Bletchley Park - 1940's Weekend
Overview
It's about time we had a return visit to Bletchley Park, we haven't been for a couple of years. This place is steeped in history and makes a fascinating day out.
Experience the sights, sounds, and spirit of the 1940s at Bletchley Park’s 1940s Weekend!
There is a packed schedule of entertainment throughout the weekend, with live music, dancing, activities for families and demonstrations. Scroll down to see what’s happening each day.
- Learn how to swing dance and then try out your new steps to boogie to vintage tunes performed by live bands and singers.
- Sing along to timeless melodies that helped keep spirits lifted during tough times.
- Try your hand at breaking coded messages.
- Browse and buy unique 1940s-inspired treasures, including clothing, accessories, and memorabilia.
- Meet characters from World War Two, both military and civilian, brought to life by reenactors in vintage dress.
- Come as you are, or put in your victory rolls and don your best 1940s’ attire – everyone welcome!
All our exhibitions are open as usual for you to explore how the Codebreakers at Bletchley Park played a vital role in WW2. Walk in their footsteps through refurbished original wartime buildings and hear their stories in their own words. Explore interactive exhibits to reveal what life was like at Bletchley Park and discover the impact the intelligence produced had on the conflict.
You are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy, but there are plenty of food and drink options available on site.
So, dust off your dancing shoes or grab a deck chair. Make it a weekend to remember for the whole family!
We are sure you will have a fabulous time at our 1940s weekend.
A visit to Bletchley Park involves both indoor and outdoor activities, we would recommend outdoor clothing and footwear to get the most out of your visit. Any heel which covers an area smaller than a postage stamp can cause irreparable damage to floors and carpets: we regret, therefore, that sharp-heeled shoes are not permitted.
The site continues to reveal secrets and tell fascinating stories of our national legacy.
If you'd be willing to host, please choose the discounted host place.
Please note that prices quoted do not include a visit to The National Museum of Computing, which is located next to Bletchley Park and operates as a separate museum with a different tariff and different hours of operation.
If there is any interest, we could book that for a different date, and you can then also re-visit Bletchley park as your ticket is valid for a year! After our last visit, some of the members made arrangements for a second visit as there was so much to see.
Includes
- Spice Host
- Ticket to Bletchley Park
Extras
- refreshments or souvenirs
Bletchley Park is a vibrant heritage attraction and museum, open daily to visitors.
It was the home of British World War Two codebreaking; a place where technological innovation and human endeavour came together to make ground breaking achievements that have helped shape the world we live in today.
This unique site was previously a vast Victorian estate, where parts including the Mansion still survive, expanding during wartime to accommodate Codebreakers Huts and Blocks.
During World War Two, the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS), now known as the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), was based at Bletchley Park. It grew from a small team of specialists to a vast intelligence factory of thousands of dedicated women and men. This extraordinary combination of brilliant and determined people and cutting-edge technology contributed significantly to Allied victory. In tough conditions, they provided vital intelligence and developed pioneering technological innovation that had a direct and profound influence on the outcome of the war.
Location & Itinerary
Entry to the site and all exhibitions, N.B. the ticket is valid for a whole year, so you can hold on to it and re-visit any time!
Multiple things to see including:
Visitor Centre
The Mansion
Codebreaking Huts
National Radio Centre
Exhibitions:
D-Day exhibition
The Bombe Breakthrough
Never Alone
Veterans Stories
From GC+CS to GCHQ
1940's weekend activities:
- Hands-on activities in Hut 1
- Homeguard Basic Training for children
- Pose for a photo behind a Codebreaker’s desk in the Mansion
- Try your hand at breaking secret codes
1940's weekend entertainment
- 11.00 – 11.30 Warm up with Swing Dance MK
- 11.30 – 12.15 Satin Dollz
- 12.15 – 13.00 Swing Dance Class with Swing Dance MK
- 13.00 – 13.45 Satin Dollz
- 13.45 – 14.15 BREAK
- 14.15 – 15.00 Ashby Little Big Band
- 15.00 – 15.45 Swing Dance Class with Swing Dance MK
15.45 – 16.30 Ashby Little Big Band
Bring a picnic and snacks, it can be a very full day.
There is a coffee shop just after we enter the site and a cafe next to the mansion so you should be able to purchase snacks and drinks if you prefer.
Bletchley Park has a large car park onsite with 487 parking spaces available. 18 of these spaces are reserved for disabled or elderly visitors. The car park is approximately 70 metres from the museum entrance. We do not charge for parking.
The venue is a short walk from Bletchley rail station
| Type | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Member 60+ Ticket | £27.00 | Available |
| Member standard ticket | £29.50 | Available |
| Guest/ Non member 60+ Ticket | £32.00 | Available |
| Guest/ Non member Standard Ticket | £34.50 | Available |
| DISCOUNTED HOST PLACE | £22.50 | Sold Out |
Not enough spaces left for you? Join the waitlist
Host & Everything Else
Gallery
