
Back to Blogs
Discover
Itinerary: Masters of the Air
Perhaps you’ve heard of the infamous bomber boys of the USAAF 8th Air Force, known as the ‘Mighty Eighth’? Maybe you’ve read the fantastic non-fiction book by Donald L Miller, which recounts the heroic true story of the American Air Force bomber unit who brought the war to Hitler's doorstep? If this is the first you’ve heard of it, be sure to catch the upcoming nine-part Apple TV drama ‘Masters of the Air’, starring Austin Butler and Barry Keoghan, and produced by Stephen Spielberg and Tom Hanks.
After binging the series, you’ll want to pay a visit to some key locations in and around Bury St Edmunds where you can delve into the extraordinary stories of the US army airforce who found themselves stationed in Suffolk during WWII. Why not make a weekend of it and uncover some fascinating history whilst enjoying all that the area has to offer.
Day 1

Begin your weekend in style as you arrive at the luxurious Angel Hotel in Bury St Edmunds on Friday evening. Choose from a selection of bespoke and individual rooms; each carefully designed in eclectic and elegant decor. Enjoy the thoughtful touches such as gorgeous toiletries, sumptuous bedding and even views of the cathedral from some rooms. Upgrade to a Copper room and enjoy a deep bath in a spectacular freestanding copper tub.
After you’ve unpacked and settled in, head down to the Angel’s Bar for a cocktail or two.
Day 2

AM:
After breakfast, stride out and make your way to Bury St Edmunds Guildhall which boasts the country’s only surviving WWII Royal Observer Corps Operations room. During the war, the room- situated on the first floor of the building, was occupied by the 14th Group who worked tirelessly to protect the skies of Suffolk by relaying vital messages to crews at local air bases including Rougham and Lavenham. Book onto a tour (by appointment only) and a knowledgeable guide will be sure to answer all your questions while they take you on a journey through the Guildhall’s remarkable 800 year history.
PM:
For lunch, head to the Corn Exchange which today is home to a Wetherspoons but has seen hundreds of years of history including during WWII, when it was a favourite dance spot for GI's based at Bury St Edmunds and Lavenham.
After lunch, stroll to the Abbey Gardens and take in the glorious roses which grow there. Although during the war these gardens housed pigs to contribute to the war effort, nowadays they are a sight to behold with over 400 fragrant rose bushes. The garden is even named after the American serviceman John Appleby, who served in the 487th bomb group in Lavenham. The eagle-eyed can spot a memorial stone paying tribute to the many US service men and women stationed in Suffolk as well as a rather unusual bench, fashioned from the wing of a Flying Fortress Bomber aircraft.
On your return walk, be sure to pass by the impressive Athenaeum, which served as a vital location for the troops to gather together, eat and socialise during the war. John Appleby praised the local people of Bury St Edmunds for creating a hub of entertainment and well-priced delicious food, as well as a lending library and mending service. By the time it closed its doors in 1945, the Athenaeum had seen almost a million and a half service men and women cross its threshold!
If you have time, book a Bury Tour Guides ‘Masters of the Air’ Tour for the ultimate insight into the links between the film and Bury St Edmunds' buildings and locations. This one hour walk will take you all around the town with a specialist guide there to breathe life into the history, people and events which contributed to the war effort.
Day 3

AM:
On Sunday make your way over to Rougham Control Tower Aviation Museum where you can step back in time to life during the war on the airbase. The museum itself is housed in the original control tower with a specific room dedicated to the brave war hero Frederick Walker Castle.
Browse the fascinating collection of memorabilia including photos, artefacts, uniforms, letters, and photographs, which tell the story of the Bury St Edmunds base and the US personnel stationed there. Afterwards, check out the flight of peace sculpture which commemorates the US Airforce’s arrival at Rougham Airfield in 1943. The awe-inspiring B17 Flying Fortress commemoration sculpture, with a dove of peace blossoming from it, is in symbolic remembrance of those gallant American servicemen who, by preparing, maintaining and flying the B17 Flying Fortress bombers, contributed to lasting peace in Europe.
PM:
For lunch, head to the ICE Restaurant, just 5 minutes drive from Rougham Control Tower Aviation Museum. Tucked away in an unlikely location just off J45 of the A14, ICE is located in the middle of the Rougham Industrial Estate in a converted warehouse with lots of free onsite parking, it really is well worth a visit. During WWII the industrial estate would have been the old technical site, the hub of the airfield with many stores, armouries & workshops repairing aircraft, engines, propellers, avionic instruments, and vehicles. ICE has a quirky interior, fitted out with a retro, industrial feel. This restaurant offers incredible food and amazing drinks all prepared and served with love by the extra friendly ICE team. The menu literally offers something for everyone from mac n cheese and monster burgers to a delicious superfood salad and the famous ICE full English breakfast.
Before you head home, you must swing by the village of Lavenham and pop into the Airmen's Bar in The Swan Hotel. A visit here is like stepping back in time to the 1940’s, with an inspiring collection of signatures and momentos adorning the walls, each a reminder of the members of the RAF Lavenham who used to frequent the bar to socialise and relax during the war. Take time to read ‘The boot record’ which is inscribed on the wall and shows the attempts of many servicemen to drink three and a half pints of ale from a glass boot in the quickest time!
Latest news

News
Summer Walks
Make the most of the sunny days and warm evenings and enjoy a summer walk in Bury St Edmunds & Beyond...
News
Perfect Picnic Spots
With stunning countryside and gardens, there are many beautiful spots in and around the Bury St Edmunds area to lay your blanket down and enjoy a yummy picnic. Here are our picks …
News
Days out that cost less than £10
Check out these fantastic days out in Bury St Edmunds & Beyond that won't break the bank!

News
Top Ice Cream Spots in Bury St Edmunds & Beyond
There's no better way to cool down on a warm sunny day than with a delicious ice cream!
News
Free Family Days Out!
A family day out in Bury St Edmunds & Beyond needn't break the bank, check out our pick of things to do, which don't cost a penny!

News
The summer of the dinosaur in Bury St Edmunds
With Jurassic World Rebirth due out this summer Bury St Edmunds will be offering the chance to look up into the jaws of a Tyrannosaurus and much more at an exciting new exhibition!

News
Commemorate VE Day in Bury St Edmunds
Commemorate 80 years of peace since the end of World War II in Europe with activities in Bury St Edmunds.

News
Visitor information improved for Bury St Edmunds town centre
Our Bury St Edmunds BID has replaced and updated maps at the seven large map display stands at visitor entry points to the town.

News
Where to See Bluebells in Bury St Edmunds and Beyond
Welcome the spring with a walk amongst the bluebells in Bury St Edmunds & Beyond...