Vulcan XM655 — Attraction in Stratford-on-Avon

Been to this place many times, as were local even remember XM655 arrival here and even helped out many years ago with the early volunteers etc , so arrived today with my lady , saw she was open so decided to call in! Walked up to the rope barrier absolutely no signage etc to say open day , booked tours etc or anything? Two or three groups having tours etc and lots of volunteers around but no-one acknowledged us or asked if they could help etc . So there was an entry point near the cockpit so went to ask someone about entering without having to shout across everybody and was rudely shouted at together out behind the rope without any explanation or help on how to access the site or explain if it was a closed group of tours etc ,??? I would have thought signage was paramount! Especially if you didn't want to get bombarded with questions or people trying to come in? I've worked with every aeroplane going at RAF fairford for 30 odd years, and I definitely don't want privileged treatment but maybe a explanation on what was happening that day not just stay behind the rope ? Not one person bothered to come over explain or ask what we could do for you! Totally rude experience and I've held xm655 close to my heart for many years seeing this is my local Vulcan! Very embarrassing couldn't walk away...

We stopped by, Thursday lunch time, to see XM655, a 1950’s British Avro Vulcan Bomber. XM655 is located at Wellsbourne Mountford Airfield. Our stop was an unscheduled visit having just come from a National Trust Property, Charlecote Park, up the road. My son had never seen a Vulcan and this was a great opportunity to get up close to one of these Cold War era aircraft. Parking wasn’t too busy, easy and clear parking. There is a sign on the gate stating opening days for viewing of the bomber on Saturdays when volunteers are there. On other days, it clearly says to check in with the flying school front desk people. Please remember this is an active airfield, use common sense. When we checked in with the flight school, per the sign, both the gentleman at the desk, and a flight instructor, very helpful, encouraged us to pop over to view the Vulcan and even said to ask for Tim, one of the volunteers on site that day. Met Tim, nice chap, helpful and happy to answer our questions, very knowledgeable, I appreciate him taking time to talk with us and share the history and some stories of XM655. XM655 no longer airworthy (not certified), but does have engine runs allowing for fast taxi demonstrations. There is a small but nice gift shop with reasonably priced items. Enjoyed the visit and...

What a great site, it’s technically free with a very small Car pack. ( You need to cut further down the grass). For a donation I got taken up into the crew compartment in the plane and a Volunteer gave me the background and ran over what each of the areas did. You can’t sit in the pilots seat as it’s still a functioning rolling (runway runs) and very tight and completely understandable but amazing they let you up into the other crew compartment that gives you a real idea what it must be like to have flown in and you can climb up and see into the cockpit. I’ve got so used to using cards to pay for stuff I only had a few pounds in coins so felt a bit guilty with a ex Vulcan Pilot Wg Cmdr Mike Pollitt showing me round and taking time to explain and talk about the plane inside, if you want a look inside take some pound coins or notes as it’s worth it😁👍. Visited on the passing while staying in a hotel near Warwick and going to the Motor Museum that’s ten minutes away. Great for a half hour visit just to back the team keeping this...