I'm a married father of 4 children who likes days out has experience of family products and destina...
I'm a married father of 4 children who likes days out has experience of family products and destinations. I find sites like this useful before purchasing/embarking on a trip somewhere, so hopefully my experiences of places will assist people too
Member since:10.01.2008
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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
Pictures of Concorde Tour Manchester Airport
The start of the tour
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Advantages: Concorde tour, Aviation Gift shop, Raised viewing platforms, close to runway Disadvantages: Mostly small planes after having the 2.00pm tour
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