiger Moth. There will be some activity at Duxford in readiness for the airshow tomorrow. If you prefer we can take you to Saffron Waldon to do the town trail and have lunch.
Or you can enjoy your day in Cambridge. All guests are entitled to a free tour of Cambridge in the hotel’s Bentley.
Hotel: The Gonville Hotel, Cambridge
Day 14 – Saturday 6th Sept Battle of Britain Airshow, Duxford (B)
Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show is presented by IWM Duxford, the former RAF site that played a leading role in some of the most dramatic days in 20th century history - serving as a base for many of the Spitfire and Hurricane pilots during the Second World War. The full historic air show experience includes vintage entertainment throughout the day, culminating with our famous spectacular mass spitfire fly-past over the airfield. We will be part of a spectacular event commemorating the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Our Gold Pass includes use of a lined and carpeted marquee with luxury toilets, seated viewing enclosure, private access to the flight line walk, a souvenir programme, pilot meet & greet opportunities.
Hotel: The Gonville Hotel, Cambridge
Day 15 – Sunday 7th Sept At Leisure in Cambridge (B)
Today is a full day to explore Cambridge, take a punt ride down the backs of the University buildings, have a pint in the RAF bar at the famous Eagle Pub, enjoy the botanic Gardens, climb St Mary’s church tower for breathtaking views of the city, hop on and off the bus for a tour and visit the American Cemetery. If you are a fan of the tv show Grantchester, you could pop out to the village as see where it was filmed or hop on a train to the amazing Ely Cathedral. There are free guided walking tours you can join too.
If you wish to return to Duxford for another day at the airshow at your own cost, you may do so using the public shuttle bus service which departs from the railway station behind the hotel.
Hotel: The Gonville Hotel, Cambridge
Day 16 – Monday 8th Sept Fort Amherst or Chatham Docks (B)
On the way to “Hellfire Corner” Kent, we stop at Chatham to explore the complex maze of tunnels hidden within Fort Amherst, built to protect and defend the Medway Towns for over 300 years, from Napoleonic to World War II.
If you prefer, you can visit the historic dockyard just next door, with HMS Gannet, HMS Cavalier, submarine HMS Ocelot, the Victorian Ropery and No1 Smithery. This option will incur an additional cost of GBP20.
On arrival in Ramsgate there will be some time to check out the Royal Ramsgate Marina area and if you haven’t done the Fort Amhurst Tunnels you may like to take the Ramsgate Tunnels tour at 4pm (optional)
Hotel: San Clu, Ramsgate
Day 17 – Tuesday 9th Sept RAF Manston & Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museums & The Wonder Works (B)
The two aviation museums are side by side, giving us a great selection of aircraft and cockpits to explore. At the Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum we see Spitfire Mk XVI - TB 752, one of the few surviving Spitfires with a wartime record and Hurricane LF751, both saved by the Medway Aircraft Preservation Society. RAF Manston History Museum has over 20 aircraft & cockpits and various other exhibitions. There is an option to fly their Lancaster or Spitfire simulator.
We will finish our afternoon with a visit to The WonderWorks, based in the old factory which became home to Hornby Hobbies in 1954. If you are a fan of iconic brands Hornby, Scalextric, Airfix, CORGI and Pocher you will be in hobby heaven here.
If you prefer you can stay in Ramsgate for the day.
Hotel: San Clu, Ramsgate
Day 18 – Wednesday 10th Sept Battle of Britain Museum and Memorial (B)
Hotel: River Haven, Rye
Day 19 – Thursday 11th Sept Rye at leisure & Middle Farn Cider Barn (B)
We have time this morning to explore historic Rye, the most famous pirate port in the 13th Century with its cobbles streets medieval houses and maybe pop into the Mermaid Inn first built in 1156.
Then heading West towards Brighton, we’ll stop at Middle Farm for refreshments including sampling and comparing from a range of over 100 different draught ciders and perries. It’s a 625-acre working family farm with a farm shop, cider barn, tearooms, butchery, bakery, plants & gifts.
Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Metropole, Brighton
Day 20 – Friday 12thSept At Leisure in Brighton (B)
You can choose your activities today. For a relaxing day you can wander along the seafront to the pier, stroll through the famous “Lanes” and independent shopping streets, go up the i360 tower for a birds eye view, hop on the Volk’s Electric Railway from the Sea Life Centre along to the vibrant Brighton Marina or visit The Royal Pavilion - Brighton’s most popular attraction. You could just take the bus up to Devils Dyke for a scenic pub lunch.
Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Metropole, Brighton
Day 21 – Saturday 13th Sept Goodwood Revival (B)
We step back in time and spend the day at the world’s greatest historic motor race meeting, the only sporting event of its kind to be staged entirely in a period theme with a legacy of treasured cars and vintage fashion that have survived across the generations. The festival is a showcase for wheel-to-wheel racing around a classic circuit, untouched by more modern developments, and relives the glory days of the Goodwood Circuit, which ranked alongside Silverstone as Britain's leading racing venue throughout its active years 1948 to 1966. There will be a display of static aircraft. Also based here at Goodwood is the Silver Spitfire.
Day 22 – Sunday 14th Sept Tangmere & Wings Aviation Museums (B, L, D in flight)
This morning is our visit to Tangmere Military Aviation Museum, situated on the old RAF Tangmere airfield. From its beginnings in 1916, through its illustrious service as one of Britain's front line fighter bases during WW2 and on to its key role as home to the world speed record breaking aircraft of the High-Speed Flight in the post war years, it has occupied a unique place in aviation history. Here you can see priceless historic aircraft such as Neville Duke's world record breaking Hawker Hunter, actual equipment used by the brave SOE agents who were carried into occupied France on 'black Lysander' flights from Tangmere, flight simulators where you can try your hand at flying, and a full-sized replica of the very first Spitfire prototype. We will have our farewell lunch at a pub on the way to Wings Aviation Museum.
There’s an abundance of original memorabilia here representing a wealth of "display themes" including: The Home Front, RAF Fighter Command, The Blitz, Battle of Britain, Bomb Disposal, Home Guard, Air raid shelters, Aircraft Turrets, RAF Bomber Command, US 8th Air Force, Luftwaffe, Russian Front, D-Day and Beyond, and many personal stories of war, sacrifice and courage.
We finish the day at Heathrow to check for the flights home with the group or your onward arrangements.
Your tour hosts will be staying in the UK.
Group flight SQ321 departs Heathrow at 10.05pm
Day 23 – Monday 15th Sept In flight (B & D in flight)
SQ321 arrives in Singapore at 6.10pm, SQ285 departs at 10.45pm
Day 24 – Tuesday 16th Sept Auckland (B in flight)
SQ321 arrives at in Auckland at 12.20pm
Tour Costs in NZD
23 Day Tour including return Singapore Air economy flights Auckland-Auckland
$14995 Per person Twin/Double share room
$2995 Single supplement for guaranteed own double or twin room
Land Only joining in UK
$11400 Per person Twin/Double Share Room
$2695 Single supplement for guaranteed own double or twin room
$500 non-refundable deposit required on booking with full balance due by 24th May 2025
For bookings after 24th May, the full balance 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.