100 years of Ian Fleming
Ian Fleming, the much loved author of James Bond and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, would have turned 100 on 28th May 2008. To celebrate his life and much loved characters, the South East will be organising special events and activities throughout the year. Below is just a taster of some of the connections the region shares with the great author, which are sure to leave you shaken but not stirred!
Bletchley Park
Join in with centenary celebrations at the code cracking base of Bletchley Park in Milton Keynes. It is here that Lieutenant commander Ian Fleming, as he was then known, first began his love affair with the world of espionage, masterminding 'Operation Ruthless', a bid to crack the German Naval Enigma. There are a number of events planned throughout 2008 including James Bond Day on 25th August which will see a parachute display by the falling rocks and the largest collection of Aston Martins that Bletchley has ever seen.
Find out more about Bletchley Park's Ian Fleming connections
Pinewood studios
Pinewood studios are currently in the midst of shooting the new James Bond film, The Quantum of Solace. The site has also seen many of the past productions take place there including, Casino Royale, For Your Eyes Only, Live and Let Die and the Spy Who Loved Me.
Find out more about the historic Pinewood studios
Roald Dahl Story Centre and Museum
It was children's favourite, Roald Dahl, who lovingly brought to life Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang story, writing the script for the successful 1968 movie starring Dick Van Dyke.
Find out more about Dahl and his work at Buckinghamshire's Roald Dahl Story Centre and Museum
Kent
Bond creator Ian Fleming was greatly inspired by the Garden of England's charms and lived for a while at White Cliffs in St Margaret's Bay later moving to the Old Palace at Bekesbourne. Consequently it is no surprise that you can find many references to the county throughout his work, it is even thought the famous 007 tag came from the number on the National Express coach that travels from London to Dover.
There are also two famous 007 car scenes that have taken place on the journey from London to East Kent, the first turned up in Moonraker, the second in Goldfinger. You can now retrace the roots stopping along the way to examine some of the other connections Ian Fleming shared with the county.
More details on both roots can be found at http://www.visitkent.co.uk/explore/ebrochures-kent-james-bond.asp
Beaulieu 
One of the most loved features of the James Bond movies is of course the vehicles and at Beaulieu, the National Motor Museum, there is an entire exhibition dedicated to some of the most glamorous. See the Lotus Submarine Car from The Spy Who Loved Me and Jaguar XKR Roadster which was used in Die Another Day as well as the World's first ever Jet Ski.
Find out more about Beaulieu's Bond connections
Group Itineraries
Visit South East England has brought together its connections to Ian Fleming to form two itineraries that are perfect for a group day out - Follow Fleming and The Best of Bond. Taking a closer look at the famous author and his most loved character, why not choose to stop at one or two and have a go at living the Spy Life ...
Read more about the South Easts' Ian Fleming connections