Aircraft Spotting at Cambridgeshire's Airfields and Airports
Spotting locations, viewing areas and advice on access for airports and airfields in Cambridgeshire. 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
WK127 Canberra nose is at 115 Sqn ATC in Westwood. It's visible from Saville Road. Last reported July 2010
XT914 Phantom is preserved as the gate guard at RAF Brampton, in the south of Brampton village just off Buckden Road. Located just beyond the main gates, it's easily visible from the road. Last reported December 2009
162964 AV-8B nose is at TriSim in Fengate. It's inside one of the small garage-like rooms and visible through the windows. Last reported July 2010
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ALCONBURY RAF STATION
Spotting Info
East of Alconbury village and signposted from the A14. 01532 Northrop F-5E replica is preserved at the main gate along Ermine Street just south of Little Stukeley village. 80-0219 GA-10 Thunderbolt is preserved at Memorial Park inside the base and is not visible from the gate. You can try heading back into Little Stukeley and taking the first right onto Church Way. Follow this road, fork right and follow right to the end for the base perimeter. You may be able to see the Warthog through the buildings.
Last reported . Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
BOURN AIRFIELD - TWR 129.8
Spotting Info
Head north out of Bourn village towards the A428 and the unmarked entrance is on the right after less than a mile. If you go past the end of the runway and a wine warehouse (white building) on the right you've gone too far. After turning off the road, follow the track to the left of the car repairs centre and turn right at the fence warning of active runway. Follow this to another fence stating active taxiway and park. Ask in control tower or clubhouse for access, it's usually granted to wander but not to enter the hangars, bringing your own hi-viz jackets would certainly help. If hangars are open you can try asking someone inside to escort you round.
Last reported June 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
CAMBRIDGE AIRPORT - TWR 122.2, APP 123.6
Spotting Info
South of the A1303 just east of Cambridge city. If you head west along the A1303 and past runway 23 lights there will be a couple of lay-bys on the left (just after the petrol station on the right) for you to pull in and log the light aircraft outside the small hangar. You may need to get out and walk to log everything there. Turn round and head east on the A1303 and turn right at the roundabout. This is Airport Way and on your right will be a couple of crash gates for you to park next to for views across the field and of Marshalls and Hangar 17. Please park well clear of the crash gate and DO NOT block the busy cycle route also used by joggers, who will hurl abuse if the route is blocked. Continue along this road straight over the roundabout and mini roundabout and after going straight over the next mini roundabout, immediately get in the right hand lane. Turn right at these traffic lights by the church and continue down Coldham's Lane to more traffic lights. Go straight on but 20 yards past the lights turn right into Hatherdene Close cul-de-sac, from where you can see across to the hangar. Turn right out of the close and just past the end of the runway on the left is an entrance to a ready mix cement place where you can pull in and get a different view. Again carry on down this road, under the railway bridge, turn right at the roundabout by Sainsbury's and under another the railway again. Turn right after around 400m onto Barnwell Drive, which brings you to the back of Hangar 17 where there are limited views of anything parked beside the hangar - at the moment, stored C130s are often parked here.
Cambridge Airport and Duxford Email Group
Last reported July 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
CHATTERIS-LOWER MOUNT PLEASANT FARM AIRFIELD - TWR 129.9
Spotting Info
Best way to get here is head east out of Wimblington on the B1093 and take the first right. Follow the brown signs to Parachute and Microlight Centre. Road bends sharp left, then right, then left again. Take the next right, a long bumpy track and follow to the end, airfield is on the right. Park up at the first hangar and follow the path past the hangar round to the clubhouse. Ask here at the microlight club to walk round the hangar, they are friendly, but you must ask first. Back to the car and carry on down the track to the parachute club. Park up and walk in to reception. Ask for access to their hangar but it will likely be denied. Spotters have been crossing the rope line and walking round the hangar on their own without permission so they've stopped all access. The minority morons ruining it again.
AAA Microlights, North London Parachute Centre
Last reported June 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
CONINGTON AIRFIELD - A/G 129.725
Spotting Info
In between J15 and J16 of A1(M). Take B1043 towards Conington and Holme and airfield is about 2.5 miles away, signed Peterborough Business Airport. Very friendly, ask for permission in the clubhouse and you will be escorted round. If permission is denied (and they are starting to crack down due to people spoiling it once again), there is a parking area across the road right by the end of the runway and most aircraft in the hangar can be logged from here.
Flying Club Conington
Last reported October 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
CONINGTON-MAIN HALL FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Headt east out of Elsworth on Boxworth Road and turn left at the crossroads. As you enter Conington village, turn left onto School Lane and on a sharp right bend, head straight on. Head round to the right and then to the left and the hangar is at the end. Beyond it and to the left is an individual hangar.
Last reported September 2009. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
CROYDON-TOP FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
5 miles north west of Royston. At A1198/B1042/A603 roundabout, turn onto B1042 (Tadlow and Wrestlingworth). Farm and strip on right after 2-3 miles. Friendly, ask for permission to access the two hangars. They are friendly to visitors but I must stress that they do not like reports of aircraft from here appearing on email groups or in publications. Please do not send logs or they could well refuse your entry to the airfield, as has happened at many other airfields.
Last reported 29 July 2008. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
DUXFORD AIRFIELD-IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM - TWR 122.075
Spotting Info
Just off J10 M11. As this is a huge war museum you will need to pay to get into the airfield so I recommend only visiting for the flying displays - its well worth the trip and the money. To view any visitors parked on the apron you can read most things off from either the lay-by on the A505 opposite the main entrance, or from the museum car park, which you don't have to pay to go into. You can also view from Grange Road across the back of the airfield near Duxford village - at J10 of the M11 turn right towards Cambridge and turn right again at the roundabout. You'll pass a school on your left (£7 a day parking during the big air shows) and turn right not longer after, down Grange Road. This will take you over the M11 and has views to the right over the airfield.
Duxford Residents Checklist
Last reported July 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
FOWLMERE AIRFIELD - TWR 120.925
Spotting Info
At the Flint Cross A505 staggered crossroads with a petrol station on one side and Coach House guest house on the other, head northeast towards Fowlmere village on the B1368 and you will see the airfield on the left. As you pass the end of the runway, turn left on to a track and follow. Please note sometimes this gate is closed. Friendly airfield, permission for access usually granted after a donation.
Last reported June 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
GLATTON-MANOR FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Head into village on the B660 from the A1. Turn right by the church and follow road out of the village. As you leave the village, there is a metal gate on the right. This track leads up to the airfield. There is a hangar with some residents parked outside. Not sure about access.
Last reported . Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
GRANSDEN LODGE AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Glider field signposted off B1046, two miles east of Fullers Hill farm. Heading west along B1046 turn right onto road signposted Cambridge Gliding club. Follow road taking notice of various signs to be aware of clay pigeon shooting and gliding ropes. This continues around perimeter of airfield to hangar and clubhouse. Friendly, ask in clubhouse for access. Ask permission to drive to the active area if the gliders are down the other end and stick to the guidelines given.
Cambridge Gliding Centre
Last reported August 2008. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
GREAT EVERSDEN-ARMSHOLD FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Head north out of the village, towards Kingston. After a sharp left bend there is a right turn - Armshold Lane, entrance is either down here on the left, or past it on the right.
Last reported May 2006. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
LITTLE GRANSDEN-FULLERS HILL FARM AIRFIELD - TWR 130.85
Spotting Info
Just off the B1046, west of Cambridge. Turn into farm, turn right, then left and park. Walk around to the right and ask in control tower for permission - usually friendly airfield, but it is preferred that you call to ask permission beforehand. Please note that while owner Mark Jefferies is content for enthusiast visits WITH PRIOR PERMISSION, he does NOT approve of any logs appearing in print or on the internet etc. Please do not send or post logs anywhere or they could well refuse your entry to the airfield, as has happened at many other airfields.
Last reported July 2008. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
LITTLE STAUGHTON AIRFIELD - TWR 123.925
Spotting Info
Head south out of Little Staughton village and after about a mile you'll pass the end of the runway on your left. Take next left and follow road all way round. Sometimes at weekends, particularly Sundays, the barrier is down with security present so you'll have to tell them you're visiting Colton but I don't know if you'll be let in or not. Past Norvic Aero Engines on right and a barrier on left and head towards a disused control tower on left. The hangar next to this tower has contained light aircraft in the past. Then continue on to Colton Aviation. Friendly, access no problem. On the other side of the runway is a hangar containing two aircraft. To get here, turn right out of the main entrance, head through the hamlet and take the first right onto Moor Road. Round the sharp left right bends, and as you come out of the shallow left right bends, turn right, follow the road left and you'll see the hangar on the left. Should be gaps to read them off.
Last reported September 2009. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
SIBSON/PETERBOROUGH AIRFIELD - TWR 122.3
Spotting Info
Head north out of Elton on B671 and airfield is 2 miles on right. It's well signposted. Friendly, ask for permission at the tower (top floor of an empty hangar) and in each hangar. You may not be allowed out onto the grass as it's right next to the runway, but you can log any out there from the upstairs control point. There also isn't usually access to J&J Engineering located below the control point but, again, there are windows upstairs looking down for you to log. Follow the road round, on foot, and you'll see the large hangar, this front part containing the residents. Then follow the road round the hangar, they'll be more aircraft on the left, beyond the hedges and inside the canvas hangar, and possibly more parked outside the rear of the large hangar - the rear half being another maintenance hangar. The main doors are usually shut but if someone's in, the small door will be unlocked - knock loudly, open it and ask for permission to enter, they are friendly.
Sibson School of Flying
Last reported October 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
SUTTON MEADOWS-ARGENTS FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
From A142 head southwest in to Sutton. Shortly before you leave the town, turn right into Bury Lane, signed to Sutton Gault. You'll go over rivers and then turn immediately left, signed Cambs Microlight Centre. Take the next right and then the next left. Take care as it's a long way to the strip and the track is extremely rough. At the end of this long track is a T-junction. Turn right and strip is on the right. Very hit and miss here, most have reported being denied access though on the odd occasion it has been granted so it depends who you speak to on the day.
Cambridgeshire Microlight Club
Last reported June 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
UPWOOD AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Head south through Ramsey on B1096. Go straight over/turn right at the triangle junction on a left bend and follow this road as it takes you past a housing estate and round part of the old airfield. Take the first right turn after the school, signposted Ramsey Heights, Peterborough, Gliding Club. Take next right down a small track, signed Gliding Club. Friendly, ask for access.
Nene Valley Gliding Club
Last reported June 2008. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
WILLINGHAM-COLDHARBOUR FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
In Willingham town, head west at the crossroads. After the houses on the left you'll pass a field, take the next track on the left and follow to end for the strip. Friendly, ask for access. Some can be logged in the hangars if no one is around.
Last reported December 2009. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
WINWICK-DALKEITH FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Head north through Winwick village on the B660, past the first crossroads and turn left at the staggered crossroads onto Thurning Road. Head out of village and at tall chimney/mill on the left, turn left and follow track to the airfield that will appear on the right. Best to visit at weekends, residents visible through gaps in doors of the hangars.
Last reported March 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
WINWICK-VALLEY FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Head north into Winwick village on the B660, past the first crossroads, and turn right at the staggered crossroads onto Hamerton Road. After the right hand bend, it's on the left. Pull up at the Bridleway sign on the left, walk down the bridleway and the hangar is the barn furthest away from the road, on the right of the bridleway. The residents are visible through the gaps in the hangar doors.
Last reported March 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
WITTERING AIR BASE
Spotting Info
Just north of Wittering town, alongside the A1, follow the signs. Currently there are no flying squadrons based here so don't expect to see any visitors here for the time being. XV779 Harrier is the gate guard. On display outside the hangar alongside the main apron is XV279 Harrier, possibly visible from the A1. XZ146 and ZB604 Harriers are on display together towards the south of the air base.
Thunder and Lightnings' Wittering Photography Guide
Last reported July 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
WYTON AIRFIELD - TWR 122.1, APP 134.05
Spotting Info
Alongside A141 and B1090. XH170 Canberra is the gate guard at the main entrance on the B1090. Ask in the guardroom for permission to photograph it, they usually don't mind. Heading north on the A141, the last crash gate on the right has views across to the helipad where you may find one or two helicopters parked up, often a police or air ambulance. Due to the terrain sloping away, the Tutor is not visible from the A141 but you can read them off as they perform touch and gos. The only possible way to read off those on the ramp is from a footpath on the eastern side - from the main entrance and Canberra, turn left at the roundabout onto the B1090 towards St. Ives. At the T-junction at the end, turn left onto the A1123 to St. Ives. At the first main crossroads with lights, turn left onto Ramsey Road and follow to the end. Turn right onto Marley Road and then left straight away onto Old Ramsey Road. Follow this past a couple of houses and immediately beyond the last house on the left before a gate blocks your path, is a track. You'll need to park up sensibly either here, or along this track by the next house as you can't drive the full length. Once parked, follow the track (also a public footpath) to the airfield perimeter, from where you should be able to see the Tutor ramp and log all those parked outside.
Thunder and Lightnings' Wyton Photography Guide
Last reported December 2009. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
