Where’s the best place for plane-spotting?
Posted by Eastern-Sky5617@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 21 comments
I’ll be working near Oxford for a few weeks and I’m vaguely aware there are a few RAF bases nearby which have a lot of traffic at the moment.
Are there any local spots to spend some time watching interesting and unusual aircraft? I’d particularly like to see the big B52s if possible - I don’t even know if they are still in England and don’t know where to start to look for this information.
TIA.
PlumpHomer@reddit
RAF Fairford is your best/closest bet, there is a main road right by the end of the runway for great plane-spotting. B52's have been moving through there recently I think. Also home to a U2 spy plane
expressexpress@reddit
I have seen people posting pictures of B-1B for days and I am really tempted to go! I've never been to plane spotting (other than RIAT and other "official events") and I am planning to go tomorrow. Fingers crossed!
Eastern-Sky5617@reddit (OP)
Do it! Ive jus left and it was AMAZING! I’m actually buzzing. There were loads of people, everyone was really friendly and tons of room to park and walk around. Saw a Hercules taking off. And the B1 was being loaded up but no sign of takeoff while I was there.
There were guys with radios and binoculars keeping everyone updated.
expressexpress@reddit
Could I ask where do everybody park? I want to go to Whelford road but parking seems difficult. I would absolutely settle for other spots if I can park my car properly. I don't even mind a bit of walking!
Eastern-Sky5617@reddit (OP)
We were all just stopped on the road out the back of the base where the runway is. There was a road closed on the other side but tons of space where I was.
Bob152636@reddit
Do you remember the name of the road where you parked?
Eastern-Sky5617@reddit (OP)
Oh great. Thank you. I hope this isn’t a stupid question but there wouldn’t be a problem with me (not white and not British) sitting outside an RAF base just watching? I can see how it could look suspicious.
phatboi23@reddit
nah you'll be alreet, there's usually a specific viewing area that everyone uses and the base knows about (as they usually set it up)
egvp@reddit
You’d be fine.
However there currently a large number of parking and waiting restrictions around RAF Fairford , so if you’re driving expect to park some distance away and walk.
Material-Bee-907@reddit
Brize Norton in Carterton is closest to Oxford and has a huge amount of testing / shakedowns on a daily basis
Eastern-Sky5617@reddit (OP)
Hello, thanks for your reply. Do you know is there a particular area that’s good to watch from?
Aaaahfuckit@reddit
Have you ever used the website flightradar24? You can zoom in on the map to the area you will be and see which airports, military bases are close by.
Enjoy ✌️
Eastern-Sky5617@reddit (OP)
I got this app yesterday. And it has fuelled my interest seeing all the aircraft moving around England! It’s addictive
phatboi23@reddit
i love flight radar, it's one of the apps i install first on new phones.
always fun hearing a plane or helicopter and seeing what they're up to :D
EyeAware3519@reddit
Not near Oxford but the absolute best place for plane spotting in the UK is the Mach Loop
FairyFlossies@reddit
If you want to see the B-52s, head near RAF Fairford. That’s where the US usually parks them during deployments. People plane-spot around the perimeter roads and fields there all the time.
Eastern-Sky5617@reddit (OP)
Oh great! Are they parked in a visible area? And if people go there regularly I guess it’s ok to sit outside watching what’s happening? I don’t want to end up arrested for spying or something ha ha
TheNotSpecialOne@reddit
RAF Fairford. Their have been a few youtube live streaming channels from that location past few days. You could see some on YouTube now
Eastern-Sky5617@reddit (OP)
Oh great, I’ll look that up. Thank you!
regulator202@reddit
Outside i reckon
AutoModerator@reddit
Please help keep AskUK welcoming!
When replying to submission/post please make genuine efforts to answer the question given. Please no jokes, judgements, etc. If a post is marked 'Serious Answers Only' you may receive a ban for violating this rule.
Don't be a dick to each other. If getting heated, just block and move on.
This is a strictly no-politics subreddit!
Please help us by reporting comments that break these rules.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.