Just 20 minutes' drive east of historic York, the Yorkshire Air Museum & Allied Air Forces Memorial makes a pleasant outing for those interested in machinery and the history of war. 

Established in RAF Elvington, a former WWII bomber base, the museum encompasses the largest independently owned collections of aircraft in the country. Highlights include exhibits focusing on the history of flight along with a variety of static displays of vintage aircraft and vehicles. 

Of the 50 planes owned by the museum, many are still operational and are put through their paces during special "Thunder Day" events held throughout the year.