617 Squadron

Standing where RAF Woodhall Spa once thundered with Lancaster bombers, you're looking at the former home of the legendary Dambusters squadron. This historic airfield, just outside Woodhall Spa, was where 617 Squadron operated during the Second World War's most daring raids. What remains today are the old concrete runways, slowly being reclaimed by nature, and the surviving buildings that once housed Britain's most elite bomber crews.

History enthusiasts will find plenty to absorb here, though don't expect a polished museum experience - this is more about standing where history happened and letting your imagination fill the gaps. The site works particularly well for families with older children who've studied the war years, as there's real educational value in walking the actual runways these brave airmen used.

Allow a good hour to explore properly, and bring a guidebook or do some research beforehand to get the most from your visit. The flat terrain makes it accessible for most visitors, though it can be muddy in wet weather.

With Jubilee Park and Woodhall Country Park both within walking distance, it's an easy addition to a Lincolnshire break. The nearby Treetop Hideaways and Bainland Lodge Retreats make particularly good bases for exploring this corner of aviation history.