Aircraft Spotting at Warwickshire's Airfields and Airports
Spotting locations, viewing areas and advice on access for airports and airfields in Warwickshire. 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 WARWICKSHIRE - their locations are marked in the Spotting in the UK download
KX829 Hurricane and ML427 Spitfire are preserved at the ThinkTank museum on Curzon Road in Birmingham
XP350 Whirlwind is with National Paintball Fields in Bassetts Pole. Very friendly, no problems with asking to look at and photograph the Whirlwind
XZ175, XZ218 and XZ664 Lynx cabins are for instructional use at Warfighters Paintball in Barby. Drive through Onley Fields Farm and they're together in the yard at the back
G-APWU Tawny Owl is on rebuild at The Old Fire Station, Bishops Tachbrook airfield, Harbury Lane in Warwick. The owner, Barry Clay, a member of the Airfields email group, has said we are welcome to visit his workshop after 1500
G-WMCC JS31 fuselage is with the West Midlands Fire Service in Smethwick, Birmingham. If you turn down Gaitskell Way off Dartmouth Road and drive to the end, it may be visible right at the back up against the brick wall
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ALCESTER-KING STOUGHTON AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Head north through King Stoughton on the A435 and turn right towards The Mill industrial estate. Go past the car park for the Kings Court Hotel on the left and when you reach some white gates you will see
a compound with caravans to your right. Beyond these caravans are a small empty building, possibly the old hangar and the stored airframe G-MZDI MW6. The runway, whilst still present, does not look usable.
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BAXTERLEY-CHARITY FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Head northwest out of Baxterley, towards Wood End and it's on the right on a sharp left bend. The farm has a name board up and there is a road down to it before some houses. This track takes you down to the end of the strip. Please note, the owner asks that you contact him in advance to arrange your visit as access may not be possible if you turn up unannounced. Carry on round the track to the house, ask at the house for access to the hangar, they are very friendly and then follow the road round to the hangar.
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BIDFORD-ON-AVON/BICKMARSH AIRFIELD - TWR 129.975
Spotting Info
Head south out of Bickmarsh village for less than a mile and the airfield is on the right. Ask in the clubhouse for access, very friendly but photographs may not be allowed. As you go down the steps from the car park there is a brick building which you may be denied access to as it's often shut, but along the side there are very big windows to log every aircraft.
Last reported December 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT - TWR 118.3, APP 118.05, A/G 121.8
Spotting Info
Off J6, M42, follow the signs, these viewing spots are marked in the Spotting in the UK download. Birmingham often has delivery flights of brand new aircraft, most of which night stop. This has led to an increase in enthusiasts visiting Birmingham, often very late at night, which has led to an increase in police presence. The Enthusiasts Liaison officer at Birmingham Airport Police Division has advised that enthusiasts visiting at strange times, and attempting to view such aircraft from different vantage points, are likely to be approached and asked to verify the reason for their presence. Such approaches are routine and, with co-operation, can cause minimal delay. Birmingham runs an enthusiast I.D. card scheme similar to other airports, so anyone holding a card from any of the other schemes is encouraged to produce it when talking with Airport police. Birmingham is an enthusiast friendly airport, with both the airport company and West Midlands Police Airport Division working with local enthusiasts to maintain a good understanding. When visiting Birmingham please co-operate with the authorities in order to help maintain these good relations.
Terminal Area Spotting Info
You can park in long stay car park 1 (up to 8 hours is £4.50, or £21 for the day) and use the picnic area here by the perimeter fence - great for summertime, great for photographs and no problems from security. If you don't want to use the long stay car park, then park in the free Marston Green railway station car park, catch the train to the NEC station (half hourly service, 5 minute journey, £1.20 return non-peak), then take the free link monorail to the airport and walk round to the car park. When departing on runway 33 they all taxi past the fence. If you walk further up to the very corner you can get pics of all aircraft taking off 33 as they hold at the end of the runway and there is a slight mound there for views over the fence. They are practically straight over you if departing off 15 and if they land on 15 and go to the end they taxi straight past. If they vacate early onto taxiway C they are visible and with a decent lens you can get photos.
The only place in the terminal with views is the Costa Coffee lounge in arrivals, where you can see across the apron between the two terminals, a limited runway view and the Elmdon biz apron.
To see what's on the northern 50-80s stands you will need use the footpath which runs between the airport and the railway line in a northerly direction. Turn left out of departures, under the skyrail track and left again. Opposite the multi-storey car park and before a security check point there is a wicket gate on the right to the footpath. If you're driving, go to the main terminal and up the taxi rank at the side to read anything there, helpful if you have a passenger that can quickly jump out to read them off, and to see back to the old terminal. Then go round the terminal loop and take a left at the lights at the far end. This brings you to the far left ramp as viewed from cargo. From here you can read the Flybes and others that were previously hidden.
Elmdon (old) Terminal, Cargo & Biz Area Spotting Info
Leave the terminal area, take the A45 to Birmingham and turn at the next set of lights for cargo. This is the old terminal area. Take a slow drive round and look through the gates to read off most of the main terminal. Go to the left and look through the gap by the Argosy building to see any biz in front of old terminal. Head up to the top level or top but one, of the multi storey car park for views across the airport. If you're just having a quick look, don't worry about getting a parking ticket, but checks are sometimes, or rarely, made so if you're planning on spending some time here, think about getting a ticket, though the locals and regulars don't tend to. It's £2 for up to an hour, 1-2 hours £3.50, 3-5 hours is £5 - any longer than this is very expensive. The police do check on you but they are very friendly and understand our hobby so after a polite chat they'll be on their way.
Alternatively, turn right out of cargo, enter 40mph zone with 2 office blocks in front of you (Sendo and Lloyds TSB) and take the first left (just after a speed camera and just before the lights) onto Goodway Road. You will see an Indian restaurant and you can park here without restriction. Cross the A45 and turn left. After a few yards you will see a footpath which runs the full perimeter of the airport on the north and west side. Alternatively park in the golf course car park or the car park for the offices opposite, reached by turning right at the lights as you enter the 40mph zone. You then need to head left alongside the A45 and the footpath will be on the left. The footpath gives good views of the Elmdon apron (GA) and main terminals and runway. Follow it for as long as you need to - GA and cargo on right, terminal gates across the runway and readable. If you keep going you will reach the runway 15 threshold - only recommended during warm weather but a great place to spend the day and excellent for final approach shots.
Marston Green Spotting Info - runway 15 ops
Marston Green is good for landings on 15 - Sheldon Country Park is at the end of the runway and they land right over your head, only for warm weather though and if you are on foot. It has it's own small free car park at the end of Elmdon Lane on the left and just follow the footpath round. Marston Green Railway Station on the other side of the railway line also has it's own free car park and with footbridge access. There will also be places to park up in the village along residential roads for you to happily log arrivals. If you park at the station, cross the railway line over the blue bridge. Once on the other side walk ahead and to the left about 100 yards and enter the Elmdon Lane car park on your right. Follow the dirt path to the right with the airfield fence on your left and the railway line on your right. Down the hill and over the bridge and when you come through the trees you will be at the end of 15 - this is Sheldon Country Park.
Runway 33 Ops
For arrivals on 33 you need to get on B4438 to Solihull (directly south from the terminal area and over the A45). Once on B4438 over the A45, take the third road on left after less than a mile - Shadowbrook Lane. Follow this windy road and you can park up just before the motorway bridge - they will land right over you. However, as not all airlines have the registration under the wing, I prefer to go over the bridge and park up. Either way it's a great spot.
Planespotting Hotels - their locations are marked in the Spotting in the UK download
The Travelodge Birmingham Airport is alongside the A45, on the road into the old terminal area. After booking, contact the hotel and ask for a room high up, overlooking the airport. Room 604 has excellent views of the runway and the main terminal. The biz apron is out of sight, with the multi-storey car park and flybe hangar in the way, but it's only a few minutes walk away, and the MSCP is a great place to spend the day logging and photographing. Any room on the top, 6th, floor facing north should have these great views, and the 5th floor is just as good.
The Travelodge Birmingham Airport features on    for reviews, prices and room availability
The Tristar Hotel on the A45 has good views of the runway and terminal.
The Tristar Hotel features on for reviews, prices and room availability
Birmingham Airport Enthusiasts, Birmingham Airport Movements Archive, The Alternative BHX Website, Birmingham Airport Photo Blog, Birmingham Airport Email Group, East Midlands & Birmingham Airports Email Group
Last reported March 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
COMBROOK-GREEN FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Combrook village is south of Compton Verney, where the B4455 meets the B4086. There are two potential entrances to this airfield, so can you could investigate this and let me know please.
Potential Entrance 1 - Heading southwest away from Compton Verney on the B4455, take the first left, it leads to Combrook village. Follow the road round the right and left bend and you will pass, on the right, a large house with two seperate entrances and a cul-de-sac. Take the next right which will take you right round the back of the cul-de-sac and follow the track straight ahead towards the treeline. Once through the trees follow it left and you'll arrive at the runway - the hangars are to your left across the runway. Take great care crossing the runway, looking both ways as you do. Alternatively - ff going into the village from the south, there is a public footpath at the first small 30mph on the left that goes right to the hangars, but it's quite a walk. If going south out of the village, when you see the national speed limit sign, you are alongside the 30mph and the footpath is beside that.
Potential Entrance 2 - Heading southeast away from Compton Verney on the B4086, take the first right onto Church Hill. You'll come to a sharp right hand bend with the Red House Barn on your left. There are 4 seperate entrances on the left around this sharp right bend: take the last one and it takes you straight down the edge of a field. (a) Follow it round to the right, in front of a couple of buildings and then skirt across the top of a field. Once the treeline stops, that's the end of the runway, so turn left and follow it down to the hangars. (b) Rather than follow it right, if you follow it left, this track takes you a fair way down parallel to the runway. As the track bends left towards another building and a house, there's a public footpath off to the right that leads straight to the hangars - this may be preferable.
Last reported August 2012. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
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COVENTRY AIRPORT - TWR 118.175 / APP 123.825 / GND 121.7
Spotting Info
At junction of A45/A46, signposted well, these viewing spots are marked in the Spotting in the UK download. On approach to the airport along Rowley Road you get a view across the airfield and a few aircraft outside the Flying Club - very friendly, ask for access and you should get allowed round their hangar. There is also an unidentified B737 cockpit in here. You can turn left here though, into their car park, for views of some of their aircraft. The Midland Air Museum is next door, make sure you stop in and have a look round, entry is £5.50. Their website has a full list of exhibits. Take the next left after the museum and follow road round to the right for a couple more and a different view of the airport. Midland Air Training own the hangar here, ask in reception for access and if someone is available, you'll be escorted round. At the end of the road here, if you look over the fence to the right, if it's still there, you may be able to see 57-0270 F101 Voodoo nose on the fire dump. If not, it's just visible from the former AIRBASE museum.
Head back out and turn left onto Rowley Road again. At the mini roundabout in Baginton village, turn left and the main entrance is on the left. Drive past the security gate (the exit barrier raises automatically when you leave) and follow it round to where the AIRBASE Museum used to be. The barrier may be down at weekends, just press the intercom and let them know you're visiting the DC6 cafe. The road leading leading round gives views of the hangars and various light aircraft parked around here. AAG hangars house the Dakotas et al and are accessible on open days. G-SIXC DC6 has been converted into a restaurant, The DC6 Diner, and is next to the AIRBASE Museum. I don't know about access to the Patriot Aviation hangar, but if it's open, most if not all can be logged from various angles, usually around a dozen helicopters. The AIRBASE museum has moved to Newquay airport, though there are still some aircraft yet to move there. The Shackleton, Nimrod and DC6 are staying though.
For good photos and to log nearly all parked near the terminal, go out of the main terminal gate, turn left, then left again after passing the end of runway into a small lane - there is now a gate at the start of this lane. If it's shut, you won't get down it though this is rare as the lane is needed for access to the farm and the treatment plant.
The ATPs stored here are: G-BTPJ, G-BTPL, G-JEMC, G-MANC, G-OAAF, G-OBWP and LZ-BPS. 4 or 5 are southside near the lane to the treatment plant, with the other 2 or 3 in amongst the main hangar complex.
Last reported January 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
DEPPERS BRIDGE-POPLARS FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Head east out of Harbury village on the B4452 and continue straight on, onto the B4451. Head over the railway line, and after the first house on the left, take the next left and follow the track right to the end, past the farm buildings to the airfield. Skydrive Rotax Aircraft Engines are based at Shotteswell airfield but still use this strip for the occasional test flight.
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LONG MARSTON AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
On B4632 south of Stratford-upon-Avon. Follow the signs.
The heavily graffitied Sea Prince G-RACA is the gate guard. As you enter the airfield, you will see the closed museum straight ahead with its four remaining exhibits easily seen and easily photographed.
Drive along next to it, keeping it on your left and you will pass two hangars on your right. Park up in front of clubhouse. Access to hangars is usually given upon request in clubhouse. To the left of the clubhouse is another larger hangar.
If you drive past both hangars and follow the road right down to the end of the old runway there are several individual lockups with plenty of gaps to log the inmates.
Behind the clubhouse and across the grass is another hangar and clubhouse. Head back towards the museum and turn left. You will drive through an industrial area of sorts before you get to this hangar. Either ask at the hangar or the clubhouse. G-CDUK C42 is also stored here in an outbuilding undergoing restoration.
Last reported January 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
SHOTTESWELL-CHURCH FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Two and half miles north of Banbury on B4100. Entrance to strip is via a gate off the B4100. Strip only accessible if someone is already at the strip and gate is open. Home of Skydrive Rotax Aircraft Engines.
Skydrive
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SNITTERFIELD AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Head west out of Snitterfield village on Bearley Road towards Bearley and it's on the left just after you pass through the woods. Friendly, ask for access.
Stratford on Avon Gliding Club
Last reported January 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
WELLESBOURNE MOUNTFORD AIRFIELD - TWR 124.025
Spotting Info
Head west away from Wellesbourne village on the B4086. After passing the end of the runway, turn left at the crossroads and the airfield is on the left.
First entrance - the flying club - on left sometimes has a few aircraft parked outside as well as the taxiable G-VULC Vulcan marked as "XM655".
Then carry on down the road and park in main car park. A request in the tower here usually grants access to hangars but you need a hi-viz jacket, though maybe not the maintenance hangar - if it's open then speak to the engineers. HeliAir friendly as well, ask at reception in their hangar for access. Good to visit here regularly as they have a constant turnover of helicopters. Mainly R22s and R44s sometimes on maintenance but usually brand new models. HeliAir sometimes deny access during the week due to decisions made from the heads of the company but many have found that visiting at weekends have had access without any problems. If access is granted, you may need to sign in and out but this isn't always required.
There is also a small museum housing RA-01378 Yak52, WV679 Provost, XJ575 Sea Vixen cockpit and XK590 Vampire - all of which can be seen from the grass outside.
Last reported March 2013. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
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