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I think that Concorde captures the imagination of most people as a majestic spectical and patriotic symbol. And if this isn't the case - this tour would probably change people's minds.
The area has recently been upgraded to protect Concorde from the elements, which also enhances the visitor ... Read review
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Advantages: Interesting for all ages, indoors, accessible for all knowledge levels Disadvantages: Not suitable for those with mobility issues, can book up quickly
... I think that Concorde captures the imagination of most people as a majestic spectical and patriotic symbol. And if this isn't the case - this tour would probably change people's minds.
The area has recently been upgraded to protect Concorde from the elements, which also enhances the visitor experience in a comfortable secure environment.
You arrive at the attraction via the "Concorde Departure lounge" and ... ...minutes and a short briefing on the do's and dont's whilst on board.
We had been treated to the "General Tour", which is one option compared to the more in depth "Technical Tour". The main difference being an extended view of the flight deck and more engineering-minded data and presentation.
On viewing the video you are lead straight to the aircraft, and up the steps to the flight deck. On this occasion, ... more
I visited this attraction for an arranged Birthday present on the 31st October, 6 years to the day this aircraft flew into Manchester for the final time to be housed here for good.
I think that Concorde captures the imagination of most people as a majestic spectical and patriotic symbol. And if this isn't the case - this tour would probably change people's minds.
The area has recently been upgraded to protect Concorde from the elements, which also enhances the visitor experience in a comfortable secure environment.
You arrive at the attraction via the "Concorde Departure lounge" and are seated for a short introductory film of around 6 minutes and a short briefing on the do's and dont's whilst on board.
We had been treated to the "General Tour", which is one option compared to the more in depth "Technical Tour". The main difference being an extended view of the flight deck and more engineering-minded data and presentation.
On viewing the video you are lead straight to the aircraft, and up the steps to the flight deck. On this occasion, the party consisted of myself and my wife and no one else, usual group size is around 12-15 persons so on the General tour the view would be limited.
The tour guide hands over to a former pilot who is obviously very knowledgeable as are the other tour guides some of whom have been lucky enough to fly on the aircraft when it was in service.
The tour is aimed at all ages, and this is reflected in it's delivery. No technical Jargon, drawing on anecdotes such as "by the time this film has finished the aircraft could have flown from Manchester to London" and so on, which far better than just throwing numbers and statistics at people. Having said that, the numbers are still presented to you for those technically minded, so the result is a superbly accessible presentation.
You are shown up the length of the aircraft, with the rear 60 seats reserved for licensed weddings and during the walk your attention is also drawn to some of the "famous seats" where personalities such as the late Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton & Her Majesty the Queen have sat. We were lucky enough to occupy the queen's seat for this section of the tour.
You are then lead back outside for a walk around the underside of the aircraft with various other well explained features.
There are ample opportunities for photographs both internal and external and the team are incredibly enthusiastic and willing to answer any questions.
The park itself is located on Sunbank Lane, Altrincham WA15 8XQ (just off the Motorway). There is free admission for all tour-goers to the aviation park as a whole which offers superb views of both runways and the taxi ways for the airport as well as a substantial shop.
The attraction is suitable for families, schools, youth groups, nerds, novices and nosey people alike.
Full details can be found at http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/Content/ConcordeTours
Advantages: Concorde tour, Aviation Gift shop, Raised viewing platforms, close to runway Disadvantages: Mostly small planes after having the 2.00pm tour
We arrived at ManchesterAirport at noon on Sunday. Concordetours are only available at week-ends. We needed transport to go to the Manchester Aviation Viewing Park and BusyBus goes there so we looked around for the bus stop which is outside the airport marked with two sign boards. One said BusyBus services are daily and the other said Monday to Fridays only. There were two numbers given, one for you to ask them to come collect you and the other is for information. We called the first number to ask for collection but an answermachine picked up so we left a message. Then after 20 minutes of waiting we called the information number and they said they don't operate bus services on week-ends.
On their posters they advertise BusyBus and Concorde and Concordetours are only available at week-ends but they don't operate then! They ...
Advantages: Unusual day out Disadvantages: Limited availability
on select days throughout the year and you do have to pre-book!! (When I visited there were LOTS of disappointed people as they could not get too see inside Concorde).
How does it work?
Check out the ManchesterAirport website for dates that Concorde is open as well as booking information but basically the Concordetour appears to be operated by a voluntary origination and a such it is only open on very select weekends through the year (these tend to be mainly bank holidays etc. such as Easter). Check the ManchesterAirport website for the link to avriable dates as well as booking. The basic cost when I visited was £10 per person and there is a number to call to book via the website. It is quite hard to get hold of the gentleman who takes bookings but if you leave a message he does get back to! He then reserves the date and time of your ...
