Lincolnshire's aviation heritage trail

During World War II, Lincolnshire had 27 aircraft bases, and was an area so associated with the RAF, that it earned the county its title of ‘Bomber County’.

Lincolnshire is proud of its RAF connections, having several heritage centres to interest and educate visitors to the county. Long Acres Touring Park is within an hour of all the visitor centres featured below. This adults-only site is in a rural location, eight miles from Boston and only a short distance to the coast, several RSPB centres and other nature reserves, too.

The site has 40 level pitches, all with hardstanding and electric hook-up, a heated shower block with laundry room and dishwashing area. Dogs are welcome, and there is a small exercise area on site.

Here are the four places we recommend as part of the Lincolnshire aviation heritage trail:

Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre
The Centre is home to some of the rarest and most important aircraft of World War II, along with a collection of RAF vehicles. This is the only place in the world where you can experience a running Lancaster and Mosquito together. Based at East Kirkby airfield, you can see exhibitions relating to the airfield and its crews during the war. 

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre
This visitor centre and RAF hangar is located within RAF Coningsby, and provides public access to the home of the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Accessible by guided tour only, the hangar is home to a Lancaster PA474 (one of only two remaining in airworthy condition), six spitfires, two hurricanes, and two chipmunks.

International Bomber Command Centre
On the outskirts of the city of Lincoln, the International Bomber Command Centre acts as a visitor centre and memorial to those who served and lost their lives for Bomber Command. See one of the UK's tallest war memorials, and the names of every individual who lost their lives in Bomber Command in the Second World War.

Thorpe Camp Visitor Centre 
Home of the 97, 619, 617 (Dambusters) and 627 Squadron that flew out of RAF Woodhall Spa in the 1940s. Fully restored by the Thorpe Camp Preservation Group, the visitor centre offers a range of exhibits.

So if you want to learn all about Lincolnshire's aviaition heritage as well as enjoy a peaceful adult-only break in the county's beautiful countryside then a break at Long Acres Touring Park is just what you need.

Campsite details:
Long Acres Touring Park
Station Road, Old Leake, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE22 9RF
01205 871555
Open 1 March - 8 January

Image credits: (L-R) Lancaster at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, Memorial spire at the International Bomber Command Centre - Jason Wells/stock.adobe.com, Caravans pitched at Long Acres, Motorhomes on hardstandings at Long Acres with grassed areas to the side.