Aircraft Spotting at Sussex's Airfields and AirportsSpotting locations, viewing areas and advice on access for airports and airfields in Sussex. 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
PRESERVED & STORED AIRCRAFT IN SUSSEX - their locations are marked in the Spotting in the UK downloadADVERSANE-HADFOLD FARM AIRFIELDSpotting InfoAt the town crossroads, head north towards Billingshurst in A29 and take the first right. Go over the railway line for the strip. Friendly, ask for access. Last reported July 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report DEANLAND AIRFIELD - TWR 129.725Spotting InfoTake the A22 south to Eastbourne, go into Golden Cross and turn right straight after the Golden Cross Pub and Shell Petrol on left. Turn right again straight away. Follow road round a sharp right and left bend, follow the straight road for a short way and the entrance is on the right, a gate with 'South gate' on. Drive through but if no one's here the gate will be locked with a keypad, barring entry. Follow the track for the airfield. If you're lucky that the gate is open, ask for access, they're usually friendly. Deanland Airfield Last reported March 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report EDBURTON-TRULEIGH MANOR FARM AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHead west out of the village and take the first right. Strip is on the right. Gaps in hangars if they are locked. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report GATWICK AIRPORTSpotting Info Off M23 at J9 and follow signs, these viewing spots are marked in the Spotting in the UK download. The most important thing is to check the weather forecast before you plan to travel. Spotting at Gatwick (if on foot) when they are landing on 08 is difficult at the best of times. The wind must be from the southwest, west or northwest to guarantee they are landing on 26. Using Runway 26 If you are prepared to view the landings only (and are arriving by train), then your best bet is to spot from the end of the station platform. This is the place where you are least likely to be moved on by security (provided you have a valid rail ticket). To see departures and arrivals it is possible to get to the end of the runway - from the North Terminal, take the lift down to the ground level, come out of the lift, and turn right. Take this road under the terminal, and walk for half a mile or so. You are now by the fence at the end of the runway, and will be able to see both arrivals, and most departures (by looking over the fence). From the railway station, head for the South Terminal, turn left as you enter and head for the easyjet desks. In the far corner is a sign for the toilets and just by here is the entrance to Concorde House. Go through the white doors, follow the steps down, out through the double doors, keep walking the way you are facing and within 5 minutes you will be walking along the perimeter road. You will now find yourself at the perimeter fence right underneath the 26 approach, with a view through the fence of the threshold, most of the remote stand and pier 2 of the south terminal. It is definitely OK to be there as there are posters up encouraging enthusiasts to be on the lookout. If an extended stay at Gatwick is the aim of your trip then bring a chair and plenty of supplies. The toilets are just before the aforementioned white doors in the terminal, but there is no shelter from the weather. Another good place to park is just off the Gatwick Road. Turn right at the roundabout by the CAA building/radar and you can park along here. You should be able to get a decent coffee and burger from the girls in the van too. Walk back the way you drove to the main A23 roundabout, when you cross the roundabout walk right and there is a cut though in the hedge to go on to the perimeter road. From car to threshold about 10 mins. Using Runway 08 If they're on easterlies then drive down the southern perimeter road that's parallel to the runway and park opposite the Flight Tavern (good food), then walk down to the 08R threshold, again about 10 minutes. No facilities but logging is easy though heat haze can be a problem. There is a bus service of sorts that'll take you to the end of 08R. It's the long term car parking bus and they charge £1 each way for insurance purposes because you're not actually a customer. It's operated by BCP and leaves from both the South & North Terminals. Follow the signs to "Off Airport Parking" on the ground level of either terminal. Lowfield Heath Crash Gate It is possible to walk to the Lowfield Heath site from the end of the runway (mentioned in above paragraph) - probably 2 miles. Continue along this road until you reach the first roundabout. Take the right hand exit (A23), and walk to the next roundabout, turn right again. The gate at Lowfield Heath is directly in front of you (200 yards). Lowfield Heath is by the side of the runway (no good for photos) and you can see movements regardless of the wind direction. But you are limited to sharing what little gaps there are with the other spotters. Either getting on the floor and peering under the gate, or looking through the gap in the handle that opens the gate. Cargo is off the left with the biz parking on the 140s stands ahead and to the right. The North Terminal is beyond the biz with the South Terminal to the right. There are no facilities (toilets/food/shelter) near by. I'm lead to believe that the 100 bus (which stops on the road under the terminal), passes by the roundabout at Lowfield Heath. The timetable for this service is available at Metrobus. Lowfield Heath MAY be considered as part of the 'Gatwick Free Bus area', in which case the cost will be free - I can't guarantee this though. There have also been a few reports of people being moved on from here by security/police. The Travelodge hotel (which is also at Lowfield Heath) operates a free shuttle to and from the airport, however it is for residents only. If you are driving down you can park up in a lay-by opposite the 'Flight Tavern' (follow A23 south from the terminal area towards Crawley, then turn off at Lowfield Heath and head towards Charlwood. Or follow the peri track around the eastern and then southern part of the airport, you'll come to a roundabout, turn right, now a dual carriageway, right at the next roundabout with a Travel Inn or similar on the right. Over the mini roundabout, crash gate is in front of you, park on the right) and walk back up the road towards Lowfield Heath and spot either at the crash gate or in a small open area by the fence. Parking near the crash gate is not a problem as long as it's done sensibly and not on yellow lines. Immediately to the right of the crash gate (as you look at the airport) is a small industrial estate. There is room for 4 or 5 cars on the entrance road alongside the old Ronson Building if parked sensibly and the tenants do seem to tolerate it. Vans are constantly in and out of the estate so be careful. At weekends there is usually no one working in the units and therefore there is more room for parking. If there is no room then go back to the mini roundabout and turn left. After 100 yards or so the yellow lines stop so park there. This is virtually in front of the Travel Inn. As the crash gate is awful in terms of viewing, if the weather is good, you can take a 10 minute walk to the perimeter of runway 26 on the access road. The terminal is in sight and gives excellent views of the airport. Alternatively, back to the mini roundabout and turn right. About half way along this road there is a foam factory where you can park without any reported problems. You can then walk to the fence where there are some gaps. Other Viewing Spots For a different view onto cargo than that at Lowfield Heath, from the crash gate, head back to the first mini roundabout and turn right onto Charlwood Road. This is the road that takes you to the Flight Tavern and underneath 26, but you need to take the first right you get to, into an industrial area and drive straight ahead for the cargo stands. Airport car park Regardless of how you arrive at Gatwick, you may want to try at the car park. This is taking a risk as generally security will remove you from the top level, however if you ask, they may be ok with you logging and photographing from the next level down - recent reports have indicated as such. Terminals and Airside Viewing On arrival flying into Gatwick, you are whisked as quickly as possible through passport control and customs so no chance of spotting. If you are flying out then check in and go airside into the departures lounge. Don't bother with any of the terminal car parks, spotters are quickly removed from here so it's not worth the effort. Planespotting Hotels - their locations are marked in the Spotting in the UK download The Sofitel, room 898 has superb views of the runway and main aprons. This is an upgraded room which includes a continental breakfast, free internet, access to the club lounge where free snacks and drinks can be had in the evenings. It should also be noted that the lounge has excellent views to the north and the remote stands. The Sofitel features on   for reviews, prices and room availability
  Two examples (a panoramic left and right) of the views from the 8th floor Club rooms at the London Gatwick Sofitel. Lower floors give similar views and are cheaper, but the lower rooms are more restricted
The Travelodge Gatwick Airport The Travelodge Gatwick Airport features on for reviews, prices and room availabilityLast reported March 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report GOODWOOD AIRFIELD - TWR 122.45Spotting InfoJust outside Chichester, airfield and racing circuit are well sign posted from A27 or A286. Go through the tunnel under the racing circuit, which leads to a car park with aircraft parked alongside the fence. The flying club and control tower are at the far end of this fence round to the left. Take a hi-viz jacket with you and ask at the control tower for access. It's pot luck on the day whether it's given or not. If there's too much going on you can try asking in the crew room or one of the fire crew, but again pot luck who's there at the time. If it's granted, you'll be allowed to walk airside logging, but not to enter the hangars. If any hangars are open and people are present inside, you should ask them for access so they can escort you or at least supervise. Some have had much better results writing in advance to The Aerodrome Administrator Miss Karen Randall, Goodwood Airfield, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0PX. But she can also be contacted on 01243 755087. If you don't get airside access, follow the fence back to the exit, logging between the gaps in buildings. At the very last hangar, north of the tunnel, you can walk down behind it to look at the back of the hangars in case any are parked out there. Last reported September 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report HAILSHAM-WESTFIELD FARM AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHead south out of town on B2104. Upon leaving the town, turn left down Saltmash Lane, turn right towards Rickney and it's on the left. They do not welcome visitors. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report HANDCROSS-WINGS WORLD WAR TWO REMEMBRANCE MUSEUMSpotting InfoBetween Handcross and Balcombe villages. Head east out of Handcross towards Balcombe and turn right off the B2110 onto Brantridge Lane. The Wings World War Two Remembrance Museum is up on the right. Open every weekend March-October 1000-1700, entry is £5 Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report HEATHFIELD-BRADLEYS LAWN AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHead west out of Heathfield on A265. As you pass the A267 junction take the next right, airstrip and hangars are about a mile up just beyond farm buildings. Best to arrange a visit in advance, owner is friendly but very cautious with unannounced visitors. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report LEWES-SWANBOROUGH FARM AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHead south out of Lewes town on Kingston Road towards Iford and Rodmell. After a left bend you'll pass Wellgreen Lane on the right. Take the next left track, The Droveway, signed Swanborough Fisheries. If you miss it and reach the right hand turn to Swanborough then you've gone too far. Head down the track and at the bottom of the hill by the sewage works turn right up a rough track. One hangar is at the top of the slope and the other is across the runway at the bottom of the hill. This is a private strip so contact in advance to save a wasted trip as it's not often aircraft are parked outside or flying either and the owner wants to be present when anyone is visiting. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report NORTHCHAPEL-CHILSFOLD FARM AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHead east out of Northchapel village on Pipers Lane and after around 2 miles you'll approach a sharp right hand bend. Turn left on this bend and after the first field, you'll see the runways on the right. Continue past them and the hangars will be straight ahead. Friendly, ask for access as you'll need to be shown round as the aircraft are in different barns on rebuilds and conversions. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report PARHAM PARK AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHead west out of Storrington towards Cootham and it's on the right. Friendly, ask for access. There are a few T-sheds at the southwestern end of the runway. Ask if you can walk over there, some can be seen through gaps. Southdown Gliding Club Last reported September 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report RINGMER-KITSON FIELD AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHead southwest out of Shortgate on B2192. Strip is a mile on the left and signposted. Friendly, ask for access and you will be escorted airside by a member. If no one is around please wait, do NOT go through the gate on your own. East Sussex Gliding Club Last reported September 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report 
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RIPE-KITTYHAWK FARM AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHead south out of Ripe village on Firle Road and at the first crossroads turn right onto a very narrow, single track with few passing spaces so take care. On the second sharp right, turn left onto a track and follow it to the end for the strip. Reports have suggested they don't welcome spotters. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report SEDLESCOMBE-SPILSTED FARM AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHead north out of Hastings on A21. After B2244 turning for Sedlescombe take the next right after a mile. Strip is on right. Friendly, ask for access at the house and you should be escorted round the hangars. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report SHOREHAM AIRPORT - TWR 125.4, APP 123.15Spotting InfoJust off A27 near Shoreham-by-Sea and well signposted. The only place to park for free is the grassy area on the eastern side and has good views across the airfield. All other car parks outside the main terminal, the area next to T3 and the car park opposite the terminal by the railway line are pay and display. The outside viewing terrace in the main building extends down to the restaurant on the eastern end, meaning you can wander past the apron, inside the barrier. There are also stairs to give you some height for a better view. If you follow Cecil Pashley Way right along the back of all the buildings and hangars you will reach the preserved XX947 Tornado. Visitor Centre Airport Tours You can get an almost full tour of residents and hangars (the Kingair hangar is out of bounds but if it's shut there are windows at the front) at Shoreham, including photographs via the Visitor Centre at the east side of the car park by the terminal. All tours must be booked days in advance and for groups of 4 or more. If you just turn up on the day, the tour will not be available so plan your trip in advance. To book a tour, call 01273 441061 or email the Visitor Centre. Shoreham Airport - includes webcam and flight arrivals & departures Last reported September 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report SLINFOLD-WELLCROSS FARM AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHead east out of village, turn right on A264 and turn left almost immediately. Fork left when the road splits (right leads to houses), keep following the road round to the right and park up just before the road narrows - walk, do not drive through here as that is the strip. This is a private airfield, they are friendly but do not go wandering around on your own, you must ask for access first, owners are fed up with spotters not asking and just walking around the aircraft. Access will be denied if this is not respected. Last reported February 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report SOUTHWATER-JACKRELLS FARM AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHead south on A24 around Horsham. At the roundabout where left takes you on B2237 to Horsham, turn right. Go straight over 2 roundabouts and turn left at the crossroads to go back over the A24. A series of sharp bends then take first right. Take the first left (think straight on is a dead end) and after a few bends it's on the left. If you reach the caravan park on a sharp left bend then you've gone too far. Friendly, ask for access. If hangars are locked there are gaps to see through. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report TANGMERE MILITARY AVIATION MUSEUMSpotting InfoIn the south of Tangmere village off the A27 and signposted. The Tangmere Military Aviation Museum is open daily March-October 1000-1730 and February and November 1000-1630, entrance is £7.50. They host open days throughout the year with free entry and donations very welcome. Last reported September 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report THORNEY ISLAND AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHead west on the A259 out of Southbourne towards Emsworth. As you enter Hermitage, turn left at the staggered crossroads onto Thorney Road and signed for Thorney. Follow the long road down to the security hut. You'll need ID but it should be ok to visit the airfield - most of the land is on public footpaths now anyway. Follow the road and the windsock and control hut will come into view. No problems with visiting the airfield during their annual fly-in. One hangar housing all the microlight residents. Last reported September 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report WASHINGTON-FRIESLANDS FARM AIRFIELDSpotting InfoHead south on the A24 past Washington village and turn left at the next exit. You double back on yourself and then turn right onto a track. Follow it round to the right, past the car park then turn right onto a track. This leads to the strip. The hangars have gaps if they're locked up. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report |
