An interesting dilemma . . . .

AlexP · Post by **AlexP** » 08 Nov 2006, 11:51

In the not too distant future Iâ€™m due to pick up my parents from Heathrow. As their flight doesnâ€™t arrive until late afternoon Iâ€™ve decided to take the whole day off work and visit either the Hendon or Brooklands before making my way to Heathrow.

So the question I put to you all is which one would you choose/recommend and why?

Alex

VEGAS · Post by **VEGAS** » 08 Nov 2006, 12:03

I've been to Hendon many times Alex and it boasts a fine collection of aviation and war exhibits. It should take you the best part of the day to get around it, thats assuming you stop at most of the exhibits and read most of the literature.

It is some time since I visited. The last time I was there, they had a rather tatty and weathered Beverley sitting outside on the car park. I think that got scrapped a few years ago. :sad:

Can't comment on Brooklands as I've never been. I'm sure you'll get a good HU before the end of today though.

I'm assuming Hendon is a good size bigger than Brooklands but I may stand to be corrected there. :think:

Either way both well are worthy of a visit.

Post by **Garry Russell** » 08 Nov 2006, 12:31

Hi Alex

The choice is really civil or military

If Civil is your thing then Brooklands it the place, likewise Hendon for the Military

Depend on your leaning really

Garry

Chris Sykes · Post by **Chris Sykes** » 08 Nov 2006, 14:10

dont forget if your a racing fan then brooklands is a good one aswell, also there are a few military aircraft aswell. Hendons a good day trip, free aswell!!! (when i last went) both are worthy visits.

steve p · Post by **steve p** » 08 Nov 2006, 14:24

If you're visiting Hendon its worth noting that not all galleries are open at all times. Seems that they cannot afford the electricity. :roll:

The Hendon website should have the times of when each gallery is open.

Best wishes
Steve P

Post by **DaveB** » 08 Nov 2006, 16:34

Hi Alex,

Having got back from Brooklands just under an hour ago.. I will give a slightly biased thumbs up to going there instead of Hendon

Horses for courses really. As Garry mentioned, if it's military aircraft you like.. then Hendon is the ONLY choice. Entry into Hendon is free too which is nice but.. it's off the North Circular so my honest feeling is that we should be paid to go there (needless to say.. I HATE the North Circular)

I've noticed the 'lights out' thing there too. Odd.. very odd.

Brooklands on the other hand is about Â£7 to get in and is a spit from Heathrow. Depending on the day.. you could find the VC10, 1-11, Viscount, Vanguard AND Varsity open (oh.. and Concorde for an extra Â£4) plus they have a reasonable cafe and shop to relieve you of your dosh (as does Hendon too) but if cars are also your bent.. then you are at the birthplace of British Motor Racing. They DID have a limited edition Raleigh Chopper there too :shock:

Hendon is a smashing museum and were it not for it's location.. I'd spend more time there but my main interests are on the civvie side of things so Brooklands win's every time.

ATB

DaveB :tab:

TobyV · Post by **TobyV** » 08 Nov 2006, 17:39

If you are going by car, go to Brooklands, if you are going by public transport, you could do either. I wouldnt recommend trying to get to Hendon by car or parking anywhere near the Grahame Park estate!

AlexP · Post by **AlexP** » 10 Nov 2006, 12:37

Thanks for the info. guys very much appreciated.

Based on whatâ€™s been said I think Iâ€™m going to visit Brooklands more for reasons of practicality than anything else. With the main priority of the day being to collect my parents from Heathrow Brooklands sounds like itâ€™s the safer option being closer and with (comparatively) less likelihood of traffic problems than Hendon.

That said Brooklands does sound like it should be a really good day out with a mix of both civil and some military aircraft together with the motor sport aspect (one of my other main passions in life).

Once again thanks for all of your help,

Alex

TobyV · Post by **TobyV** » 10 Nov 2006, 18:54

I think you'll like Brooklands. The volunteers/stewards there are usually friendly and knowledgeable there whereas the 'guards' at Hendon are more likely just to tell you not to touch the exhibits :roll: