Aircraft Spotting at Essex's Airfields and Airports
Spotting locations, viewing areas and advice on access for airports and airfields in Essex. 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
XS100 Gnat fuselage and wings are stored at Fyfield House. Head south on B184 into Fyfield village and turn left on a left hand bend onto Queen Street. Follow road round a sharp left bend and after a small triangle junction turn left down a track. Stay right on this dirt track and as you emerge into more open space there are some open-fronted buildings on your left. The Gnat is in there in poor condition. This land is probably private, and while it seems to be used quite freely by dog-walkers, be respectful and don't hang around. The cockpit section has been restored and is on display at Andrew Martin interior stores, 200 Walton Street, London. Demobbed Photo of both sections. Last reported September 2008
At Mayhem Paintball east of Abridge and alongside the western perimeter of Stapleford airfield. Stored here as part of the games are XP854 Scout remains, XX744 Jaguar fuselage, ZD276 Lynx cabin, G-BKLS Gazelle cabin and G-OBPL EMB110 fuselage. Ask at their reception, they're usually happy to escort you to the aircraft. Last reported May 2010
G-AZRX GY-80 wreck is displayed in the Lost City Adventure Golf Course in Adventure Island on Southend-on-Sea seafront. Last reported June 2009
G-BOEX R22 is on top of one of the buildings at Adventure Island on Southend-on-Sea seafront. Last reported June 2009
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ANDREWSFIELD AIRFIELD - TWR 130.55
Spotting Info
Head north through Stebbing Green village, turn right at the crossroads down Newpasture Lane and the airfield and entrance are on the right. Look carefully around as you drive through the middle of the airfield towards the clubhouse. Head into the clubhouse, ask for access and sign your name in the visitors book. They are friendly here, but do not just start wandering around or you'll be asked to leave.
Last reported April 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
ARDLEIGH-BOUNDS FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Head east out of Ardleigh town on A137 and after half a mile turn right at the start of a left hand bend, into Little Bromley Road. After a mile (over the railway line and round a sharp right and left bend) turn left at the T-junction and the strip is on your left at Bounds Farm.
Last reported . Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
AUDLEY END AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Heading north out of Newport on B1383, go past B1039 to Royston on the left and take next right turn almost immediately. Over bridge, up the hill, there is a right turn up a very steep incline. This leads to the strip and Vintage Fabrics who own the large black hangar. Usually only open during the week, friendly as long as you keep to their rules, politely ask for access first before wandering around. The Pup fuselage on top of the office is G-AXUA.
Last reported November 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
BELCHAMP WALTER-WAITS FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Head west out of Belchamp Walter village and the farm and strip are on the right. Friendly, ask for access.
Last reported May 2008. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
BOREHAM HELIPAD
Spotting Info
Head northeast out of Boreham town on B1137 and take the first left. Head over the A12 and railway line and airfield is on the left. This road takes you right round the perimeter. Home of the Essex Police and Ambulance helicopters. Hangar and pad at centre of the old airfield.
Last reported . Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
CLACTON AIRFIELD - TWR 118.150
Spotting Info
Follow the Clacton-on-Sea coastal road (West Road) south and with the golf course on your left the airfield will be on your right.
Clacton Aero Club
Last reported February 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
EARLS COLNE AIRFIELD - TWR 122.425
Spotting Info
Head south out of Earls Colne airfield on B1024 and turn right after about 1.5 miles south of village, signed Essex Golf and Country Club. Follow the track round and airfield will appear on your left. Park in car park behind control tower. If you're lucky a back door to the hangar will be open to have a peak inside as they don't allow access here. If you see anything you can't identify they will give you the registration in the clubhouse though. As you drive back, at the first bend there is a track straight ahead. Go down there as the left and right hangars contain aircraft. The middle one used to house helicopters but they have now moved to the airfield side and it's just for industry equipment now. Back onto road again and although aircraft are parked at an angle, if you crawl along the hard shoulder you will be able to pick up everything.
Anglian Flight Centres
Last reported June 2008. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
GREAT OAKLEY-THE LODGE AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Head north through Great Oakley village along High Street and take the first single lane track on the left. It's just before a large field. This will take you to Great Oakley Lodge. The strip is just beyond the lodge with aircraft parked in farm buildings.
Last reported July 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
HANNINGFIELD METALS SCRAPYARD, STOCK
Spotting Info
Take the B1007 north out of Stock. After about 3 miles you will pass Ship Road on the right, the scrapyard is on the right shortly afterwards.
Last reported May 2005. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
HIGH EASTER AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Head west out of the village. At a sharp left bend that heads to Leaden Roding, turn right here and the strip is immediately on the left. If the gate is shut, push the bit that looks like it lifts up, then lift it and the gate opens towards you. The aircraft are all in separate little hangars but have handy little gaps to read them off.
Last reported November 2007. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
LAINDON-BENSONS FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
In Laindon town, head north on A176 and go under the A127. At the next roundabout take the 2nd exit straight over. Take the second road on the left and the strip is on the left.
Last reported . Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
LIPPITTS HILL HELIPAD
Spotting Info
Head north on A112 through Sewardstone and turn right onto Mott Street. Turn right onto Lippitts Hill and it's on the right as the road bends round to the right. Hangar and helipad are not visible from
the road and there's no access.
Last reported March 2008. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
NAVESTOCK-JENKINS FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Head south out of Stapleford Abbots on B175. After 1 mile take a sharp left onto Tysea Hill and then continue straight on onto Muthering Lane. After about 1 mile the road bends left and the strip is on the right as the road bends to the right. If you get to the M25 you've gone too far.
Last reported December 2007. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
NORTH WEALD AIRFIELD - TWR 123.525
Spotting Info
Alongside the M11 and A414 the airfield is well signposted. If the barrier at the main gate is down just let them know you are visiting The Squadron and they'll let you in. Head left and follow the peri track all the way round - many buildings on the way round to the main area house aircraft, ask in each one for access though some will refuse access. On the western part of the airfield there are 3 hangars, the two larger hangars split in half with different companies owning the different halves and therefore they both have two sets of doors. None of the owners of these 3 hangars allowing you to park here so continue past and park by the stored N31356 DC4 & N44914 C54 and walk back. If the hangars are open you're welcome to look in and log from the entrance but access inside the hangar is not allowed and nor are photos. You can ask for access if anyone is in the hangar, but it will likely be denied. Follow the track round to the hangar in the northwest part of the airfield. You can park at this hangar and if it's open you can again log from the outside. The owners here tend to be friendlier and may or may not grant access. Driving down parallel to the old runway you'll pass a hangar just before the main car park. Ask in The Squadron clubhouse for access, which is usually granted but not to go in the hangars. You can then walk out to the left to log the residents parked outside tucked away round the corner. If access is denied, on the drive back you get an angle on these to read some off through binoculars.
North Weald
Last reported April 2009. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
RAYNE-RAYNE HALL FARM - TWR 130.775
Spotting Info
Head east through Rayne village along the high street. At the crossroads, turn left at the lights by Swan pub into Shalford Road. As the road bends left, turn right, follow the track past the barns, over the stream, up the hill and ask in the portacabin next to the hangar on the right for access, they are friendly. You have to cross an active runway as you approach so proceed with caution.
Last reported April 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
RIDGEWELL AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Head east on A1092 into Stoke-by-Clare village. The road will bend left with two roads on the right. As this road straightens, take the next right, Ashen Lane. Follow round the sharp right bend and at the next sharp left bend the road become Ashen Hill. At the T-junction turn left onto The Street. Follow round a sharp right bend and a left bend. At the next sharp right bend, turn left onto Foxes Road (signposted Ovington). At the next sharp left bend turn right. Turn left at the end and the airfield entrance is immediately on the right. Friendly, ask for access.
Essex Gliding Club
Last reported September 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
SOUTHEND AIRPORT - TWR 127.725, APP 130.775
Spotting Info
In the north of Southend-on-Sea town and signposted off the A127. Heading north on the A1159, at the main airport roundabout by McDonald's, head straight over, 3rd exit, and turn right at the small roundabout into the retail estate car park. Parking here is free and without a time limit. You can now walk out behind the retail buildings and follow the road north, logging as you go. DO NOT crawl along in your car reading one aircraft off at a time and you MUST keep the road clear at all times - ATC has specifically requested that you adhere to these two points. You'll see the main terminal and cargo aprons to your left, with the JRB hangar (west of the fuel farm) and grass parking area on the other side of the runway and to the right of this, long term storage in the northern part of the airport. Here you'll find fire trainer 5N-HHH 1-11 marked "G-FIRE", TF-ELL B732, G-OSOE HS748, G-AYIM HS748 plus those awaiting the scrapman. Following the road north you'll walk past the light aircraft parked on this eastern boundary and at the flying club, up towards the preserved Vulcan G-VJET marked XL426. You get views right across the field from here, but do not park at this flying club as there is limited parking for the flying club members as it is. Stored aircraft on far side can be seen but for better views, take the footpath that runs from near the north side security gate. You can also see into bays 1-4 of the ATC Lasham hangar from here if the doors are open. Bays 5-6 are in a separate hangar tucked away beyond and behind 1-4. For this hangar head back to your car and go straight over the roundabout. Follow this road past the terminal, fire station and ATC Lasham hangar bays 1-4 and the next building on your right is ATC Lasham bays 5-6. A few nooks and crannies to see into the bays. Beyond this hangar is the Southend Flying Club with a few light aircraft parked outside and an area to view back across the airfield, the last 2 ATC Lasham bays, and across to the JRB hangar. Generally these are only based light maintenance - but can be difficult to see. Aircraft at and around JRB are notoriously difficult to get - make notes of whatever you can, take photographs and the local spotters should be able to tie up your sightings. Also from here you can see the aircraft parked on the southern end of the 2 hangars on the northside. The terminal has restricted views landside but the cafe is cheap and good value. There is a small fence line to the left of the terminal for views of the main ramp.
North Side Hangars Spotting Info
From the road behind ATC Lasham above, instead of turning left to drive along the front of the terminal, carry straight on and turn right onto Eastwoodbury Crescent. Turn right at the mini roundabout onto Eastwoodbury Lane, follow the road past the 06 approach lights and turn right at the mini roundabout onto Aviation Way. Follow the road right round and you'll reach the security entrance. Air Livery is
the large hangar on the right and with smaller hangars beyond - Intora, Avionicare and a small GA storage hangar. To the left is the Inflite hangar with many aircraft parked around it and don't forget the aircraft outside the other end. Beyond Inflite is Hangar 2, with the Laing Orouke fleet kept in the southern end and a few light aircaft in the northern end. There should also be a footpath around here that leads behind the JRB hangar to the long term storage area in the northern part of the airport by the fire training area. As you head back along Aviation Way, turn into the entrance of the Essex County Hotel, where you'll find the preserved HS748s VH-AHL and VH-AHQ and Be35 N60256, and follow the road down beside it all the way to the end for more views of aircraft parked outside. If there are any aircraft in front of the hangars in this area you still need, take a few turnings off Aviation Way, heading down various nooks and crannies to log them.
There's lots to see at Southend airport, as you have just read and there is a great local spotting community, as the members of the group below will show if you join - please keep to the requests above. It's an enthusiast friendly airport, we don't want this to change.
Southend Airport Email Group
Last reported January 2011. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
Spotting Info
Off J8, M11 and follow signs. The movements tend to come in waves, with the early morning rush approximately 0530-0900 with mostly Ryanairs, some easyjets and a few Aer Berlins amongst others. A smaller wave begins around 11:30 when the early departures come back. You'll also generally see a daystopping UPS B767 and one or two FedEx MD11s. There are places to view at either end of the terminal but as there is nowhere free to park, there needs to be at least two of you so one can jump out and log those visible. You'll probably only log half a dozen and most will move into view from the northside viewing area if you're staying for any length of time. To the left of the terminal are the Bravo stands. Walk down the hill looking towards the runway and walk along a long mound of grass, which is above but parallel to the railway line for Alpha stands. Charlie stands will be missed and Delta stands are to the right of the terminal building. Airside you can take the monorail between piers to get what's parked up and then stay at the end of any pier to watch the movements. A good pair of bins is needed to log the biz over the far side. For arrival into Stansted, make sure you check the wind direction beforehand to sit on the correct side - if they're on 05, the left side will give you views of the biz at some speed, whilst the right side will see you taxi past all the stands on your way to the gate. If on 23, the right hand side will give you a distant view of the biz depending on which runway exit, and you'll taxi past the stands. The left side will just give you a view of the stands at speed. No problems with spotting during the hours of darkness as long as you don't hang around in the same area for too long. Most areas described below are well lit and obviously the terminal area will be quieter for you to log what's parked at the stands.
Bizjet Area Spotting Info
For the bizjets follow the signs to long term car park and business estate. Turn right onto First Avenue and take the first left, Second Avenue. Head towards G-IOIT L1011 used for tug training and follow the road round to the right - Eleventh Avenue. Straight ahead and to the left is the back of the old KLM hangar, aircraft sometimes park either side of and beyond this. The front of the hangar can be seen on the way to the main northside viewing area described below. Titan sometimes park aircraft around here. Straight ahead is where some of the larger biz that are staying longer will park. Turn right onto Ninth Avenue, then follow the one way round to the left to the Harrods terminal where you may pick up one or two at the gate (you won't see these from anywhere else) but don't hang around here, especially during the week. Carry on past the terminal and follow the metal fence round to the left. Park up sensibly and there are gaps in several of the metal sheet fencing which may net you several more. Then turn left towards a security gate and park in this car park. You are now in front of Building 130, as per the sign on the building. DO NOT park in this car park. This is a staff car park as is clearly signed and they do not want us parking there. However they are perfectly happy for us to park in the car park outside the security gate and walk in to Building 130's car park. From here you can see most parked outside Inflite, including Titan. This area is known as the 'Security Gate' area. When done, continue round to the left on Seventh Avenue and turn left in front of the petrol station on Third Avenue. Turn right at the end, glance left in case you missed anything and go over a mini roundabout and round to the left behind the buildings. This road is very narrow and there's very little room to turn round so during the week when it can get busy, we have been asked not to drive down here. Park up and walk down. During the weekend it seems to be ok just park well back from the gate in the spot where the road widens slightly. You can log from the gate but don't hang around, and photos are not allowed. This ramp is known to regulars as 'In the Trees'. That's all, so follow the signs for the exit.
Northside Spotting Info
For best place to stay for any length of time you need to go north of the runway. Turn right out of biz area, go through the village of Burton End and past the Ash pub on the right. Keep following the road until it straightens out. You should then see cars parked on the right hand side of the road. Half way down, there is a large gap in the bushes. Turn round and park like the other cars, make sure you park sensibly or you will be moved on. Walk through the bushes and you will be alongside the runway. You can't log anything parked at the terminal from here, just tails are visibile, but you can see the cargo and FedEx. If you wait an hour or so everything at the terminal will taxi past. Security and police drive past every now and then and part of their job is to radio in the car details. Do not be alarmed, they are happy for you to be there, it is just part of their job. Similarly airport security drive past the fence in front of you but again, they are just monitoring who is present, we are allowed to stay here. Please note, the fire area is not accessible. It has been roped off by Police and you will be moved on. Don't bother going there. It's worth noting that one of the reasons the fire area is no longer accessible is because photographers kept cutting holes in the fence to take pictures. This is unacceptable anywhere and is a shame they have ruined that spot. DO NOT cut holes in the fence alongside the runway at this new place, in fact DON'T cut any holes anywhere.
Spotting Info
There is no exit off J27 M25 or J5 and J6 M11 - if you are using the motorway, make sure you come off the motorway the junction before as it's too far to use the junction after. Airfield is on the right on A113 2 miles east of Abridge and not clearly signed. Park in the car park on the immediate right and head towards the giant map. To the right is the fire services area. Take the path between that small hut and the clubhouse. Go through the gate and to your left is the radio room. A request here may allow access, it seems to depend on who is on duty, though having your own high viz jackets helps. If you do get access, you probably won't be allowed any further left than the LEA apron as it is a live taxiway, but the other direction is also hit and miss. Some allow you right round the taxiway to the hangars, others only up to the end of the houses. If you do get to go all the way round, ask in each of the hangars - maintenance and Aeromega should be ok with different levels of access. Ask at M.W. Helicopters over the other side, though they will probably deny access, but there are gaps in their storage hangar to peer through if it's locked up. Make sure you continue past these to get all the light aircraft parked here and there is a remote hangar past all the lock-ups. There are also some aircraft the other side of the packing company by the entrance to the airfield, which can be logged by walking out of the airfield, turning right and walking along the edge of the road. Turning left, you should see a few of the wrecks they have stored.
Stapleford Residents List
Last reported May 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
STOCK-BROCK FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Head south out of town on B1007 and turn right on to Ingatestone Road. Strip is half a mile on left at a fishing/riding centre. Aircraft also parked behind hedge and there is an additional hangar up to the right.
Last reported July 2006. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
TAKELEY-STREET FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Head west out of Takeley village on B1256. After the fields you'll reach some more houses and the farm is on the right just before a turning on the left. There is a 'Street Farm' sign on a building that is right on the pavement next to the road. Go down the entrance next to this building. There is a small sign for the helicopter company, you can follow it left or go straight on and turn left after the building. You will see the offices, big glass windows. Home of Southern Helicopter Limited, a Rotoway Executive specialist maintenance and repair company. Very friendly and happy to show people round - some unmarked helicopters have signs on them with the registrations and the engineers can advise of any that aren't marked. There is a barn off to the right that houses other helicopters waiting for maintenance/repair and they are often happy to open it up to log what's in there. Please remember though, DO NOT visit on a Sunday. They are more than happy to accommodate you Monday-Saturday but have specifically requested no visitors on Sundays - please stick to this, the engineers are very friendly and welcoming and we don't want this spoilt.
Last reported November 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
THURROCK-KINGS FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Head south out of Bulphan village and you'll see the airfield on the left after around half a mile. The entrance is on the left on a sharp right hand bend but as this airfield is very private, DO NOT enter. They wish to remain extremely private, so permission must be sought before entering, though it will likely be denied. You can contact Aero Services to arrange a visit and have been found to be helpful, as long as you follow their procedures, which usually involves a Wednesday visit. Viewing is restricted to the public footpath that runs along the north side. The footpath is signposted from the A128 not too far from the low flying aircraft sign on the eastern perimeter, but you should also be able to access it on the minor road from Bulphan. Park on the side of the road near the farm. There is also a gate on the western perimeter on the A128 for views and walking along here will give you views into the hangar if it's open.
General Aero Services
Last reported May 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
WILLINGALE AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Head in to Fyfield on B184 and head east towards Willingale (down Queen Street?). Go round sharp left bend, and after you pass a church on the right, turn right in to Cannon Lane. At the far end there is a gate, which is open most of the time. This track leads to the strip, with the hangars beyond. Very friendly, ask for access.
Last reported February 2008. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
WORMINGFORD AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Head northwest out of Colchester on B1508 towards Wormingford, Bures and Sudbury. Head over the A12 and head through West Bergholt. 1-2 miles later, there is a sharp right bend, turn left here onto Packards Lane and turn right at the T-junction. Entrance is just up on the left. Friendly, ask for access - there are further details on the website about visiting, who to ask, and how to get safely to the other side of the airfield if no one is at the clubhouse, please follow them.
Essex & Suffolk Gliding Club
Last reported May 2008. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
