Rough Guides: Travel the Liberation Route Europe is a travel guide dedicated to remembrance sites and itineraries all over Europe.
Order your Rough Guides now!Explore the fascinating war in the skies known as the Battle of Britain. After the fall of France in 1940 and their own discouraging defeat in Belgium and France, the United Kingdom regrouped, dug in and took to the air to defend their island nation against the formidable Luftwaffe, causing Hitler to abandon his plans to invade the country. Visit sites such as 800-year-old Dover Castle, where the planning of Operation Dynamo took place, Bletchley Park, where the Enigma code was cracked, and Churchill’s Cabinet War Rooms, as well as the Imperial War Museums in London and Duxford.
Arrive in London.
Day 2Start the day with a visit to London’s Imperial War Museum to take in their impressive exhibits of both world wars. We then travel to the RAF Museum at Hendon to wonder at their unparalleled aircraft on display.
Day 3In the morning, head south to see the Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel le Ferne on top of the White Cliffs of Dover and Folkestone. Continue with a visit to Dover Castle, where the story of the Battle of Britain starts. The planning of Operation Dynamo took place here in the bunkers under a castle that is more than 800 years old.
Day 4Start the day with a visit to the No. 11 Group Operations Room and underground bunker at Uxbridge. In the afternoon we travel to Bletchley Park, where the unsung code breakers greatly contributed to the war effort.
Day 5In the morning, visit the Cambridge American Cemetery. Then spend the entire afternoon among iconic aircraft at the Imperial War Museum Duxford.
Day 6In the morning, drive to Southsea to visit the SHAEF HQ at Southwick House, where many famous WWII battles were planned, including the Normandy invasion. In the afternoon, explore the D-Day Museum, which houses the world’s largest embroidery depicting the story of Operation Overlord.
Day 7Start the day with a tour of Churchill’s Cabinet War Rooms in London, where the British leader endured the Blitz. Spend the afternoon in downtown London with a sightseeing tour on the River Thames and then free time to explore the city.
Day 8End of tour.
