Did you know that Brooklands in Surrey has a programme of Concorde events?

Twenty years after its last flight, Concorde continues to generate huge interest as the only supersonic passenger jet to enter commercial operation.

To commemorate the anniversary, various Concorde-related occasions are happening, including a Concorde Gala dinner in Manchester and a new LEGO Concorde set for adults, launching next week.

You can, of course, visit Concordes year-round at various locations in the UK and worldwide, but one we thought worth highlighting is the Concorde Experience at Brooklands Museum in Surrey.

Of the twenty prototype and production Concordes produced, only seven still remain in the UK:

• Fleet Air Arm Museum, Ilchester
• Imperial War Museum, Duxford
• Concorde Conference Centre Manchester Airport
• National Museum of Flight, East Lothian
• Aerospace Bristol
• Heathrow Airport (sitting neglected by BA’s hangars)

and, finally, at the Brooklands Museum in Surrey.

Brookland’s Concorde connection

Brooklands has a special connection with Concorde. In the 1960s and 70s this was the site of the British Aircraft Corporation, which manufactured 30% of each Concorde aircraft. It was a homecoming of sorts when British Airways agreed to loan one of its aircraft to the museum.

G-BBDG was the British prototype development Concorde which allowed the aircraft to be certified for passenger operations. She flew from 13th February 1974 until Christmas Even in 1981, after which she was parked at Filton and eventually cannibalised for spares.

This included her nose, which replaced the damaged nose of Concorde G-BOAF, although this was later restored at Brooklands. Very little, apart from the fuselage, was left before her restoration.

Brookland’s programme of Concorde events

Whilst you can visit the Brooklands Concorde during opening hours, the museum also offers a regular programme of in-depth events for anyone keen to get a bit more technical. This includes:

Concorde Deluxe Tours

According to the Museum website, this is a simulated flight and involves:

“Our Deluxe Concorde experience begins with your ‘pre-flight’ briefing in The Members’ Bar in the original Edwardian Clubhouse with tea and coffee served in your ‘Departure Lounge’. Then it’s time to board Concorde. Discover the incredible history and legacy of this supersonic aircraft. Sit in a real Concorde seat and sip Champagne during your virtual flight.

Before you disembark, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Flight Deck. Your visit will conclude with a visit to the world’s only working Concorde Simulator and watch as she takes off from London Heathrow, flies a low-level pass over Brooklands, and lands back at Heathrow.”

Tickets are £65 and the tour appears to be held most weeks.

Concorde Technical Tour

A more in-depth and erm, technical, look at Concorde’s history:

“The Technical Concorde Tour adds much more time to the standard Concorde Experience, exploring the fascinating technical achievements of the aircraft. There will also be an opportunity to visit the Flight Deck and Concorde Simulator where you can watch as she takes off from London Heathrow, flies a low level pass over Brooklands, and lands back at Heathrow.”

Tickets are £60.

Concorde Simulator Flights

For a more hands-on experience, you can also try your hand at flying Concorde at the Brooklands simulator:

“Our team of Captains are all former British Airways Concorde Flight Crew, and have a total of over 150 years service flying and instructing on the BA fleet. They are waiting to give you first hand experience of what it was like to fly Concorde, on the same simulator on which they were all trained. There is only one operational Concorde Simulator in the World, and it’s here at Brooklands Museum.

Whether you never flown an aircraft before, or you are a fully qualified pilot, our Concorde Pilots will tailor your experience to ensure that you get the best from your flight(s).

An experience like no other – From beginners to test pilots, you will enjoy this unforgettable experience.”

You get one hour in the simulator with 15 minutes at the controls. This package doesn’t come cheap – it’s £300 plus £40 for an additional guest. A ‘Gold’ package is also available which includes champagne and a three-course ‘captain’s lunch’.

Conclusion

All three experiences are offered on a regular basis and offer a closer look at Concorde and its history.

Brooklands Museum is in Weybridge, just 50 minutes from Waterloo Station and next to the Mercedes Benz Experience and London Bus Museum.

If you’re interested, it’s worth taking a look at the programme of events on their website here.

PS. Perhaps the 20th anniversary will finally spur British Airways to make better use of the Concorde sitting on the ground, out of public reach, at Heathrow? We live in hope!

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