Name: International Bomber Command Centre
Rating: 5.0

International Bomber Command Centre

International Bomber Command Centre, Canwick Avenue, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

Description

The International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) is a world-class memorial and museum located on Canwick Hill, overlooking the city of Lincoln. It serves as a point for recognition, remembrance, and education, focusing on the efforts and sacrifices of Bomber Command during the Second World War. It is frequently cited as one of the best things to do with kids in Lincoln for families looking for an educational day out that offers plenty of fresh air and poignant local history.

Pricing for the 2026 season offers several ways to save by booking in advance online. Adult day passes start from £11.50, and child tickets for those aged 5-16 are from £5.50, with children under 5 entering for free. Most standard day passes can be converted into an annual pass at no extra cost, allowing your family to return as many times as you like for a full year.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that balances historical learning with beautiful outdoor spaces, the IBCC is an essential visit. The site is designed to be fully accessible and features a range of high-tech galleries and sprawling gardens. It provides a unique opportunity for children to connect with the personal stories of those who lived through the war in a way that feels modern and relevant.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Interactive Exhibits: The Chadwick Centre uses state-of-the-art digital displays to tell personal stories from 60 different nations.
Educational Day Out: Children can learn about the science of flight, the logistics of the air war, and the impact of the raids on civilian populations.
Sensory Play: The outdoor "Peace Gardens" provide a tactile and visual experience with various memorial stones and themed flora.
Historical Landmarks: The site features the Spire Memorial, which stands at 102ft—the same height as the wingspan of an Avro Lancaster bomber.

Top 5 Highlights

The Spire Memorial: Standing tall on the hill, this impressive structure is the UK's tallest war memorial. It is a great spot for kids to see the scale of the aircraft used, as the spire's height perfectly matches a Lancaster's wingspan.
The Memorial Walls: These contain the names of almost 58,000 men and women who lost their lives serving Bomber Command. It is a powerful place for children to understand the scale of sacrifice through names rather than just numbers.
The IBCC Digital Archive: Kids can use touchscreens to look up specific individuals or stories. It turns history into a personal search, helping them connect with the real people who served during the war.
The Peace Gardens: Split into the International Garden and the Lincolnshire Garden. These offer wide open paths for a stroll and specifically chosen plants that reflect the global nature of the command's service.
The View of Lincoln Cathedral: From the memorial, you get a perfectly framed view of the Cathedral. During the war, this sight was a vital landmark for returning aircrews, and seeing it today helps bring those flight stories to life.

Facilities

Toilets: Full facilities including accessible toilets and baby changing in the Chadwick Centre.
Buggy Parking: The site is very pushchair-friendly with wide paths and lifts to the upper café level.
Food & Drink: The Hub Café offers a full menu of hot meals, sandwiches, and a dedicated "Little Flyers" kids' menu.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Get the Annual Pass: Buy your ticket at the desk or online and ask for it to be converted to an annual pass for free.
Check the Weather: The memorial and gardens are very exposed on top of the hill. Even on sunny days, it can be windy, so bring a spare layer.
Kids' Pigeon Hunt: Ask at reception about the children's pigeon hunt trail to keep younger ones entertained around the grounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the IBCC worth it for toddlers? While the history is aimed at older children, toddlers enjoy the wide-open spaces of the Peace Gardens and the outdoor trails. The café has high chairs and a children's menu, making it a comfortable spot for a family lunch.
How long does a visit take? Expect to spend at least 3 to 4 hours at the centre. This allows time to explore the indoor galleries, walk out to the Spire, and enjoy a meal in the café.
Where is the best place to park? The on-site car park is the only practical option. It is located right next to the Chadwick Centre, ensuring a short walk for those with small children or mobility needs.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Lincoln? The IBCC is a great "near me" option for an affordable day out because your ticket can be converted to an annual pass. This makes it one of the most cost-effective indoor activities for families who return throughout the year.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The Atmosphere: Parents often describe the site as being peaceful and respectful without being too heavy for children.
Accessibility: The flat paths and lift access make it one of the easiest historical sites in Lincoln to visit with a buggy.
Food Quality: The café is highly rated for its "proper" food and views of the Cathedral.

What Visitors Don't Like

Exposure to Elements: Some families find it difficult to stay long in the winter months as the wind on the hill can be quite biting.
Parking Fee: Some visitors are surprised by the additional parking charge on top of the entry ticket.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The Spire Memorial: 31.09-metre tall corten steel structure.
The Chadwick Centre: The main building housing the museum galleries and learning spaces.
The Walls of Names: Corten steel walls surrounding the spire with laser-cut names.
Interactive Life-Story Stations: High-tech pods where you can hear veteran testimonies.
The 1940s Recreated Room: A look at domestic life in Lincolnshire during the war.
Avro Lancaster Scale Model: A detailed model helping kids visualise the size of the famous bomber.
The Global Hub: A digital display showing the worldwide reach of Bomber Command staff.
The Ribbon of Remembrance: A dedicated walkway within the gardens.
The Learning Zone: A space often used for school workshops and family craft activities.
The Hub Café: Serving locally sourced food with a view over the gardens.

Beyond the Main Attraction

South Common: A large green space right next to the centre, perfect for a longer walk or letting the kids run around.
Lincoln Cathedral: A short drive into the city to see the landmark that aircrews used to navigate home.
The Arboretum: A nearby Victorian park with a fountain and play area, about 1.5 miles away.
Lincoln Guildhall: Offering guided tours to learn more about the city’s civic history.

New for 2026

Wings and Wheels (6th September 2026): A free family event bringing together motorised heritage, classic cars, and 1940s music.
Refreshed Veterans' Voices Gallery: New audio recordings added for 2026 featuring never-before-heard accounts from ground crew and civilian staff.
Digital Interactive Hub: Updated software for 2026 allowing for more seamless exploration of the digitised archives.

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult Day Pass: £11.50 online / £12.50 standard (£12.65 including donation)
Concession Day Pass (65+ & disabled): £10.50 online / £11.50 standard (£11.55 including donation)
Child Day Pass (5–16): £5.50 online / £6.50 standard (£6.05 including donation)
Family Day Pass (2 Adults + up to 3 Children): £30.50 online / £37.50 standard (£33.55 including donation)
Parking Pass: £3.00

Pricing URL: https://internationalbcc.digitickets.co.uk/tickets

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Regarding specific children's birthday packages. The site focuses on educational and commemorative events. For private hire or group school bookings, you can contact the events team. Email: [email protected]

Tuesday - Sunday: 09.30 - 17.00.
Open Bank Holiday Mondays.

Address: International Bomber Command Centre, Canwick Avenue, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, UK

Post Code: LN4 2HQ

Council: North Kesteven

County: Lincolnshire

By Car: Use postcode LN4 2HQ. The centre is located on Canwick Hill (B1188).
By Bus: The number 31 or 31x bus stops near the centre.
Car Parking: On-site parking is available; booking an advance parking pass for £3.00 is recommended.