Aircraft Spotting at Lincolnshire's Airfields and Airports

Spotting locations, viewing areas and advice on access for airports and airfields in Lincolnshire. 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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PRESERVED & STORED AIRCRAFT IN LINCOLNSHIRE - their locations are marked in the Spotting in the UK download




ANWICK-OLD MANOR FARM AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
When you enter Anwick on the A153 from Sleaford, after about 600 yards there is a left turn. Turn left here and approx 200 yards you get to the garden centre car park. Straight opposite the car park is Old Manor Farm strip with one hangar and an old barn, both housing aircraft. With the car park behind you, the hangar is straight opposite while the barn is to the left. There are gaps in the hangars if they're closed.
Last reported August 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report



AUBOURN-BLACKMOOR FARM AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Head east out of Aubourn village on Blackmoor Road towards Harmston. You'll pass a couple of fields on the left, a turning on the right just before a couple of houses, then the farm is the next on the left. Follow the track past the farm buildings and the hangars are at the end on the right.
Last reported July 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report



BARKSTON HEATH AIRFIELD - TWR 120.425

Spotting Info
Head south out of Ancaster village on the B6403 and the airfield is shortly on the right. You will clearly see the single large hangar alongside the road. Any Tutors will be parked on the large ramp next to it, or very occasionally on the hard surface the other side of it. There are a couple of places to pull over so you can jump out and read them while walking the fence. On the dump in the northern part of the airfield lies what remains of WT339 Canberra. You can report to the main gate to let them know you're around the airfield logging the aircraft - it has been known in the past for the guard to arrange an on-spec hangar tour, though you can try asking as well, they're friendly and you may get lucky. Usually no flying at weekends, it's best to visit during the week and when the weather is good. The aircraft are towed out of the hangar in the morning and put back in late afternoon.
Last reported March 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report



BINBROOK STORED

Spotting Info
Head northwest out of Binbrook village on the B1203 and fork right at the triangle junction. Follow to the industrial estate on the former RAF Binbrook site, turn right into the estate and follow the road, keeping the old hangars on your right. Look left for G-BTSY Lightning marked XR724, sadly left rotting away. Between this Lightning and you is the cockpit of XS457, the fuselage minus the cockpit of ZF590 and the fuselage of ZF595. Head back out of the estateand turn left to head towards the triangle junction. Take the first left which will take you through and past the old Binbrook security hut. Head round to the left and then straight on. Turn left at the end just before the right bend, turn right at the crossroads and you'll see Hangar 3's gate guardian ZE697 Sea Harrier. Best to visit during the week when the gates are open as I don't know if they shut at evenings and weekends.
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BOSTON-WYBERTON AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Head west out of Boston town on the A1121 towards the Princess Royal Sports Arena. After the right turn to the Arena you'll find two entrances on the right leading to various buildings. Take the second entrance for the strip. Friendly, ask for access.
Boston Aero Club
Last reported September 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report



BUCKNALL-ABBEY WARREN FARM AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Head west out of Bucknall on B1190, round the sharp left bend and strip is on the left. Very friendly.
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CASTLE BYTHAM-BLACK SPRINGS FARM AIRFIELD

Spotting Info
Head south out of Swayfield village towards Castle Bytham and take the track on the left after less than a mile. The farmhouse is on the left, with the hangars on the right. Due to trespassing, visitors are not welcome. If you must visit, you must contact in advance. Please try and visit at weekends when they are flying and the hangars are open. If hangars are shut there are gaps to look through.
Last reported September 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report



CONINGSBY AIR BASE - TWR 340.25 / APP 282.725 / GND 279.075

Spotting Info
South of Coningsby village and signposted, these viewing spots are marked in the Spotting in the UK download. Like most bases, it's best to get there early in the morning before the flying starts though you're just as likely to get a good log mid-afternoon if you can't stay all day. Very rare that there's any flying at the weekends and all aircraft tend to be hangared from Friday afternoon onwards, when it gets quiet and winds down for the weekend. They also hold Enthusiast Days, a great chance to get up close with the aircraft and get some fantastic photographs. As well as those detailed below, XS897 Lightning marked "XP765" and XW924 Harrier are preserved within the base.

  • At the main base entrance, XT891 Phantom and ZE760 Tornado are the gate guards. You can ask at the guardhouse for permission to photograph these aircraft but they usually prefer you to ask in advance rather than just turning up on the day.

  • Turn left out of the main entrance, and left at the mini roundabout onto Dogdyke Road. As you drive down here keep looking left as there's a wash pan alongside the road that sometimes gets used. Just up on the right is the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (EN398 Spitfire replica is on the grass on the airside of the BBMF offices), and just beyond this on the left is a dedicated parking area, please park sensibly and do not park on the road. From here you get views of the hangar right in front of you if it's open, and by walking along the fence you can log anything parked on the main apron. Have a look across to the HASs as sometimes aircraft are parked outside them.

  • Carry on along the road and you'll see a lay-by on the left that gives a different angle onto the main apron and to the HASs. Just up on the right is the official viewing area and is the best place to stay, watch the movements and take photographs, particularly if 07 is in use.

  • For the HASs, continue along Dogdyke Road and follow it round the sharp left bend. At the crossroads turn left down a track and follow it round to the right. Keep looking left for glimpses of the HASs, you may get lucky and be able to read something off. 11 Squadron's Lightning XR753 is also preserved in this area and visible from this track. Turn left at the end and again, keep looking left for views of the HASs again.
    Last reported March 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report


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    CRANWELL AIRFIELD - TWR 122.1, APP 119.375

    Spotting Info
    Two miles west of Sleaford between the A17 and B1429, these viewing spots are marked in the Spotting in the UK download.

  • Travelling west on the A17 with the airfield on your right, turn left just before the 09 approach lights and pull over straight away onto the gravel waste ground. From here you can see across to the main apron and log anything parked outside, as well as into any of the hangars on this side if they are open. You can walk along the A17 grass verge for better angles just take care as it's very busy with lorries as well as cars.

  • Heading back east along the A17, at the crossroads turn right and take the first right for the Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre. Open daily 1030-1630 from April-October admission is free so make sure you stop by to see XP556 Jet Provost outside and XE946 Vampire nose inside.

  • Back to the crossroads and head straight over to keep the airfield on your left. Keep looking left for views of the aircraft dump, and pull in at the first gate as this leads to the dump itself, but park clear of it. XS710 125 is stored here with the AMIF. If you can't see it from here there may be views from the A17.

  • Continue north along this road and you'll pass the Tutors apron on the left. Pull in at the very next track on the right but take care as it can be very muddy and leave room for access to the fields beyond. You'll then need to walk along the lane logging the Tutors from various angles. As long as the weather is good then get there early as they start flying from 8am onwards. If it's raining then the Tutors usually stay in the hangar. I believe they usually fly Monday-Friday here but days could vary depending on summer or winter months - confirmation is required. They tend to fly for 30 min to 1 hour, so you probably need to be there an hour to see all that are flying but they don't usually get put back in the hangar until the early evening.

  • Continue north along the lane and turn left at the end onto the B1429. You'll pass by the various base buildings and then the main entrance. After this, on the left, you'll see gate guard XW353 Jet Provost - if you want unobstructed photos from inside the base you can head in the main entrance and ask the guards. They are usually ok with it.
    Last reported March 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report



    CRANWELL NORTH AIRFIELD

    Spotting Info
    Literally north of B1429. Heading east on B1429, Cranwell (above) is on your right, and Cranwell North on your left. Take next left and it's on the left.
    Last reported July 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report



    CROFT-CLOUGH FARM AIRFIELD

    Spotting Info
    Head south out of Croft village and turn left on to the A52. Take the next right just a short way up the road and follow it past Croft House. Head over the railway line, ignore the left and right turnings and the road will fork. The left turn will take you alongside the taxiway and then runway. The right turn will take you to the farm and strip. Very friendly, ask for access.
    Last reported February 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report



    CROWLAND AIRFIELD - TWR 129.975

    Spotting Info
    Head south out of Cowbit village on Barrier Bank (not the A16) and ignore the staggered crossroads where the left turn would take you to the A16. The airfield is on the right. Friendly gliding club, ask for access.
    Peterborough and Spalding Gliding Club
    Last reported September 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report




    EAST KIRKBY MUSEUM

    Spotting Info
    Just south of the village.
    Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre
    Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report



    FENLAND AIRFIELD - TWR 122.92

    Spotting Info
    Head west out of Holbeach St. Johns on the B1168. As the road bends sharp left, head straight on onto Jekil's Bank. After two left turns the airfield is immediately after the farm on the left. Friendly, ask for access in tower for permission, you may be given hi-viz jackets and/or a tour, but it's best to bring your own hi-viz. Hangars have holes where the wheels are so even if it's shut you can get what's inside by getting on your hands and knees. Please note airfield is closed on Mondays. In the hangar by the entrance, G-MWWS Thruster is in the corner, completely dismantled. There's also the fuselage of G-AMRF with the wings of G-AHAP alongside. Opposite the tower are two small hangars. The right side is the maintenance hangar containing the bare metal C152 fuselage of G-BORY. If you walk down the left side of these hangars and look behind them, you'll see the derelict C337 G-AZLO unmarked with G-BSXI M20 nearby. Beyond these hangars and round to the left you'll pass some more stored aircraft and then the rest of the hangars.
    Fenland Airfield
    Last reported September 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report



    HIBALDSTOW AIRFIELD

    Spotting Info
    Head south out of town on the B1206 and take the first left. The entrance to the airfield is the first turning on the right. Friendly airstrip but you MUST ask first for access, they are fed up with spotters just wandering around their hangars without an escort. Contact them in advance to arrange a suitable date and time and they'll show you their stored Do28s: 115 & 117 ex Kenya AF and G-BWCO that reside in the smaller silver hangar behind their main one for a donation of £10 to cover the cost of the mechanic taking time off from his work to show you round. If you go in a group, you can share the cost more effectively. G-ANHR Auster, frame only, rests in the rafters of the hangar.
    Skydive Hibaldstow, Wingglider Ltd
    Last reported December 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report



    HOUGHAM-GLEBE FARM AIRFIELD

    Spotting Info
    Head north out of Hougham and take the second track on the right. Follow it all the way to the end, past the farm. Very cautious of visitors, ID will be required and they often check you out. Access may be denied.
    Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report




    HUMBERSIDE AIRPORT - TWR 118.55, APP 124.675

    Spotting Info
    Come off the M180 at J5, and take the A18 to the airport, it's signposted. These viewing spots are marked in the Spotting in the UK download.
  • The A18 crosses runway 21 approach and there are a couple of lay-bys to stop in.

  • After passing runway 21, turn left at the crossroads and take the first left again onto Forty Foot Lane for the 21 approach lights. A good place to stay and for photos if 21 is in use.

  • Return to the crossroads and cross over the A18. Immediately on the right is a lay-by for a few cars and this is where most people stop to watch the movements. You can look back over the airfield and ramps, although a good pair of bins are needed for the GA. This takes you down the eastern airport boundary from where there are many places to log the light aircraft. Alongside runway 27 is the fire dump where you'll find the forward fuselage of BAC1-11 G-AVMP.

  • The official viewing area is accessed via the terminal building, though it's outside and the car parks are not too expensive.

  • Round the terminal area, turn in off the A18 and instead of turning left at the roundabout for the terminal, head straight over for the various hangars and GA. Keep looking left for gaps. The hangar of Global Aviation Hangar 3 has a handy letterbox that may get you one or two more if there's no one there to show you round.

  • Right at the end of these buildings, by the cargo ramp, are the fuselages of J41s G-4-105, G-CDYI and G-GCJL, though CDYI may be at the rear of the Bristows hangar, still in United Express colours. Turn right by a car park, fork right and this roads curves right round to the left to the fuselages where you'll also find a tail belonging to G-EDAY JS31.
    Last reported March 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report



    KIRTON-in-LINDSEY AIRFIELD

    Spotting Info
    Head south out of Kirton-in-Lindsey on B1398 to Hemswell and Glentworth. Airfield is on left and entrance is just before the B1205 crossroads. Friendly, ask in the clubhouse for access. WZ757 Grasshopper is dismantled at the back of the hangar, marked "WZ768".
    Trent Valley Gliding Club
    Last reported September 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report



    MANBY-EASTFIELD FARM AIRFIELD

    Spotting Info
    Head south through Manby village, away from the B1200. At the main village crossroads, with the church on the corner, turn left onto Church Lane. The road bends right, then a sharp left, then turn left (straight on) on the next sharp right bend. Follow the bends, the road will then straighten up and you'll drive past a couple of fields. The farm is the first entrance on the right, take the second entrance on the right for the airfield.
    Last reported August 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report



    MAVIS ENDERBY-NORTHFIELD FARM AIRFIELD

    Spotting Info
    Head west out of Mavis Enderby village on the B1195 towards Lusby. You will pass Eastfield Farm on your right. The track for Northfield Farm is about half a mile on the right. Friendly, ask for access.
    Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report



    MESSINGHAM (NORTH MOOR)-LOW HILL FARM AIRFIELD

    Spotting Info
    From Burringham, head towards Scunthorpe on B1450. Head over M181, past golf course on right and take next right - Scotter Road. Go over the M180 and it becomes North Moor Lane. Approx 1/2 mile on the right is West Common North Road - follow this for about 300/400yards and the airfield becomes visible on your left. The owner of the farm doesn't mind people calling, but aircraft owners have asked him not to let people look round, though their website contradicts this - phoning in advance may help, details on their website.
    North Moor Aero Club
    Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report



    NEW YORK-WHALEY FARM AIRFIELD

    Spotting Info
    Head south out of New York village on the B1192 and go over the Houghbridge Drain. After half a mile you will come to a crossroads. Turn right down Mill Lane, go past a few houses on the right and it's the next farm on the right and before Castle Dike. Very friendly, ask for access. Wingless Lightning XS416 and the standing fuselage of Tornado ZA341 are stored here.
    Last reported December 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report



    NORTH COATES AIRFIELD - TWR 120.15

    Spotting Info
    Head northeast out of North Cotes village towards the sea. Drive straight through the industrial estate and turn right almost at the end for the airfield car park. Walk through to the clubhouse and ask for access. Very friendly, they'll escort you through the hangar. Best to visit at weekends as all residents are locked up in the hangar so no access if no one's around, or you can call in advance to arrange a visit. The two Bensen autogyros based here live in their own container near the control tower and you'll only see them if their owner is present to unlock it for you.
    North Coates Flying Club
    Last reported January 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report





    SCAMPTON AIR BASE

    Spotting Info
    Head north out of Lincoln on A15 and it's on the left. Home of the Red Arrows, their flying is mainly done during the week practicing their displays. A few places around the perimeter to stop and watch them flying, but no places to log anything parked on the main apron southwest of the runway.

    Hawker Hunter Aviation (HHA) are based in the northeast corner of the base - continue along the A15 past the base and take the first left at the staggered crossroads. Follow the road round the perimeter and after a long straight, turn left on a sharp right bend, onto a track. This leads to views of the HHA area if there's anything parked outside, and you can walk the fenceline if the hangar's open for angles to log what's inside. Quite often, if the Hunters are going flying, they'll be towed across the runway to the other side anyway.

    XR571 Gnat is preserved outside the Red Arrows hangar - it's visible from the crash gates on the northern perimeter road that leads to the HHA hangar and apron.
    Last reported November 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report



    SKEGNESS-WATER LEISURE PARK AIRFIELD

    Spotting Info
    Head north on A52 between Seathorne and Ingoldmells. Turn left onto Wall's Lane just before the main Butlins entrance on the right and on the right hand bend, turn left into the main caravan park entrance. Drive slowly and take great care as there are a lot of families walking around. Follow straight ahead then fork right when the road opens up. Follow this road for quite a way, taking care over the speed bumps and trees will then line the road. Turn left between the trees and then drive across the grass to park up by the fence near the clubhouse. Ask for access, they're friendly but if building work is going on, you won't be allowed in or near the hangars. Don't forget the fuselage wreck behind the hangar - G-AVPI C172 (the original one. The wings of AVPI are attached to an unidentified fuselage on rebuild in the main hangar. If anyone knows the identity could they please let me know. Owner is adamant it is NOT the often reported EI-AOK), though with all the building work going on, it may have been moved. XS456 Lightning is preserved here.
    Last reported February 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report



    SPALDING-SKYCRAFT WORKSHOPS, LINCS

    Spotting Info
    Head north out of village, over B1165 crossroads and the workshops are on the right. Sometimes there are aircraft parked outside so if you're driving past it may be worth a look but spotters aren't welcome so don't bother trying to gain access to the workshops. Any aircraft that are ready for test flights are roaded up to Fenland airfield.
    Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report



    STRUBBY AIRFIELD

    Spotting Info
    Head south out of Withern on the B1373, round sharp left and right bends past a garden centre and the airfield is on the left. Friendly, ask for access.
    Lincolnshire Gliding Club
    Last reported July 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report



    STURGATE AIRFIELD - TWR 130.3

    Spotting Info
    Head north out of Upton towards Heapham and airfield is on right. Ask for permission at the clubhouse/control tower/EAE offices (located in front of you as you drive in) for airfield/hangar access, very friendly. The all white unmarked fuselage of G-ATEW PA30 is stored here, wearing the covers of G-AYSB.
    Last reported September 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report



    TATTERSHALL THORPE-LODGE ROAD AIRFIELD

    Spotting Info
    Head north out of Tattershall village on Lodge Road, and after the caravan park on the left, turn left, signed to the karting centre. At the far end is the go-kart track - follow the road past the old hangar, parallel with the old runway to reach the track. Just beyond this is an aircraft scrap area containing the wreckage of N739PA B741 from PanAm Flight 103 Lockerbie. It also contains various other wrecks including XP328 Whirlwind (blue and white colours), BHDO C182, BOEB PA38, BOGS PA34, BRAD Be55 and N6275J PA34 though some or all of these may have been removed. This scrapyard is very private and visitors are not welcome. The contents of the yard are visible from the high embankment that surrounds the go-kart track. XP329 Whirlwind is at the western end of the strip, beyond the scrapyard, but is only visible from the treeline on the western boundary, after navigating a rough track leading from the B&B.
    Last reported February 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report



    TEMPLE BRUER-GRIFFINS FARM AIRFIELD

    Spotting Info
    North of Sleaford, on A15 just north of junction with B1191. If you are planning on visiting, you must ring the owner Dave Porter beforehand on 01522 810840. Visitors are welcome as long as it has been arranged beforehand, do not just turn up unannounced and if you can't make it, please call to advise this, it's a courtesy to a friendly airfield owner.
    Last reported June 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report





    WADDINGTON AIR BASE

    Spotting Info
    Head south out of Lincoln city on the A15 and follow the signs. It's on your right after a couple of miles. These viewing areas are marked in the Spotting in the UK download. Home of the annual airshow, on the Thursday, Friday and Monday either side of the airshow weekend, the RAF open up a section of the base close to the runway 20 threshold just up from WAVE, for us to park in for £5. Well worth the visit to watch either the arrivals on Thursday and Friday, or the departures on the Monday. You usually get a timetable of scheduled departure slots through the day, and although it's not 100% accurate, it's very handy. XV497 Phantom is preserved but it's not visible from WAVE as it's hidden behind buildings. The only way to see it is to visit during the airshow where you get access inside the base.

  • As you head south on the A15 and pass the runway 20 lights, you'll see the preserved Vulcan XM607 on the right by the perimeter - turn left just before this into the Waddington Aircraft Viewing Enclosure (WAVE). A proper car park with plenty of marked spaces, toilets, snack bar and shop serving hot and cold food and drink all day. Opening times are usually 0900-1800. Great views of aircraft movements - arrivals and departures on runway 20 and departures on runway 02.

  • Cross the busy road to the perimeter fence and to the right, across the runway, is the E-3 apron. You can walk along the fence if you need a better angle. Also in view from here, across the runway, is preserved Lightning XR770. To the left, the GA apron is hidden behind a purpose built grass mound. If you walk up towards the runway 20 threshold, you can look down the taxiway to the dispersals where you may be able to log a few. You can also see across to the hangars in case they're open.

  • For an alternative view of the dispersals, turn left out of WAVE onto the A15 and at the first crossroads (where left is the B1178), turn right onto a track. Follow it to the end for the views of the dispersals. Sometimes this track is gated stopping cars, but you can park nearby and walk up there.

  • Back to the crossroads, turn right onto the A15 and turn right onto the B1178 just up the road. At the end of the straight the road bends right. Towards the end of the bend, turn right onto a track and park in the lay-by here. Walk to the end of the track for the crash gate and views of the southern dispersals. You could drive along the track to the crash gate but the surface really isn't suitable for vehicles and there's only room for parking for a couple of cars.

  • Turn right to get back onto the B1178 and at the crossroads turn right onto the A607 towards Waddington village. As you pass the first road on the left, Millers Road, find a place to park, either here, Millers Road or the next left Tinker's Lane. Just before you get to Tinker's Lane on your left, on your right is a public footpath that leads right down to the perimeter fence. This also has good views across the runway to the dispersals.
    Last reported March 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report



    WHISBY-EAGLE MOOR AIRFIELD

    Spotting Info
    Head northeast out of Eagle towards Eagle Moor. Take second left signed Harby and the strip is the second field on the right. Friendly, ask for access.
    Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report



    WICKENBY AIRFIELD - TWR 122.45

    Spotting Info
    Take B1399 south out of Holton cum Beckering and airfield is on right. Permission no longer granted here, views only possible from the cafe area. You can ask, as it has occasionally been given, but it's unlikely. During their Wings & Wheels event, they used to allow access airside to the public and the hangars are open, but this was not the case in 2012 - only the Skunk Works hangar was open but taped off, with logging done from the doors.
    Fly 365
    Last reported November 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report