Planespotting / Viewing Guides for Kemble, Staverton/Gloucester airport, and other airports & airfields in Gloucestershire

Aircraft Spotting at Gloucestershire's Airfields and Airports

Spotting locations, viewing areas and advice on access for airports and airfields in Gloucestershire. Use the hotlinks above or scroll down for spotting information on spotting locations, airfield hangar access, aviation museums, preserved aircraft. Plus all the information has been plotted as Points of Interest and can be downloaded to your SatNavs and Google Earth to make planning your spotting trips abroad so much easier and helping you log many more

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Planespotting at the UK's Airports and Airfields has been plotted on Google Earth and can be uploaded to your SatNav - click to download
Over 620 UK airports plus 170+ preserved and stored aircraft - their locations, viewing spots, hotels and preserved aircraft can be seen on detailed satellite images, making planning your spotting trip exceptionally easy. All these spotting points of interest can be uploaded to your SatNav to give you another excellent resource to make your trip that much easier and more enjoyable. Please read the Download Instructions for example screenshots and further details

PRESERVED & STORED AIRCRAFT IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE - their locations are marked in the Spotting in the UK download

G-ASWJ Beagle B206 is at the City of Bristol College at Open Park off Ash Ridge Road alongside the M5. Last reported January 2012

VW453 Meteor is preserved inside Innsworth base. Not visible from the main gate, it may be possible to see it by driving along Frog Furlong Lane and looking through the foliage on the right, or over the fence if it's blocked out

XP856 Scout is at Phelps scrapyard on Sudmeadow Road, Gloucester, off the A430. They are friendly, ask to see and photograph it. It's out the back into the second yard so if the gates aren't open you can try continuing along the track that runs parallel but it's lying on its side and may be difficult to spot. Last reported January 2012
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ASTON DOWN AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Off the A419 Stroud-Cirencester. From Cirencester, after about 6 miles you will come to a crossroads - the right turn heading to Frampton Mansell. Take the slip road off the A419 but instead of turning left, drive straight over and follow this to the gliding site. The gate on to the airfield is locked with an intercom device attached. Just buzz security and ask for access to the gliding club and they'll open the gate. Same procedure to get out. Follow the road round the perimeter keeping a good look out for gliders and aircraft as you cross the threshold of the runway. Very friendly here. Ask in the clubhouse for access to the hangars and they may give you instructions on driving over to the launch area - check all the buildings as there are some stored gliders tucked away. XP493 is stored inside the last T-hangar behind the clubhouse and can be seen through some gaps. Beyond the clubhouse are lots of trailer boxes and beyond those are individual hangars with gaps and maybe some parked outside as well.
Cotswold Gliding Club Website
Last reported August 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

BRISTOL-FILTON AIRPORT - TWR 132.35, APP 122.725

Spotting Info
On the A38, north of Bristol. The airport is closed but some residents do still remain. The Bristol Aero Collection are in the process of moving from Kemble to Filton, and will live in two of the current GA hangars, with a third hangar newly built to house resident Concorde G-BOAF.

The golf course has views of the old hangars - with the airport on your right, turn right (3rd exit) at the next roundabout onto the B4056/Southmead Road, get in the right hand lane and turn right at the first set of lights. Park in the golf course car park and you'll see a pathway between the club buildings, signed for the first tee and practice area. Follow the gravel path around to the right and it will curl round to the left and around the first tee. Walk across the grass to the fence and you can look down on to the apron behind the hangar - you are walking across a fairway for practice shots which may be in use, keep a good look out. If it's overgrown you can walk up and down to peer through gaps, or there are well-worn and very steep paths down to the fence, please take great care, hiking boots are recommended. N748AA G1 is still stored here amongst the Royal Mail trailers and isn't easy to see.

Back to the A38 and head north towards the airport. There are various bus stops and lay-bys to pull in for views - it's much better if there are at least two of you so one can remain with the car in case you are moved on and DO NOT block the bus stops. As you pass the runway threshold, exit the A38 and stay in the left hand lane. Fork left and pull over by the fence just beyond the give way point but way before the Royal Mail security gate. Don't stay here long as they don't like you parking here and you will be moved on but you should have enough time to read off whatever you can see here and then rejoin the A38 headed north. By now you have a good idea of what, if any, you still need to read off. Right at the northern end of the airport is a crash gate that you can park next to for your last view - from here you can also see into the Spitfire hangars if they are open. If the police helicopter is present, it's parked by the tower.
Last reported February 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE HELIPAD

Spotting Info
The helipad is on the northern perimeter of the racecourse. Drive into the main entrance off Southam Lane and follow the road down, taking great care as there are a lot of pedestrians around. As you near the racecourse car parks, you'll see a big gate on your right. Pull in here, undo the chain (it isn't locked), open the gate and drive through. You absolutely must close the gate behind you. Then follow the track round and park up sensibly, taking great care while you drive as the helipad is very active during this time. All being well, one tour will be running each day, usually at 2pm on the dot, for a donation. The helicopters park a couple of hundred yards away and are accessible for both logging and photographs. They allow walk rounds after the last helicopter has landed. There is a small pedestrian entrance into the field on the left in the dip in the road if you're on public transport. Keep the hedge on your right for about 30 yards and then you'll come across the gravel car track towards the helicopter control and fire service.
Last reported March 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

DOYNTON-ROOKERY FARM AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
In the centre of Doynton village, turn northwest on to High Street and go over the river. The road then immediately bends left. You need to carry straight on (and slightly to the right, NOT right turn in to Mill Lane) and in to Rookery Lane. Ignore the first road on the right that doubles back, carry on up the road and the track that leads to the strip is on the right. Ask in cabin for access to hangar.
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ENGLISH BICKNOR-SPENCE AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Take the A4136 Coleford-Upper Lydbrook road and turn off towards English Bicknor. After a mile or so there is a left turn to the village. Fork right and you'll pass a brick wall on the right. Immediately after that there is a gate on the right. Go through but remember to shut the gate as sheep graze in this field. Drive slowly, mind the sheep, and if it's been raining recently be careful where you drive as you might get stuck. Follow the track round the field and to the left, through the next gate, shutting it behind you and turn right. Follow this track all the way round to the left and you'll pass the first hangar on the right. Down and to the left you'll see more hangars. Ask in the clubhouse down here for access, very friendly. It's best to ring in advance though, as the owners will often meet you and open up the hangars.
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FAIRFORD AIR BASE

Spotting Info
South of Fairford village and signposted. The best views across the base are from Kempsford Road on the eastern perimeter, where there are a few places to pull in. You can log anything parked on the main aprons and into the hangars if they're open. Occasionally aircraft park on the west end of the base and the only views are from the crash gate north of Marston Meysey village - head north through Marston Meysey village on The Street, and as the road bends sharply left, turn right (it's straight on due to the bend and a triangle junction) and follow to the end for the crash gate. Do not block it and don't hang around here, just log what you can and go. Please note this area is not available for viewing from during RIAT as this area is used as part of the park and view.

RIAT
Home of the Royal International Air Tattoo, a huge military air show that takes place over a summer weekend annually. Check their site regularly as they continuously update the list of exhibits leading up to the RIAT weekend. Most of the aircraft stay until the following Monday, 'departures day', where from roughly 9am you can watch them depart over the next few hours. Several fields overlooking the base are open and allow parking and viewing for the day for a small fee. Grandstand tickets for departures day are also available, from where you can sit inside the base with an unobstructed view for logging and photographing the movements, though this is expensive if you're just logging the movements. Instead, the park and view is more cost effective if you'd rather be up close to the movements than watching from a field looking down on the action. You won't be able to stop on the main road due to the police patrols and cones.
Last reported July 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

FROGLAND CROSS-BRICKHOUSE FARM AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Frogland Cross is on the B4427 that runs from Rudgeway (on the A38), south to Winterbourne. The strip is to the west of this road, along a track that goes off to the west, just after passing through the village. It's inaccessible by road as it involves driving through different fields, you'll need to ask at the farmhouse for access and therefore your visit should be arranged in advance. If you fly in, the owner is friendly and allows access, with prior permission of course.
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The Kemble (Cotswold) Airport Planespotting Guide can be found here

LITTLE RISSINGTON AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Head south out of Upper Rissington, entrance is on the left as you pass the airfield. Head through the gate and follow the signs to 637VGS - Devonair are northside with the gliders. If the Devonair gate is locked then there's no one at the airfield and there's no access from the industrial estate. It's best to contact them in advance via the website below to arrange a visit. Friendly, ask in the office in the first hangar for access. 637VGS are also based here. If you contact them in advance they are usually happy to accommodate your visit. On the eastern side of the airfield, XR528 Wessex is stored in a field and visible from the A424. Southside there are two hangars - the first used to contain all the residents but may be empty now, the second hangar contains the 5 unfinished Norman fuselages.
Devonair
Last reported August 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

MORETON-IN-MARSH (TRAINING ESTABLISHMENT)

Spotting Info
When in town, head east on A44 and it's on the left. Could be signposted for Fire Training Establishment or similar. Head north out of Moreton-in-Marsh village centre on the A429 and take a right immediately after the railway bridge onto Todenham Road. Any views to be had are about half a mile up this lane on the right. If you reach a crossroads you've gone too far. Some squinting through gaps in hedges may be required for views of JP XM404 (parked towards the northern end of the northeast-southwest runway), the 'crashed' Hunter WT804, XP150 Wessex (next to each other close to Todenham Road) and the Viscount G-BAPF (eastern perimeter). As you continue north along Todenham Road you'll reach a crossroads at the end of the northern boundary, if you can turn right here down a track, it will take you past the Viscount and afford different views across the college. Also presumed based here in various states are G-AZDZ C172, G-BKRD C320, G-BPJT PA28 wings only and XP680 JP fuselage hidden in the trees - could I have instructions on how to see this please. Some are probably indoors somewhere, others get moved around the base and hidden in obscure places, trees, ditches, to make training more difficult.
Last reported August 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

NYMPSFIELD AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
On B4066 2 miles west of Woodchester. Friendly, ask for access. A hi-viz jacket is required and either a member will escort you round or you'll need to sign in first - this also applies during their gliding competitions. If Targett Aviation is locked, the hangars has windows around the back - the glider hanging up in here is BGA4361 Grasshopper.
Bristol & Gloucester Gliding Club
Last reported August 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

OVER-OVER FARM AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Head west out of Gloucester on the A40. On the dual carriageway, pass the Toby Carvery and Over Farm Market and there is very soon afterwards a gap in the central reservation which gives access to a track leading to the farm. Very friendly, ask for access to the hangars.
Last reported October 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

RENDCOMB AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
To the east of a minor road that runs north from Cirencester to Withington. Enthusiasts are usually not welcome here, though if pilots or mechanics are here and the hangars are open, access is sometimes granted upon asking politely. XB-RIY Kaydet PT-17 is often seen on a trailer here, wings alongside - it's used as a travelling exhibit.
Last reported October 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

STAVERTON/GLOUCESTER AIRPORT - TWR 122.9, APP 128.55

Spotting Info
Off J11, M5 and follow signs. Airport and flying club all easily viewed. D-AFAM BD700 lives in a purpose built hangar with glass walls.

If the airport is on your right, the flying club is the first entrance. Not a great view of the flying club itself but you get a different angle of what's over at the terminal and hangars.

Before the entrance on the right, you'll find XM569 Vulcan nose preserved and WH364 Meteor under restoration at The Flying Shack snack bar.

Next entrance on the right is the main entrance. There is a cafe - The Aviator - opposite the terminal. The view from here is ok, as is the view from the grass area beside it. G-IASL Be60 and D-HCKV A109 are on the fire dump on the west side, near to the 09 threshold and are visible from here. There is no access onto the airfield, but easy viewing at various points around the perimeter fence, just follow the road round for various pull ins, parking areas and hangars. There are around 25 hangars in total which is where most of the 100+ residents live plus around 20 on maintenance at any one time. Different hangars are open depending on whether it's a weekday or the weekend and weather dependent. Asking in the various clubs may get you access to their respective hangars - some are friendly if you show an interest, please let me know if you have any luck. XH903 Javelin is preserved on the terminal apron; Hurricane replica BAPC-72 marked "V6799" and Gloster E28/39 replica marked "W4041" are preserved in the hangar next to the Javelin.

If there are some parked on the main apron that you can't log due to parking angles, turn left out of the main airport entrance and you'll see a concrete block on the right just up the road. There's a gateway you can park in here briefly for a better angle onto the main apron.

For a slightly different view and to log the various stored military aircraft, turn left out of the main entrance and head back towards the motorway. You will see an industrial estate and the military aircraft on your left - WF784 Meteor, EE425 Meteor cockpit, plus the fuselages of WL349 Meteor, WS807 Meteor, XD506 Vampire cockpit, XE664 Hunter nose, XW264 Harrier forward fuselage and N2138J Canberra marked "WK126/843" in a separate part. Follow this road for a different view and to see in the terminal hangar which often houses biz.

Airport Tours
Escorted tours of Staverton airport are possible thanks to Keith Wilson and a donation to the Help the Heroes charity is required, along with photo ID. Anyone who has recently visited Staverton will know, not only how rare it is that an airport in the UK will provide airside tours, but that there are so many hangars housing the residents that these tours really are excellent and will see you make many more frames. Midweek is often better than weekends as more hangars are usually open. If the hangars are shut, you won't be able to get round them. Please remember to be polite at all times, this is a favour that Keith is doing for us all, do not abuse these privileges. It is with caution that I include these details and I will not hesitate to remove them if spotters start causing problems. Contact Keith to arrange a tour, if he can accommodate you he will, but please follow the procedures and be flexible for him, not the other way around. Remember it's a favour for you. If you can't make the tour for whatever reason, please let him know as soon as you can to avoid wasting his time.

Staverton Flying School and The Unofficial Gloucestershire Airport
Last reported March 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report

WICKWAR-CHASE FARM AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Head north out of Chipping Sodbury on B4060 and after Yate Rocks turn right at the crossroads down Mapleridge Lane towards Horton. The road bends right and the strip is just up on the left.
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