BATTLE OF BRITAIN 85
BATTLE OF BRITAIN 85
2025 marks the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain
In addition to regular daily tours, the Battle of Britain Bunker has put together a packed schedule of events to commemorate the 85th anniversary of The Battle of Britain. These include special Bunker tours, guest speakers, live music, family activities, and more.
Take a look below to see our planned events.
Event Schedule
6 SEPTEMBER – 27 SEPTEMBER 2025
Saturday
06 SEPT
11:30AM
Battle of Britain 85 Speaker Series: Paul Beaver – ‘RJ Mitchell: Father of the Spitfire’
R J Mitchell is a legend. His design work on flying boats and his engineering prowess for the Schneider trophy led directly to the world’s most iconic aircraft, the Spitfire. Paul Beaver, author and broadcaster, has just completed his biography of Britain’s greatest aeronautical engineer.
Friday
12 SEPT
6PM – 8PM
Museum Lates
Be the first to see our commemorative Battle of Britain 85 Anniversary exhibition with a special Museum Late at the Battle of Britain Bunker.
Marking the 85th anniversary of the decisive battle, this new exhibition explores how the Battle of Britain has been remembered over the decades, through objects, documents, artworks, and personal recollections- many of which are on display for the first time.
As part of the evening, there will be a talk and Q&A session with Charlotte Dennehy (Curator, Hillingdon Heritage) and Warrant Officer (Ret’d) Chris Wren, former Curator of the Bunker. They will discuss the making of the exhibition, the process of selecting objects and stories, and how the legacy of the Battle continues to evolve.
Visitors are welcome to explore the exhibition at their own pace, with light refreshments available throughout the evening.
Entry is included with standard Visitor Centre admission. Booking recommended due to limited capacity.
Saturday
13 SEPT
10AM ¦ 11:30AM ¦ 1PM ¦ 2:30PM
Battle of Britain 85: The Battle of Britain Experience
Travel back 85 years to one of the most decisive days of the Battle of Britain – 15 September 1940 – and experience history like never before.
These immersive tours will transport you to the heart of the action, deep underground in the Bunker where the course of the Battle of Britain was shaped.
What to Expect:
- Live historical interpretation featuring costumed actors portraying wartime personnel.
- Tours begin at the iconic Spitfire with a recreated ‘scramble hut’ and the sound of the scramble bell.
- Guards on ticket checks, bustling WAAF personnel, and surprise encounters in the Plotting Room and Controller’s Cabin, with the potential for a surprise visit from British wartime Prime Minster, Winston Churchill.
- An atmospheric tour blending historical detail and live character interaction.
- Optional Q&A and photo opportunities.
Please Note:
Tour content follows our standard format with added immersive elements. Character appearances may vary per tour.
12PM – 3PM
Freshwater Theatre Company
Through a lively series of drop-in activities and games led by Freshwater Theatre Company, you’ll step into the shoes of wartime evacuees as they swap bustling city streets for the quiet of the countryside.
So, pick up your gas mask and join us on a journey back to 1940s Britain!
10AM – 4PM
1940s Family Games & Activities
10AM – 4PM
Open House Weekend: Visit the Generator House
This Open House Weekend, catch a rare glimpse of a hidden part of the Bunker’s history as we open the Generator House- the building that provided backup power to one of the most important buildings of the Battle of Britain.
Usually closed to the public, this is a unique opportunity to explore a rarely seen building.
Entry is FREE
10:30AM
Pipsqueaks! Toddler Story Sessions
Join Pilot Tally-Ho and friends as they go on adventures, make new friends and sing-along-to your favourite nursery rhymes.
This activity is aimed for children 18 months – 3 years, but younger babies are welcome!
£2.50 per child – two accompanying adults go FREE, session includes entry to the Visitor Centre.
11AM
Family Bunker Tour
Our family friendly tour of the Bunker is relaxed, shorter in length, and specifically geared towards younger minds!
Suggested age range is 7-11, but younger visitors are welcome.
Normal prices apply.
11:30AM
Battle of Britain 85 Speaker Series: Jim Nicolson – ‘My Uncle, James Nicolson VC’
Join us for this very special talk from the nephew of Fighter Command’s only recipient of the Victoria Cross, James Nicolson.
2PM
Family Bunker Tour
Our family friendly tour of the Bunker is relaxed, shorter in length, and specifically geared towards younger minds!
Suggested age range is 7-11, but younger visitors are welcome.
Normal prices apply.
SUNDAY
14 SEPT
10AM ¦ 11:30AM ¦ 1PM ¦ 2:30PM
Travel back 85 years to one of the most decisive days of the Battle of Britain – 15 September 1940 – and experience history like never before.
These immersive tours will transport you to the heart of the action, deep underground in the Bunker where the course of the Battle of Britain was shaped.
What to Expect:
- Live historical interpretation featuring costumed actors portraying wartime personnel.
- Tours begin at the iconic Spitfire with a recreated ‘scramble hut’ and the sounds of the scramble bell.
- Guards on ticket checks, bustling WAAF personnel, and surprise encounters in the Plotting Room and Controller’s Cabin, with the potential for a surprise visit from British wartime Prime Minster, Winston Churchill.
- An atmospheric tour blending historical detail and live character interaction.
- Optional Q&A and photo opportunities.
Please Note:
Tour content follows our standard format with added immersive elements. Character appearances may vary per tour.
10AM – 4PM
1940s Family Games & Activities
10AM – 4PM
Open House Weekend: Visit the Generator House
This Open House Weekend, catch a rare glimpse of a hidden part of the Bunker’s history as we open the Generator House- the building that provided backup power to one of the most important buildings of the Battle of Britain.
Usually closed to the public, this is a unique opportunity to explore a rarely seen building.
Entry is FREE
10:30AM
Pipsqueaks! Toddler Story Sessions
Join Pilot Tally-Ho and friends as they go on adventures, make new friends and sing-along to your favourite nursery rhymes.
This activity is aimed for children 18 months – 3 years, but younger babies are welcome!
£2.50 per child – two accompanying adults go FREE, session includes entry to the Visitor Centre.
11AM
Family Film Screening: Grandpa’s Great Escape
Bring the whole family for a special screening of Grandpa’s Great Escape — the heart-warming and hilarious tale of a WWII flying ace and his grandson’s daring rescue mission, screened in the Visitor Centre Auditorium – perfect for all ages.
Included with admission ticket, FREE for Under 16s.
2PM
Family Bunker Tour
Our family friendly tour of the Bunker is relaxed, shorter in length, and specifically geared towards younger minds!
Suggested age range is 7-11, but younger visitors are welcome.
Normal prices apply.
Monday
15 SEPT
11AM
Wreath Laying Ceremony
Informal wreath laying ceremony to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
11:30AM
Battle of Britain 85: The Battle of Britain Experience
Travel back 85 years to one of the most decisive days of the Battle of Britain – 15 September 1940 – and experience history like never before.
These immersive tours will transport you to the heart of the action, deep underground in the Bunker where the course of the Battle of Britain was shaped.
What to Expect:
- Live historical interpretation featuring costumed actors portraying wartime personnel.
- Tours begin at the iconic Spitfire with a recreated ‘scramble hut’ and the sounds of the scramble bell.
- Guards on ticket checks, bustling WAAF personnel, and surprise encounters in the Plotting Room and Controller’s Cabin, with the potential for a surprise visit from British wartime Prime Minster, Winston Churchill.
- An atmospheric tour blending historical detail and live character interaction.
- Optional Q&A and photo opportunities.
Please Note:
Tour content follows our standard format with added immersive elements. Character appearances may vary per tour.
Saturday
20 SEPT
10AM – 4PM
Open House Weekend: Visit the Generator House
This Open House Weekend, catch a rare glimpse of a hidden part of the Bunker’s history as we open the Generator House- the building that provided backup power to one of the most important buildings of the Battle of Britain.
Usually closed to the public, this is a unique opportunity to explore a rarely seen building.
Entry is FREE
2:30PM
In Their Own Words Tour: The Battle of Britain as told by The Many and the Few
A special Bunker tour using testimonies of the people who fought the Battle of Britain. An in-depth exploration of what it was like to defend Britain, both in the skies and from 60ft underground.
Hosted by author and historian Dilip Amin.
Sunday
21 SEPT
10AM – 4PM
Open House Weekend: Visit the Generator House
This Open House Weekend, catch a rare glimpse of a hidden part of the Bunker’s history as we open the Generator House- the building that provided backup power to one of the most important buildings of the Battle of Britain.
Usually closed to the public, this is a unique opportunity to explore a rarely seen building.
Entry is FREE
2PM – 4PM
Tea Dance
Relive the spirit of the 1940s with an afternoon of music, dancing, and vintage charm in one of Britain’s most iconic wartime locations.
Enjoy:
• Live music and classic wartime tunes.
• Ballroom dancing in true 1940s style.
• A warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Period dress encouraged – dust off your tea dresses and victory rolls.
Free entry – all welcome
Thursday
25 SEPT
7PM
Battle of Britain 85: The RAF Central Band in Concert
Ensemble of the Central Band of the Royal Air Force will be performing at the Battle of Britain Visitor Centre with a special performance to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
Free, but advance booking essential.
Saturday
27 SEPT
10AM
Battle of Britain 85: Secrets Uncovered – Battle of Britain Special
Discover the secret spaces of the Bunker in this special guided walking tour. Explore the hidden rooms, corridors and objects that have been closed to the public for many years and find out more about the remarkable people who worked behind the scenes in the Battle of Britain and beyond…
As part of our Battle of Britain 85 commemorations, this Secrets Tour will include live historical interpretations of actual people who worked in key roles in the Bunker during the Second World War.
Visit Essentials & Site Information
Parking
We have two carparks available – the lower carpark adjacent to the Visitor Centre and overflow parking at the top of Dowding Park.
A drop off zone for blue badge holders is available at the main site gates with stewards on hand to assist.
Bunker Access
As a Grade I listed building, the Bunker and the Operations Room can only be accessed via 77 steps. There is no lift or ramp access.
For visitors with reduced mobility, we will be hosting a short film in the in our wheelchair accessible Visitor Centre.
Getting Here
BY CAR: Use satnav postcode UB10 0GG or search maps for Battle of Britain Bunker
BY TUBE: Nearest station Uxbridge (Metropolitan and Piccadilly)
Eating and Shopping
Enjoy refrehments in our onsite Café. Whether you’re popping in for a light bite, fueling up before exploring the exhibits or reflecting after a day of historical discovery, our menu has something for everyone.
There is a shop in our Visitor Centre which sells a variety of relevant products.
Sensory Map
You can use our visual and sensory map to identify sensory-friendly places within the Visitor Centre and Bunker. Please be aware that we cannot guarantee that the spaces will be as shown. If you have concerns or questions, please email us or call us!
Coats & Buggy Park
The Visitor Centre has level access throughout and a lift between the spaces.
We can store one buggy in the Auditorium cloakroom. Please ask a member of staff for assistance. We ask that visitors avoid bringing large bags into the museum.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is encouraged and supported across our site.
Eating Areas
There are picnic benches near the outside aircrafts and plenty of space for running around.
Changing Places
Unfortunately, we currently do not have a Changing Places toilet. Your nearest Changing Places toilet is located in Uxbridge town centre;
Intu Uxbridge Shopping Centre
Uxbridge
Greater London
UB8 1GE
GB
Please see the Changing Places website for more locations.
Baby Changing
Baby changing facilities are available on the First Floor of the Visitor Centre in the Accessible toilet.