Airports in the UK with good viewing facilities?

In the terminal at BHX it is bad.

I have to agree with Frakky that Luton has one of the best spots of any UK airport by the crashgate. Impossible to get to by public transport though, unless you want a very long walk.

I don’t agree with Tommyinyork regarding Birmingham though. Excellent views from Sheldon Country Park:-

HB-JZM by IndiaEcho Photography, on Flickr

and you can get shots like this from the terminal area:-

EI-EGD by IndiaEcho Photography, on Flickr

East Midlands can be worth a visit as well. Get a bus towards Castle Donington, get off at the Nags Head pub just before you get to the village and then walk to the crash gate from where you can get photos like this:-

G-DHLG by IndiaEcho Photography, on Flickr

Heathrow is always worth a look as well, and much as it is criticised by many, there are still some decent spots and you are not going to see as many aircraft anywhere else in the UK. I have just posted on a seperate thread some of the best locations.

Don’t forget London City either – take the DLR to the Royal Albert stop (don’t go to the airport) which offers an excellent view across the dock to the runway and apron, along with seats if you are there for a while. Time your visit carefully though – while the airport is well worth a visit from 0700-0930 and 1700-2000 outside these periods it can be very quiet. This is typical of the photos you will be able to get – the Fokker is on the runway:-

OO-VLP by IndiaEcho Photography, on Flickr

I always enjoy a visit to Southampton as well, although you have to time your visit carefully and like Flybe if you are to see much action. It can be reached easily by train, with a station at the airport. This photo was taken from the short term car park adjacent to the terminal – I have never had any problems there, but there are signs saying that photography is forbidden, and if you didn’t have a car it might be harder to hide from security:-

G-JEDP by IndiaEcho Photography, on Flickr

I hope this helps, and gives you ideas for some trips out!

Neil

Luton has a brilliant spot in the area next to the crashgate, As long as you dont mind bizjets.

EDI and GLA not bad as yet

EDI and GLA not bad as yet.

EDI from A8 – Ratho footbridge – spooks corner (more details from BMused55) and footbridge over A8,M8,M9 junction.

For GLA see Civil Aviation – Civil Aircraft Images

Birmingham Airport is appalling. So much so i avoid flying from there now.

Not Newcastle, thats for sure! Big red fences everywhere.
Durham Tees Valley isn’t so bad, but I don’t know what the security is like there – ie. do they move you on because you’re close to a fence….?