London & Ipswich Secret War to Cold War
About this tour
Secret War to Cold War
Winston Churchill made his historic ‘Iron Curtain’ speech at Fulton Missouri on the 5th of March 1946, which heralded a dangerous new era of nuclear weapons and Inter- Continental Ballistic Missiles. The Cold war between East and West would last for over 40 years, during which time one rogue leader, or terrible mistake could have triggered a Nuclear Holocaust. The Arms Race and the delicate Balance of Power worked, as the unimaginable did not happen! Could the Soviet Union afford another great conflict after their huge losses in the Second World War? Was it all a great ruse by the Defence Chiefs and Arms Manufacturers to persuade Governments to spend more on Defence? It was a time of spies, propaganda, espionage, mistrust, and bluff. Bombproof bunkers for the chosen few and buried places of safety to administer the aftermath of Armageddon!
Sample Itinerary
- Day 1: Coach Pick up from School. Transfer to London. The Cabinet War Rooms and Churchill Museum in Whitehall. Imperial War Museum. Overnight in London.
- Day 2: Stop at The Royal Gunpowder Mills at Waltham Abbey en-route to Ipswich. Parham Air Museum and the Second World War ‘Secret Resistance Army’ museum. Trimley Anti- Aircraft gun site. Overnight in Ipswich.
- Day 3: Bentwaters American Air Force Base Cold War Museum. The Secret Cold war bunker at Kelvedon Hatch. Visit the underground Air Defence Headquarters and Seat of Government. Return to school.
Our range of tours not only supports the National Curriculum but provides the opportunity for more schools to travel within the UK, Europe or Worldwide, as they provide flexibility. The choice is yours and we are always available to discuss your ideas.
What’s Included
- Return Coach transfers throughout your tour
- 1 Night Hostel / Hotel accommodation in London (B&B, HB, or FB)
- 1 Night Hostel / Hotel accommodation in Ipswich (B&B, HB, or FB)
- Excursions and entrances as per the itinerary.
- UK Guide throughout your tour.
Battlefield and History Tours recommends the following
Imperial War Museum – London: The world’s leading museum of war and conflict founded while the First World War was raging. It gives voice to the extraordinary experiences of ordinary people and examines the continuing influence of war on our world. Over 100 years of intrigue, deceit, and real-life secret agents. Spies, Lies, and Deception from WWI to the present day.
The Royal Gunpowder Mills – Waltham Abbey: Explore 300 years of secret history through film, exhibitions, and interactive displays. The Rocket Vault traces rocket motor development from Congreve's gunpowder rocket to modern guided missiles. Discover the vital role of over 3,000 women in WWI at the mills.
Parham Airfield Museum: This WWII Museum on a US Air Force Station comprises two parts: the 390th Bomb Group Memorial Air Museum honors 740 service members killed or 'Missing in Action' and POWs, while the Museum of the British Resistance Organization reveals 'Britain's Secret Army' history, with contemporary artifacts and a replica underground bunker in Nissen Huts.
Bentwaters Cold War Museum: Based in a former USAF hardened command post on the former Bentwaters airfield. The main ‘war operations room’ and ‘Battle cabin’ have been restored and the BT telephone exchange room, decontamination showers, and airlock are original. (limited opening times)
Churchill War Rooms: Visit the top-secret corridors of Churchill War Rooms and glimpse what life was like during the Second World War. The underground bunker allowed Britain’s leaders to plot the allied route to victory. Find out how Churchill’s remarkable 90-year life, leadership, and legacy from childhood to his military career. Other variations on numbers and duration available plus day trips available on Request.
Experience information
Each group will have its own special interests and curricular needs. That is why every visit can be completely tailored to you. You will find some suggestions below, but you can always call us to discuss more options.
Other variations on numbers and duration available, plus day trips available on request.
