Seeking info on midlands planespotting: best places and tim

[Seafuryfan]

Hello, I'd like to take my son somewhere awesome at Birmingham or Manchester (or, at a stretch Liverpool or East Mids) to watch (preferably) heavies landing. I'd like to hear from you if you can help with viewing location and time of day recommendations. The purpose is for us to experience being close to the action to make for a memorable day out. Day only preferred, don't mind if w have to settle for smaller jets. Cheers in advance, SFF.

[HeyfordDave111]

Manchester is the best of those, either in the viewing enclosure, or round the south side perimeter track.

[Seafuryfan]

Thank you Dave, Amy particular times to view heavies?

[iainpeden]

If you check the departures and arrivals info on the airport website that'll give you an idea.

[HeyfordDave111]

Hi mate,

agree with the posting here about checking times, flight radar 24 is a great aid.
If you go southside, under the runway (in the car) to the roundabout, turn left and theres usually loads of free parking up that lane on the left. Check it out on google earth.

Park on the verge and walk up the hill (100 yds or so), then climb up onto the embankment (its about 15ft high and quite easy unless its wet), take a couple of chairs, a brolly, food and drink as its not available there.

You will find yourself by the new runway, with the sun behind you all day, seeing everything that moves in or out of the airport perfectly.

Lots of stuff uses the runway by where you will be for takeoff, so its rather good.

Its a full day with very little 'quiet time', and expect to see 787, 747, A380's, 737's, assorted airbus and prop liners.
You might also get lucky and see a helo or 2, or some military aircraft visiting.

Enjoy.

[cg_341]

Lots of stuff uses the runway by where you will be for takeoff, so its rather good.

Unless it's a Sunday.

Also, Manchester and Liverpool aren't in the Midlands...

[HeyfordDave111]

Lots of stuff uses the runway by where you will be for takeoff, so its rather good.

Unless it's a Sunday.

Also, Manchester and Liverpool aren't in the Midlands...

OP stated Manchester as a potential destination.

[Domvickery]

Get to Birmingham, Sheldon country park is a great spot, you’ll get a few Dreamliners & an A380 if your timings good and if you’re really lucky an AN-12 use Marston Green train station for free parking

[iainpeden]

I seem to remember some reports of photographers at Sheldon Park being mugged for equipment so take care.

[Seafuryfan]

Hi,
Sorry for the late reply, xmas stuff duties. Thank you all for taking the time to reply, much appreciated. I’ll digest your answers in slow time and will let you know how it went. Looking forward to spotting with a bit of food and drink to break up the day. Happy Christmas!

[Cole]

I seem to remember some reports of photographers at Sheldon Park being mugged for equipment so take care.

Was last week or so. Threatened with a machete and 2 cameras were stolen.

If you want to do BHX, there is a NCP multi-storey car park on the cargo side of the airfield that gets you a decent view.

[nighthawk999]

I seem to remember some reports of photographers at Sheldon Park being mugged for equipment so take care.

Was last week or so. Threatened with a machete and 2 cameras were stolen.

If you want to do BHX, there is a NCP multi-storey car park on the cargo side of the airfield that gets you a decent view.

Is that the one that overlooks the old Art Deco control tower?If so,I can vouch for the good views from there,take a look at my shots taken there last year..https://www.flickr.com/photos/knighthaw ... 1746842107

[Domvickery]

I seem to remember some reports of photographers at Sheldon Park being mugged for equipment so take care.

Was last week or so. Threatened with a machete and 2 cameras were stolen.

Thats bs, yes there was a story 3-4 years ago of that happening but last week, nope, I live 5mins from Sheldon country park & havent heard of anything bad since

[speedbird2639]

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1336162833260888&id=100006015527526

Until recently I used to live in B'ham and visited BHX and the Sheldon Country Park frequently. Since they improved the access by building better pathways about 15 years ago its gradually become more of a magnet for chavvy feral kids riding stolen motorbikes with no helmets etc.

If you follow events in Birmingham on social media or the local news Sheldon Country Park certainly seems to be over represented in the frequency it crops up.

[Big_Gareth]

I seem to remember some reports of photographers at Sheldon Park being mugged for equipment so take care.

Was last week or so. Threatened with a machete and 2 cameras were stolen.

If you want to do BHX, there is a NCP multi-storey car park on the cargo side of the airfield that gets you a decent view.

The mugging was definitely a few years ago. Can anyone confirm if the multi-storey car park is still accessible? I was told that the top few storeys had been closed a while back due to bad littering and anti social behaviour etc?

[Heyfordman]

Multi storey is still accessible but they often shut the top levels at this time of year ( currently closed off I believe). Lower levels still available and good for shots. For a good while, no one checked tickets etc and so most people used it free of charge but in recent times they’ve started checking, so safer to get a ticket.

[Seafuryfan]

Thank you for the continuing contributions to this thread, much appreciated. Regards, SFF.