Aircraft Spotting at Wales' Airfields and AirportsSpotting locations, viewing areas and advice on access for airports and airfields in Wales. 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 WALES - their locations are marked in the Spotting in the UK downloadABERGAVENNY/HARDWICK-THE BYRE AIRFIELD, MONMOUTHSHIRESpotting InfoBetween the A40 and the B4598, just a mile south of Abergavenny town. Entrance is off the B4598. Ask at the wood cabin for access. Very friendly, usually granted with photos of aircraft outside ok but not of those parked in the hangar. Home of Pioneer Aircraft Ltd, the UK Alpi dealer. Last reported December 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report CAERNARFON-LLANDWROG AIRFIELD, GWYNEDD - TWR 122.25Spotting InfoHead south out of Caernarfon town on A487. After about 3 miles, turn onto A499 at the roundabout. From there, follow the signs for Dinas Dinile and Caernarfon Airport and the airfield is just north of here. The flying clubs here are very friendly, ask for access to their hangars, one of which contains the cockpit section of Shackleton WL756. Also the home of Caernarfon Aviation Museum, entrance costs £4.50 with XL618 Hunter displayed outside. On the eastern side of the airfield, just north of the runway 26 threshold, XD165 Whirlwind lies on its side. Caernarfon Air Park & Caernarfon Air World Last reported July 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report CARDIFF-TREMORFA HELIPORT, GLAMORGAN - TWR 120.65Spotting InfoHead west on M4, come off at J29 and head southwest on A48(M) to Cardiff city centre. After the motorway part ends (after 2 miles), take the third exit (a further 2.5 miles) and turn left at the roundabout on to A4161 signed Cardiff Docks. Take the right hand lane to go over the flyover and at the next roundabout go straight over. Follow this road until you reach the main dock gates and turn left just before it. Should be signed Heliport and it's at the end of this road on the left. Last reported March 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report CARDIFF-WALES AIRPORT, GLAMORGAN - TWR 125.0, APP 126.625Spotting Info Southwest of Cardiff, head west out of Barry on A4226 and follow the signs to the airport. Cardiff-Wales Airport Spotters Email Group, Rhoose Flying Club Cafe & Bar, South Wales Aviation Group Blog Last reported March 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report CHIRK-LEY FARM AIRFIELD, DENBIGHSHIRE - TWR 129.825Spotting InfoHeading north on the A5 past the village of Chirk, at the A5/A483 roundabout, turn right and at the next roundabout turn right. This takes you back under the A5 and Ley Farm is on the left immediately after the A5. Go past the end of the runway and take the next left to run alongside the runway. The entrance is at the end on the left. Very friendly, ask for permission. If no one's around, yo can knock on the owner's door, usually happy to show you round if available. On Sundays and Bank Holidays they host a large car boot sale with free admission. From April-October the museum hangar is open for the car boot sales and is free to look round. There are a couple of wrecks in the bushes at the back of the farm - G-MVBT Thruster and G-MYHR Cyclone. The fuselage of Norecrin BAYL rests against the wall in the hangar nearer the top of the field - you'll need to ask specifically to see this as the hangar will need to be opened up for you. Last reported June 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report HAVERFORDWEST AIRFIELD (EGFE), PEMBROKESHIRE - TWR 122.2Spotting InfoJust north of Haverfordwest town alongside the A40. On arrival make sure you don't park in any reserved spaces, they are clearly marked. There is a DSA test centre here with reserved spaces that are frequently being used by members of the public. Friendly, ask in clubhouse or tower for access to the hangars - walk towards the green control tower, you can't miss it. As you walk towards it on your right will be a shutter, and next to that is a little door. Head through that door and it's the the first door on your left. There is nearly always someone in there on the radio, but if you go during the week they will be in the control tower. Ask a member of staff, they should be happy to let you go airside. You'll need a hi-Viz jacket to walk around, (if you don't have your own you can borrow one for your time airside) and photo ID, and make sure you report back to the office when you are leaving. Four hangars (H1-4) around the main area, with the fifth (H5) at the end of a taxiway some distance away. Most of the time all the hangars are open and, in the maintenance hangars, if there are aircraft with registrations missing, the staff in the hangars will provide you with the reg. If the maintenance hangar is shut, there's a small door on the side which is unlocked if someone is inside. Open it and ask for access, they are usually happy for you to walk round as long as you don't touch anything. The area that has the Spitfire on rebuild has a collection tin there for the restoration project. Donations are much appreciated, especially as you've been allowed round the airfield. There is also a very nice cafe on site called the Propellers Cafe, serving drinks and meals all day ranging from sandwiches to full English breakfasts. EGFE Movements Last reported August 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report 
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HAWARDEN AIRPORT, FLINTSHIRE - TWR 124.95, APP 123.35Spotting Info Just west of Chester off the A5104, these viewing spots are marked in the Spotting in the UK download. 1 - In Broughton on the south perimeter head west on the B5125 towards Hawarden village. The airfield is on your right, the crash gate almost immediately on your right at the runway end gives views of the tower ramp, the Beluga ramp plus distant (but readable) views of one end of Raytheon plus Hawarden Air Services. Park on the grass so as not to block the crash gate or if other cars are there, park down Wood Lane on the left and walk back. 2 - Carry on the B5125 towards Hawarden village and turn right at the next roundabout onto Manor Lane, signed B5129 Sandycroft and Hawarden Industrial Estate. At the next roundabout turn right onto Manor Road, go straight on past the Arriva bus depot on the left and turn right at the next roundabout. This goes up to a dead end by a substation building, from here you can see most of the ramp between the Raytheon hangars. You can also turn left at this estate roundabout for other views. This estate gives the best views over the airport but building work continues so be careful where you park. 3 - Go back to the Manor Lane/Manor Road roundabout and turn right. On the right outside ATC Unit 2247 is XE852 Vampire on display. Carry on and go straight over the next roundabout and the A380 wing facility will be on your right. Park by a gate to a field on the left then walk down the road past the A380 building. From here any remaining items on the Raytheon ramp can be read. You can cross the field - climb over the fence or hedge just after the Airbus A380 wing facility and walk up to the airfield perimeter fence here but normally everything can be seen from the verge. Be aware that crossing the field sometimes draws the attention of the security. 4 - Back to the car and carry on down the road past the A380 building, cross the railway bridge and park in one of the pull ins on the left. A walk along the road may reveal anything in the first Raytheon hangar if the doors are open, plus anything which was parked nose on from the other areas. Also the Russian fighters and any other bits in the Aviateknik compound may be seen behind Hawarden Air Services from the bridge, though probably just Su17s "35 red" and "54 red" are left now. The An2s are in the hangar and can be seen if the doors are open though you might be able to see two fuselages from the road. Contact Hawarden Air Services prior to your visit as you may be able to arrange a tour, likewise with Aviateknik, tours do happen. 5 - Continue along this road away from the bridge and pull over when the road turns sharply left. This gives a view straight down the runway and of Raytheon again. 6 - In the fire training area alongside the simulation fire rig is the unmarked fuselage of ATP SET 75 c/n 2075. It doesn't appear to be visible from anywhere outside the airport. 7 - In the passenger terminal, the Chocks Away diner offers views across parts of the apron and the runway. It's not brilliant for photos as there is a fence after the diner but there are large glass windows, great for logging and watching the movements. It's located beyond the security gate so you will have to check in with security first. They will take your vehicle details and direct you to the diner. Hawarden Spotters, Hawarden-Chester Airport, NWAN Forum - has a Hawarden section, Speke Airport email group - includes Hawarden Last reported March 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report KEMEYS COMMANDER-LITTLE TROSTREY FARM AIRFIELD, MONMOUTHSHIRESpotting InfoAbout 3 miles north of Usk village on the right of the B4598. The Tank School, also located at the strip, is well signposted. Friendly, ask for access. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report LLANDEGLA-PENNANT UCHAF FARM AIRFIELD, DENBIGHSHIRESpotting InfoOnly a couple of residents but the airfield and its entrance is directly opposite Llantysilio airfield detailed below so you should stop by for a couple of gap fillers. Last reported August 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report LLANFYRNACH-CLASSIC ULTRALIGHT HERITAGESpotting InfoBetween the villages of Glogue and Cilrhedyn. There are many frames stored, preserved and well cared for here by Martin Aubrey. You'll need to arrange your visit in advance in order to be shown round. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report LLANTYSILIO AIRFIELD, DENBIGHSHIRESpotting InfoHead southwest away from Llandegla village on the A5104. Head straight over the A542 roundabout and turn right almost immediately. After a couple of fields, the North Wales Gliding Club is on the left. Almost directly opposite the gliding club entrance is the Llandegla-Pennant Uchaf Farm strip with just one or two residents. Last reported August 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report LLEWENI PARC AIRFIELD, DENBIGHSHIRESpotting InfoHead northeast out of Denbigh town on the A543 and the airfield's on the right after less than two miles. Home of Denbigh Gliding, friendly, ask for access. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report MARGAM-OLD PARK FARM AIRFIELD, GLAMORGANSpotting InfoFrom the M4 at Junction 38, take the A48 towards Pyle and after about a mile turn right onto Old Park road, though it's little more than a track. Fork left and follow it right to the end for the strip. This airfield is completely enclosed within private farm land. Virtually all the residents are hangared and very little will be seen without permission to enter the sheep fields to get to the strip, and only then if the hangars are open. The airfield is friendly, ask for access. Last reported June 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report MONA AIRFIELD, ANGLESEYSpotting InfoEast of Gwalchmai village on the A5 and signposted. Ask at the flying club for access, they are friendly. Last reported June 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report PEMBREY AIRFIELD, CAMARTHERNSHIRESpotting InfoHead north out of Pembrey town on the A484 and it's on the left. Follow the road over the railway line and follow it to the end. Friendly, ask for access. A few resident aircraft are parked on the apron close to the tower/nearest hangar, a seperate area on the southern side close to the control tower/Amelia cafe, is reserved for visiting aircraft. Take offs and landings can be seen from the viewing area by the flight office/control tower/Amelia cafe. Occasionally military helicopters stop in for fuel if they're working near the range. The range is fairly close and contains the two Jaguars detailed at the top of the page. It can get busy during working hours. Military and naval helicopters using the adjacent RAF Pembrey Sands Air Weapons Range sometimes refuel at the airport and Hawk, Tornado, Typhoon, Rafaele, Hornet, Super Etendard and Eagle aircraft fly over the airport on their run into the range, which is active on weekdays. Because of the restriction of civil aircraft activity in the vicinity of the airport when the range is active, most civil flying is at weekends when the Danger Area is closed. Last reported December 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report RHIGOS AIRFIELD, POWYSSpotting InfoHead southwest through the village and after half a mile you'll reach a sharp right hand bend. Continue round and past the left hand turn to Cwmhwnt and the strip is on the left. Friendly, ask for access. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report RHOS HILL-RHOS Y GILWEN FARM AIRFIELD, PEMBROKESHIRESpotting InfoHeading north on the A478 into Rhos Hill village, turn right at the crossroads to Cilgerran. After around half a mile turn right down a narrow road, then past some buildings on the right and past a right turn. You'll then pass a house on the right, fork right immediately after it down a track. Follow this and as it bends round to the right, turn left and follow for the strip and hangar. If the hangar's shut there are a couple of gaps. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report RHUALLT-EMLYN'S STRIP AIRFIELD, DENBIGHSHIRESpotting InfoFrom Rhedyn Coch below, back on A55 heading east and come off at the next junction. As soon as you come off the A55 heading north, take the very first left turn and follow it around the back of the house to run parallel with the A55 to the end. Through the gates and up the track to the hangar/lock ups in the next field at the top. Emlyn is very friendly ask for access. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report RHUALLT-RHEDYN COCH AIRFIELD, DENBIGHSHIRESpotting InfoExit the A55 at Junction 29 and turn left to Cwm, following the Caravan Park sign. On passing the caravan Park (Penisar Mynydd), take the next left after about 400m, then bear to the left, following the road for around 300m, where you will find the entrance to the field on the left. Now this strip is owned by the same chap who has Rhuallt-Emlyn's Field just a mile down the road. There are three small hangars here, the first is through a path and holds flexwings, then around the corner at the bottom of the field are two fixed wings. Friendly, ask for access as the stored PA18 is locked away at the house. For Emlyn's, get back on A55 heading east and come off at the next junction, then see above. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report St. ATHAN AIRFIELD, GLAMORGANSpotting InfoBetween St Athan and Llantwit Major villages. Cardiff Aviation are in the Twin Peaks hangars alongside the northern perimeter road and provide maintenance for airliners. eCube use the hangar and apron next to Twin Peaks for storage and scrapping airliners. Also based here are Tutor and Vigilant squadrons, various light aircraft and Hunter Flying. At the moment, Hunter Flying are in the process of moving to a larger hangar, so they have had to suspend the popular tours set up by local enthusiast Richard Peckham for the time being. The 4 Hawk fuselages inside the base - XX199, XX280, XX316, XX319 - were part of the Fuselage Replacement Program (FRP). The frames these serials belong to are still airworthy and flying at other bases around the UK. With eCube for storage/scrapping: F-GIXH B733 all white c/s, "XH" on tail, arr 01FEB13 F-GJVA A320 all white, behind hangar LN-BUC B735 SAS c/s, no titles, arr 19MAR13 N801FR A318 all white c/s, fuselage minus cockpit behind the hangar VN-A192 B734 all white c/s, arr 21DEC12 VN-A194 B734 basic Jetstar c/s, titles covered VP-BLF B735 full Donavia c/s VP-BLG B735 full Donavia c/s VP-BYV B735 full Donavia c/s With Cardiff Aviation for maintenance: C-FAYN CL215 coded "282" C-FAYU CL215 coded "283" LZ-MDD A320 Air Via South Wales Aviation Group - residents and photographs for tie ups Last reported March 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report SWANSEA AIRFIELD, GLAMORGAN - TWR 119.7Spotting InfoOn the A4118 west of Swansea city, follow the signs. The first hangar on the left houses the Wales Air Ambulance helicopter and two Grob Vigilants. Next to that is the main hangar and further round is the terminal and its car park. Ask for access at the control point in the terminal, though it's not always possible. You may get lucky and get an aircraft owner to show you round. If you don't get access, providing the hangars are open, you can log most from the airport fence. When runway 10/28 is in use, there are good views from the A4118. Last reported December 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report TALGARTH AIRFIELD, POWYSSpotting InfoHead north out of Pengenffordd village and take the next right. Turn left at the T junction and take the very next right. Entrance is about a mile on the left on a fairly sharp right bend and signposted. Ask for access, very friendly gliding club. Black Mountains Gliding Club Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report USK AIRFIELD, MONMOUTHSHIRESpotting InfoTake the Usk exit from the A449 and follow the signs for Chepstow just after the slip road. After about a mile the road turns sharply right, with a smaller road going straight on. take this road and the airfield is about 3/4 of a mile on the left. Friendly, ask for access. South Wales Gliding Club Last reported July 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report RAF VALLEY AIR BASE, ANGLESEY (EGOV/HLY)Spotting InfoHead east out of Valley town on the A5 and head over both roundabouts that take you over the A55. As you are about to enter Caergeiliog, turn right and follow the road until you go over the railway line. Turn left just after the railway - this takes you around the runway 19 threshold and the free car park is on your left just before the main entrance, where you'll find gate guard WV396 Hunter. Plenty of military security on patrol but there's no problems spotting from here at all and it's where the locals gather if this runway is in use. Best to get there early before the flying starts at around 0900 if you want to log and photograph as many as possible. Or you can get there for late afternoon when they start going back in the hangars. If runway 13 is in use, the west side car park may be better but there are far fewer parking spaces. Turn right out of the 19 threshold car park and turn at left at the T-junction after around a mile. Follow this road through a village and eventually you'll see the small car park in front of you by a crash gate. From here, you can walk down to the beach and follow the perimeter fence to get better angles on any helicopters parked outside and you can log any in the hangars if they're open. Last reported March 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report WELSHPOOL-TREHELIG AIRFIELD, POWYS - TWR 128.0Spotting InfoHead south out of town on the A490. At the large roundabout head straight over, 2nd exit, to stay on the A490 and after a large field the airfield is on the right. Friendly, ask for access at control and once you've signed in you should be able to walk around but not enter the hangars - you can log from the hangar doors though. If the hangars are shut you won't be allowed in. If any hangars are open, ask for access at each one as you'll need to be escorted round. Aircraft sometimes park the other side of the hangars so don't forget to look behind them. Mid Wales Airport Last reported June 2012. 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