We are committed to ensuring IWM Duxford is accessible to all visitors. Each of our branches has a dedicated accessibility page with detailed information to help you plan your visit.

Access Guides

We have partnered with AccessAble to create an accessibility guide to IWM Duxford. 

Quieter times to visit

IWM Duxford can be very busy during weekends and peak tourist seasons including school holidays.

This means the site may be more crowded, warmer, or noisier than usual. The quietest times to visit is in the afternoons after 3pm. Though the museum may be busy with large groups throughout the day. Loud aircraft may be landing and taking off throughout the day.

Museum entry

  • Car Park Entrance

  • Visitor Centre Entrance

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    • The Entrance has step-free access.
    • When facing the building with the car park behind, the main entrance is through the central doors.
    • From this entrance you will start your visit on leaving the building to the left into Hangar 1 and the Visitor Planning Point.
    • Maps, wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters can be collected from a volunteer in this location.

  • Security and bag searches

    For the safety and security of all visitors, bag searches may be conducted before entry. 

Information for wheelchair and mobility aid users

The distance from one side of IWM Duxford to the other is approximately 1 mile or 1.6 km. There is onsite transport available. 

Facilities

  • Accessible parking

    19 designated parking bays for blue badge holders, with further bays available at our air shows. See our Flying Season Accessibility FAQs for more information. 

  • Lifts

    Two lifts are available to access the mezzanine in Hangar 1 and both are wheelchair accessible. A further accessible lift is also available in the Ops Block.

  • Site transport

    A free site transport vehicle is available upon request throughout the day for visitors, with space for manual wheelchairs.

  • Borrow a wheelchair or mobility scooter

    Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available for loan, free of charge. 

    We have a limited number available and they can be booked on our wheelchair and mobility scooter reservation page. 

    The mobility scooters have a weight capacity of 158kg/25st.

  • Lockers

    IWM Duxford does not have any cloakroom, or locker facilities.   

  • Accessible toilets (including Changing Places)

    Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are available throughout the site, with additional facilities provided at Air Shows and some events. 

    IWM Duxford has a registered Changing Places Toilet Facility located in Hangar 1 next to the Visitor Centre. This facility also includes a shower. A Radar key is required to access the facility and it is available during museum hours. A key is available to borrow from a member of staff or volunteer if required. 

  • First Aid

    If you require First Aid during your visit, please approach a volunteer or member of staff. They can contact one of our trained First Aid responders.

  • Seating

    Limited seating is available across the site. Accessible picnic benches are available across the site, including at our restaurants and cafés.

  • Sensory backpacks and ear defenders

    Visitors can borrow these items free of charge from the Visitor Centre and Visit Planning Point in Hangar 1. Please return after use. They contain: 

    • Ear defenders 
    • Sunflower lanyard 
    • 2 fidget toys 
    • Magnifying glass 
    • Cuddly toy 
    • Pencils and grips 
    • Emotions fan 
    • Reading overlays 

  • Quiet Room

    A Quiet Room for all visitors is available behind our 19 Squadron Restaurant. An indoor space for reflection, prayer and for people with sensory needs. The space may also be used by people affected by the content displayed in our galleries.

    For more information of its use, please contact a member of staff or volunteer during your visit.

Site information

  • Large Print Guides

    Large Print Guides are available for Hangar 4: Battle of Britain and Hangar 5: Conservation in Action.

    IWM Duxford Large print guides

  • Induction loops

    Induction loops are fitted in the Visitor Centre admissions desk and shop, Historic Duxford Trail, Hangar 1, American Air Museum and Historic Duxford. 

  • British Sign Language (BSL)

    The films in Hangar 1 and the Historic Duxford exhibition have British Sign Language interpretation.   

  • Subtitles

    Subtitles are shown on most audio-visual presentations. 

Assistance animals and animal safety

We understand that some visitors will require the support of an assistance dog and we are happy to admit trained assistance dogs into our branches.

Where possible, we encourage assistance dog owners to bring identification from organisations such as:

  • Assistance Dogs International (ADI)
  • Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK)
  • The International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF)

We also ask that assistance dogs wear the appropriate tabard or harness. Not carrying ID or wearing a jacket is not a condition of entry but assists staff to identify those who may need additional assistance.

In cases where your assistance dog is not registered with ADI, ADUK, or IGDF, please understand that if it demonstrates inappropriate behaviour, we reserve the right to deny entry to ensure the safety and comfort of our staff, volunteers, and visitors. 

If you plan to bring more than one assistance dog or have multiple assistance dogs within your group, we request that you contact us in advance. This will help us ensure there are no delays in gaining access and we can meet the needs of the entire party. 

For those intending to visit us with an assistance animal other than a dog, please contact us using our form in advance to discuss your request. This is so that we can ensure there are no delays to your admission, and we are able to facilitate your visit.

Water bowls are provided for assistance dogs at the Visitor Centre.

Our branches are unique and historical spaces. They are unusual environments which can confuse or distress animals. 

IWM Duxford is also a live airfield with aircraft taking off and landing throughout the day. 

Further information

If you have a question or need any further details, contact customer services on: 020 7091 3067 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm UK time) or fill out our contact us form.