Aircraft Spotting at Hampshire's Airfields and Airports
Spotting locations, viewing areas and advice on access for airports and airfields in Hampshire. 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
For historical info on Hampshire airfields visit Hampshire Airfields
XD332 Scimitar, is stored outside in Timsbury village at the Solent Sky Museum's storage site. In the barn next to it, seen through gaps, is a replica Spitfire marked "K5054" and another unidentified fighter. Last reported December 2009
XR506 Wessex is preserved at the Defence Training Estate, Longmoor Camp, but is not visible from outside. Last reported May 2010
XT780 Wasp and G-AVMZ BAC1-11 fuselage are at Fareham College. If you enter the main entrance then drive down the side of the complex, the two items are easily visible through large windows of Building S on the left hand side. Last reported December 2009
ZB672 Gazelle is the gate guard at ATFC Winchester Sir John Moore Barracks, north of Winchester town. Last reported May 2009
Stored outside the Newcomen hangar at HMS Sultan are numerous helicopters and a Harrier or two. These can be read off from Military Road, which runs south from from the A32 roundabout. Park sensibly before walking the pavement logging. Last reported December 2009
Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
BEECH-VALLEY COURT SCRAPYARD
Spotting Info
Head north out of Alton on A339. Go past a left turn to Beech and it's almost immediately on the left, behind Hillside Nurseries. As you drive round the nursery you'll pass the forward fuselage of G-AWYV BAC1-11. Air Salvage International are based here and are responsible for scrapping airliners and props, some of which are stored here. You can ring in advance, the manager is very accommodating and allows photos to be taken. They also have a wall in their HQ with all the c/n plates off the scrapped aircraft. If there's no one around, the gate will be locked and you won't be able to see anything through the foliage, so weekday visits are probably better, but as I said, call in advance.
Last reported June 2009. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
BLACKBUSHE AIRFIELD - TWR 122.3
Spotting Info
On A30 between Camberley and Hartley Wintney. Two main car park areas. 1) By control tower - normally a line of aircraft alongside fence to right. 2) Car park to the left of main entrance. All of nose or tail on aircraft can be seen by walking along grass verge by A30. There are also some hangars over at the business park on other side or airfield. I don't think you can get drive round to them anymore but you can park up on a couple of man made lay-bys under the trees along the A30. Be careful, this is a very busy road. On Sundays they have a market on this side (Premiair side) of the airfield - instead of parking up, take the outer car park perimeter and head towards the exit. This takes you past the apron in front of the Premiair hangar. If you're lucky, they'll helicopters or Beechcraft parked out the front. If your really lucky the hangar's open. There won't be any problems but don't hang around.
EGLK Blackbushe, Blackbushe Spotters Email Group
Last reported February 2007. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
BOSSINGTON AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Head north out of Bossington village and take first left down Horsebridge Road. Take left fork down Beech Tree Walk and 300 yards up the road you'll see the strip on the left. Take the next left after the
strip down a track, and the hangar is on the left.
Last reported March 2008. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
CHILBOLTON-STONEFIELD PARK AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Take the A30 southwest out of Sutton Scotney. Go past the B3420 and A272 turnings, over the next crossroads (minor roads), then turn right at the next crossroads (about 3 miles from Sutton Scotney). Follow road and Stonefield Park is on left. Airstrip is in the park. Usually friendly, microlight club are friendly. When in park turn left for microlights and hangars. Instead of turning left carry on straight for a workshop. Best to visit on a weekday when they're working in the hangar. As it's an industrial park, the gate is normally shut at the weekend if there is no flying.
Last reported March 2008. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
CHURT-WISHANGER FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Head north through Churt, over the Crossways/Hale House Lane crossroads and turn almost immediately left down Lampard Lane. Take second left at the junction, down Simmondstone Lane, which becomes Wishanger Lane. Right at the crossroads down Bacon Lane and take next left down Frensham Lane. Airfield is on the right down a farm track through the wood, though a gate sometimes bars entry. If this happens, good views can be had from the road on the eastern and south eastern side of the airfield i.e. south of Frensham Ponds Hotel.
Last reported February 2007. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
CRAWLEY DOWN-BARTON ASHES AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
From the A30, head south on the A272. You'll pass Hill Farm on your right and after about a mile the strip and entrance will be on your right. The gate will only be unlocked and open when someone is present at the airfield, which is not often. They are friendly but you must ask for access first. If this gate is locked you can try the alternative gate at the southern end of the strip - continue past the first gate and take the first right signed to Crawley. The gate is almost immediately on the right. If it's open keep to the sides and drive along the grass up to the hangar at the top. Again, if no one's there, the gate will be locked.
Last reported April 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
DURLEY-HILL FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Head south on B3354 towards Botley. As you come in to Long Common turn left on Maddoxford Lane. After about a mile you should go over a stream and then turn left down Nether Hill Lane. Hill Farm is signposted on the left. Follow the gravel lane up past the farmhouse and you will see two workshops on your left. Ask in the caravan or the workshop for access. If you carry on up the track, there is a hangar at the top on the right but you have to ask to be escorted up here so they can open it for you. Home of Aero Antiques. Best to visit during the week as they aren't always around at weekends.
Last reported September 2009. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
FARLEY CHAMBERLAIN-FARLEY FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Head north out of Romsey on A3057. Take the right turn signposted to Household Recycling site (if you go into village of Timsbury you've gone too far and missed this turn). Then take next left almost immediately, still signposted to recycling. Go past the recycling site on your left and eventually you will come to a staggered crossroads. Go straight across, into Farley Lane. Keep going and eventually you will come to a left turn towards the church, marked as a no through road. Take this road and keep going. It will appear that you are heading into a farm but keep going through the farm and soon after you will see a left turn in to the strip. Then follow the track. The strip is visible once you've turned left towards the church on your left side at about 10 o'clock. It's best to visit during the week when someone is there, or contact in advance to arrange a visit. Friendly, ask for access before wandering around the strip.
Last reported March 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
FARNBOROUGH AIRPORT - TWR 122.5, APP 134.35
Eelmoor Bridge
The best place is at Eelmoor Bridge just off the A323 Fleet Road. From Aldershot, head west along the A323 and after the long sweeping left bend you'll come to a sharper left bend with a turning on the right. Turn right here and you'll drive over Eelmoor Bridge. Yellow lines have been painted but we are ok to park here. Park first on the southerly places and park sensibly, don't block the views of the cars parked higher up the slope. If this is full you can park on the yellow lines opposite but keep well clear of the crash gate or you'll be moved on. Excellent photos of movements here of 24 arrivals taxiing after landing and of arrivals and departures on 06. Aprons in view here are West 2 and Tower ramp. The Hangar ramp is blocked by the new hangar being built between West 1 ramp (in the trees) and West 2 ramp.
Other Viewing Areas & Spotting Info
The AAIB is further down this road but you can't make out anything due to the state of the wrecks and the barriers. Just before the AAIB, on the top of the hill, you can pull over quickly and read off some parked on the Hangar and Terminal ramps, and if the trees aren't too thick you can sometimes read off anything parked on West 1. For views of the Delta ramp, head to the Dairy Gate on A325 Farnborough Road. There is no parking here and DO NOT park in or near The Aviator Hotel. They are very anti-spotter due to cars parking on their property and blocking the entrance and exit so park in the lay-by a bit further down the road on the opposite side or down a side road nearby and walk back. Good views of the Delta ramp from here, and into the TAG hangars if they are open. Following the fenceline towards the houses (i.e. south along A325) and away from the Aviator (not past it), a path runs round the back giving you a different angle on the aircraft. North of the Aviator Hotel on the A325 is the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust (FAST) Museum - make sure you stop in. Entry is free, donations are welcome and the shop has plenty of things to interest you - purchases also help support the collection here. Next to the FAST Museum is the Swan pub with some good food and is a good place to watch proceedings. It expensive here however and no jeans or trainers. DO NOT park in The Swan car park unless you are a customer as they actively clamp. The road between the Swan and FAST also has views.
SBAC Farnborough Air Show
Every 2 years Farnborough airport hosts an air and trade show that always promises some excellent and interesting visitors, with various aircraft manufacturers bringing their latest and greatest aircraft. Most aircraft have left by the public weekend, so if you do want entry to the show, it's best to visit on the trade days and you can buy a ticket on the SBAC website. Fill in the online application to visit on the day of your choice, pay your £28 for a day pass and it arrives through the post, though other options are available.
Spotting Hotels
The Falcon Farnborough Hotel is on the A325, opposite the FAST Museum mentioned above. The 4 deluxe bedrooms at the front of the hotel overlook the airfield, many other rooms face north and have a good view of the approach to runway 24 when in use. If they're using 06 you should still see them on climb out but they'll be high. A newspaper shop and a couple of restaurants very close by and a warm atmosphere in the hotel bar.
Spotting Info
At the northern end of Hannington village, turn left onto Meadham Lane. Just past the large field on the left is a quick right-left bend, turn left here. Take the rough track down to farm - the first building on the right (before the strip itself) is the workshop, ask farmer for access. The main hangar is a bit further along track.
Last reported July 2008. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
HOOK-SCOTLAND FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Strip is just east of J5 M3. All aircraft can be logged from the motorway. To visit, take the A30 west towards Hook, turn left to Holt (if you get to B3349 roundabout you've gone too far), go under the railway line and it's on the left.
Last reported May 2006. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
HURSTBOURNE TARRANT-BOURNE PARK AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Please note, the owners of the airfield have expressed that we stop visiting at weekends. They are unhappy at the high numbers of spotters visiting and at the moment they are unable to accomodate us. Aerofab remain friendly though and are still happy to grant permission as long as you ask first - I suggest a weekday visit would therefore be better as it's likely you'll be turned away at the weekends. It's also advisable to show an interest in the aircraft and have conversations with the engineers and pilots. This may help with being allowed regular visits again.
Either head north out of Andover or south out of Hurstbourne on A343. If heading north, go through Enham Alamein, through the crossroads, and Bourne Park is on the right, on a right hand bend. It is not signposted and there are no warnings so go slow. If you go past a left turn signed 'The Fox Inn' you have gone too far - turn round in Hurstbourne. If you are heading south it is on a left hand bend soon after the right turn for 'The Fox Inn'. Follow the road up and go very slowly over the bumps. There's a small white 'Aerofab' sign nailed to the fence so turn left here and you'll see the hangars. The hangar on the left is for maintenance and usually only open during the week. Aircraft also park behind the hangars in various fields so have a good look around. Very friendly, ask for access. Park sensibly out of the way and walk, do not drive your car around the aircraft and out onto the grass. The owners are unhappy people have seen fit to do this and will stop access if care isn't taken.
Last reported May 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
LASHAM AIRPORT - TWR 118.9, 126.65
Spotting Info - Northside Viewing
Head south on A339 towards Alton and after Bagmore the airport and Gliding Club are signposted. Turn left and follow the signs to the main entrance. Park in car park to left of barriers - the area in front of the clubhouse gives views of the glider hangar to the right and some gliders to the left. There have been mixed responses from the clubhouse, some refuse access to the hangar, others have said to ask a member if it's ok to walk over. If you can find someone, then please ask. For the gliders to the east of the clubhouse beyond the caravan park, walk out of the car park back on to the road and turn right. You'll see the gliders on the right. Or you can drive and pull over in the lay-by. For the airliners, there are two sets of security gates to see the airliners parked at the hangars and you must visit both in order to get a full log. To get to the first turn left out of the main entrance and just before the T junction there is an uphill left turn. Take it and it leads to the gates. Be quick as there is not a lot of room to park and you need to keep the road clear. You may need to get up on the grass verge to get a better view.
Spotting Info - Southside Viewing
To get to the south side, you have 2 choices. Turn right out of the main airport entrance, take the next right at the northeastern edge of the airfield and head towards Lasham village. When you reach the crossroads in the village turn right and go past the Royal Oak pub on your right hand side, follow the road round for about 1/4 mile and you reach the security gates on this side of the airfield. The second choice is to turn left out of the main entrance, and left at the bottom of the road at the junction of the A339. Carry on towards Alton, and take the first turning you come to on the left, should be signposted 'Lasham village', follow the road up the hill to the village, and at the crossroads turn left, the Royal Oak will be just in front of you on the right again. If you can't log everything from this gate, then for a different view, drive back into the village, turn right down the lane opposite the church, then turn right again. This lane brings you along in front of the hangars about one field down the hill. Continue along this road pass a farm to get to the A339.
Lasham Movements
Last reported September 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
LEE-ON-THE-SOLENT AIRFIELD - TWR 135.70
Spotting Info
Just north of Lee-on-the-Solent town between the B3334 and the B3385. Security is very tight so access only for gliding or flying etc but there are limited views from the main entrance road before you reach security - it's in the southeast corner of the airfield off the B3385. Various views of the airfield can be seen on the B3385 - there is a crash gate about half way up the field where you have to park just off the road and walk up for a clearer view. On the main B3334 Gosport-Stubbington road, go to the end of runway 23. There's a pull in on the right before a house, or, as there are only bus stops you can park down Marks Road on the right just after the pedestrian lights and walk back. Head up on to the grass area just before the lights and before Easthouse Lane to look over the fence. Back on the B3334 west towards Stubbington and take the second left down East House Avenue. Follow the road round to the left and you will see a green on the right. Park there for distant views of the Bristow ramp and gliding hangar. You can walk up to the fence if you wish. Most of the hangars you can see contain aircraft, apart from the 2 large ex-Royal Navy hangars directly opposite this green, on the far side of the runway south side.
Website Lee Flying Association
Last reported September 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
LOWER UPHAM-PHOENIX FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Just southeast of Lower Upham village off the B2177. The entrance is off the main road immediately opposite the place selling caravans and motorhomes. Drive up the track to the parking spaces at the top, then walk through the trees to the hangar and Solent Flight office. Friendly, ask for access, which should be granted but no photos are to be taken. There are currently two Taylorcrafts under rebuild here - G-CGTA and G-CGTB. If you wish to see them, please do not ring Solent Flight, but you are welcome to ring the owner, Darren Busby, on 07769 635411 or email him. He is an active member of some spotting groups and is a spotter himself so will try and accommodate you if he can. Please bear this in mind when contacting him and asking for his assistance.
Last reported November 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
LOWER UPHAM-ROUGHAY FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Head north out of Lower Upham village on B2177 and take the first right at a triangle junction after a short drive onto Hatchley Lane. Road takes a sharp left and becomes Red Lane and the strip is up here on the right. They do not like visitors, whether it's spotters or visiting aircraft.
Last reported August 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
MIDDLE WALLOP AIR BASE & MUSEUM OF ARMY FLYING
Spotting Info
Southwest of Andover just off A343. The only way to see the light aircraft, apart from a base tour, is to park in the museum car park. Sometimes they're parked on the grass near the emergency services area. Otherwise you can walk round the back of the museum and walk along the road to see what is parked outside the hangars. If you're lucky the hangar will be open. XP822 DHC2 and XP910 Scout are the museum's gate guards. WZ724 AOP9, XT827 Sioux marked "XT123" and XT638 Scout are the base gate guards just up the road from the museum. Travelling on the A343 from the museum to the main base entrance, at the base roundabout where the gate guards are on your right, turn left for the Army HQ. Just past the main car park is XX392 Gazelle preserved outside.
The Museum of Army Flying
Last reported August 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
ODIHAM AIR BASE
Spotting Info
Alongside the B3349 south of Odiham village. On the southside along Hayley Lane is a lay-by to pull in and read off some codes of whatever's parked on the ramp, though you may need to climb the tree for extra height as the lay-by is low down. You may be able to log one or two more from Woodhill Lane - continue east from the lay-by, take the next left and follow it right down and round the corner. Part of the base housing estate on the northside has views of the Chinook ramp and if you're quick you can pull over down Laffans Lane, read them off and leave. During the week the Chinooks and Lynxes are active with just the Vigilants flying at weekends. Some tour groups arrange base visits here, a must do if you want to log a lot of the residents.
Last reported May 2009. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
ODIHAM-VALENTINE FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
Just to the north of the village off London Road, which is at the east end of the high street. Turn left at the vets, follow the Water Which pub/Basingstoke canal sign and look out for a small post box on the left. Take the gravel lane next to this post box and follow for the strip. They don't take kindly to visitors, and dislike enthusiasts even more, though the odd report has stated they received a warm welcome so visit with caution.
Last reported February 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
POPHAM AIRFIELD - TWR 129.8
Spotting Info
Come off M3 at J8 and follow signs and take A303 to Andover. After passing airfield on right, exit A303 and turn right at T-junction. Go under the A303 and turn right. Popham is up the road on the left. Very friendly, ask in clubhouse for access to field. Hangars normally open during fly-ins, ask at each hangar for access. Turn left before you get to the clubhouse to go down into 'the dip' for more based aircraft and microlights.
Popham Airfield, Popham Airfield Email Group
Last reported July 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
SOUTHAMPTON AIRPORT - TWR 118.2, APP 120.22
Spotting Info
Just off J5 M27. If you have a car it's better with at least two people as there's nowhere to park up for any length of time. One can get out and log whilst the other waits or gets moved on. I would start at the mound - drive past the terminal, car park and biz hangars and you'll see the mound on the left. There is room for a couple of cars to park though this is the plant entrance so be sensible about it. This will give you views of some of the biz, GA, a couple parked on the east stands that aren't blocked by the hangars and is good for photos of 20 movements. On to the biz hangars there are gaps between the hangars that will let you log what's on the aprons but you mustn't hang around here. You'll have to walk straight past windows where employees are working and therefore you will be watched. Next turn left into the short term car park and head for the roof. You look down on the east stands and can therefore log all parked here. No problems logging from here, if you stay less than 15 minutes it's free - just go to the barrier and put the ticket in, don't go to a pay machine otherwise it'll cost you £1 for 30 minutes. If it's raining and/or cold, go up the stairs half way along the short term car park to the top floor. There is a window that is higher than the fence, which gives you a clear view of the northern apron, taxiway and runway. Head back past the terminal and on your left will be the south stands. This is the only place to view them and there is nowhere to stop along here. There is a bus stop outside the Royal Mail building, so pull in here but don't hang around. A barrier blocks access to the car park. Your only other option to log those on the south stands is as you come off the M27 and head down towards the roundabout with the near full scale model Spitfire K5054 on a pole. N6NE Jetstar is on the fire dump in the southeast part of the airport. It should be visible from the mound and the short term car park roof. You can park in the Parkway Station car park opposite the terminal, the charges are as follows: Weekdays - £10 per day, weekends - £5 per day, any day after 16:00 £2, weekend pass - £12 (from 12:00 Friday until close of service on Sunday), this must be bought from the ticket office.
Southampton Airport Email Group.
For airport parking visit
or
Last reported April 2010. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
SOUTHAMPTON-SOLENT SKY MUSEUM
Spotting Info
In the south of Southampton city, near the harbour off the B3039 and signposted. The Solent Sky Museum is open 1000-1700 Tuesdays-Saturdays, 1200-1700 on Sundays and only open on Mondays during Bank Holidays and school holidays. Entrance is £6. On display in the staff car park of the museum is XP542 Gnat. Their storage site is at Timsbury village, where XD332 Scimitar (at the top of this page) and others are stored.
Last reported December 2009. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
STEVENTON-STOKEN FARM AIRFIELD
Spotting Info
From North Waltham, head north towards Steventon. As you reach a sharp left hand bend, the strip is on your right. The buildings there house the aircraft they are building for selling on. Or, in Steventon there is a triangle junction where one road is signposted 'Steventon Church'. Follow this, go past the Church turning until you reach the end of the road and business units come into view. The nearest unit is something to do with tyres and is marked accordingly. The Cub workshop is next to this. Once there, the two engineers working leave you to your own devices to take photos and walk around. This will not
take long as the workshop is quite small. The owners are friendly but require a call in advance to let them know you are coming and then report to them once you arrive. Ring Aviation and Marine Interiors on
01256 701888 to ask for permission to visit the Cub facility and you will be given another number to directly contact the engineer on site. Access will depend on when they are actually on-site, so arrange in advance. They are currently building ex-Israeli AF Cubs in the various buildings there and the runway is the small grass area between the road and the hangar. Don't visit on a Saturday as it will be closed.
Last reported April 2007. Want to update or confirm the information is still correct? Send in a report
