A life-size Lancaster Bomber sculpture in Norton Disney will be accessible to the public on specific dates while construction work continues at the memorial site. The Bomber County Gateway Trust has announced that visitors can view the iconic 30-meter-tall monument on select weekends, with gates opening from 10 AM to 4 PM on designated days.
The impressive sculpture, which was unveiled earlier this month after years of fundraising and community effort, has been carefully designed to resemble the aircraft that crashed on its way home to RAF Swinderby during World War II. The monument serves as both a memorial to those who lost their lives and an educational landmark about the region's aviation history during the war.
Visitors can access the site exclusively through the main entrance located on Folly Lane, with the postal code LN6 9JN and What3words location 'snug.dress.boards.' The Trust has emphasized that the monument sits on private property and has issued stern warnings against trespassing. Officials stress that visitors must not push through fencing, climb closed gates, or walk through fields containing livestock, as these actions constitute illegal trespassing and cause significant problems for local farmers.
Parking arrangements include designated grass field areas within the entrance, with no hard-standing parking available. Visitors are required to follow parking attendant directions and are specifically asked not to park on surrounding narrow lanes that can easily become blocked. While parking is provided free of charge, the Trust encourages visitors to support the landmark through cash donations at the entrance or online contributions.
From the parking area, visitors face a level gravel track walk of approximately 500 meters to reach the monument, which typically takes between five and ten minutes depending on walking speed. The Trust asks all visitors to remain on the designated track throughout their visit. For accessibility purposes, those with blue badges can request assistance to reach the bomber, though this service is provided as a courtesy rather than an official vehicle service, and visitors use it at their own risk.
Safety measures around the monument include security fencing installed around the base for visitor protection. While people can get very close to the sculpture, they cannot access the immediate base area. The Trust has requested that visitors respect these safety barriers and not attempt to open or climb the protective fencing.
The current visiting schedule for September includes Saturday, September 20, and Sunday, September 28, with gates operating from 10 AM to 4 PM on both days. However, the Trust has indicated that within six weeks, a permanent car park and booking system will be launched to allow broader public access to the sculpture.
The monument represents years of dedicated fundraising efforts and community support to create a lasting tribute to the brave airmen who served during World War II. The sculpture not only honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice but also serves as an educational resource about the region's significant role in wartime aviation history. Once fully operational, the site is expected to become a major attraction for both local residents and tourists interested in military history and aviation heritage.
