Imperial War Museum Duxford

2013 saw the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the 78th Fighter Group in East Anglia, and the beginning of a relationship between this region and the United States Air Force that exists to this day. This bond was formed during the dark days of World War II, when RAF Duxford was handed over to the 78th by No. 19 Squadron of the RAF. The base and its squadron had already distinguished themselves in the Battle of Britain just three years earlier and it was this history of valiant service that made Duxford the obvious choice to become the site of the Imperial War Museum when it opened in 1977.

Since that time, millions of visitors have flocked to Duxford to honour the memory of the No.19 and 78th Airborne squadrons and their achievements, as well as to marvel at the developments in aviation technology since that time, and the breathtaking aerobatic displays that are a regular feature in the Duxford calendar. A visit to a British institution deserves to be accompanied by a stay at a timeless, typically English hotel, and Bedford Lodge Hotel in Newmarket fits the bill perfectly.

Bedford Lodge Hotel is, in its own way, as synonymous with East Anglia as Duxford. Newmarket is the home of British horse racing, with the world-famous stables and racecourse. The hotel was originally built for the Duke of Bedford as a hunting lodge and the riding connection has remained with the hotel. This rich history is part of what gives Bedford Lodge its ambience.

Like Duxford, Bedford Lodge has a foot in the past and the present, combining as it does the benefits of modern technology and classic hospitality. Each of the hotel’s 77 stylish, comfortable rooms was designed by one of London’s leading interior designers.

Getting around the region couldn’t be easier. Bedford Lodge Hotel is situated close to the A14, making it convenient for not only Duxford, but also the equally historic and delightful areas of Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds and, of course, Newmarket itself: great days out for history buffs and those who’d rather fly round the shops than the airfield. Whatever you choose to do during your stay, Bedford Lodge makes the ideal taking-off point.

After a day spent marvelling at feats of aeronautics and aerobatics, or shopping at local boutiques, why not unwind with a delicious meal in our award-winning Squires restaurant? The team at Squires use only the finest locally-sourced ingredients in the creation of a menu that encompasses traditional favourites, designer dining and all points in between, at one of the finest restaurants in Newmarket.

For a weekend that combines aerial derring-do with a comfy pied-a-terre in the country, stay at Bedford Lodge Hotel, near Duxford and the Imperial War Museum. One taste of our hospitality and we guarantee that your spirits will soar…