Visiting the Enigma

Bletchley Park, or “Station X,” wartime home to codebreakers in England. Photo: Pacheco

Near the end of a July-August ’03 England trip, we drove to Bletchley Park, which was home to the famous code breakers of the Second World War as well as the birthplace of modern computing and communications. As our excellent guide told us, you need three separate visits here to really do it justice. We saw only a part of what was on offer.

On weekends, the privately owned exhibits are on display and there are often special events. We went on a Wednesday, and on weekdays you have to take the guided tour from approximately 1:30 to 5 p.m. (£7 senior).

We ate our sandwiches on the grounds prior to visiting the Enigma machine and taking the tour. We were fascinated by the history and human stories connected with this “best-kept secret.”

Bletchley Park is located north of London and south of Milton Keynes. Check the website www.bletchleypark.org.uk for opening times and events. We will definitely go again and make it a weekend so we can see the Churchill collection.

VALERIE PACHECO
Zephyrhills, FL