Unfortunately I never got to fly in a Vanguard (flew in several Viscounts though) but I have memories of watching them from the observation deck on top of the Queen's Building at LHR in the 1960's. In those days, before nose-in parking, the BEA Vanguard fleet would be coming and going all day, mostly on UK domestics and certain other short European routes such as Amsterdam and Paris, until these routes went over to Trident operation. In fact the reverberating noise of the RR Tynes was a virtual constant background racket at LHR in the period 1961 to 1967.
I always much preferred the Lockheed Electra. Better-looking and wonderful engine music from those Allisons. Quieter on climb and in the cruise as well.