Owais Crawford
Birmingham Airport offers a free aircraft viewing area, where you can observe aircraft taking off and landing. The area is located in Car Park 5, next to the airfield perimeter fence, and offers picnic benches and a great view of the runway. Alternatively, you can head to the upper deck of the airport's parking garage, where you can get a fantastic view of the whole runway. If you're looking for somewhere to park your car and watch the planes, spots near the airport include East Lake Blvd in front of Coca-Cola, Sheldon Country Park, and Marston Green Station.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best spots to watch planes | Upper deck of the parking garage at the airport, Car Park 5, Marston Green train station, Sheldon Country Park, East Lake Blvd in front of Coca-Cola, Runway Dr. |
| Cost | Free to access the aircraft viewing area, but parking charges apply |
| Amenities | Picnic benches, cafe |
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What You'll Learn
- The upper deck of the airport parking garage offers a fantastic view of the whole runway
- Car Park 5 has a free aircraft viewing area with picnic benches
- Sheldon Country Park is a good option for aircraft using Runway 15
- East Lake Boulevard in front of Coca-Cola is a popular viewing spot
- There is a duck-off spot on Runway Drive, on top of a hill where most planes fly over to land
The upper deck of the airport parking garage offers a fantastic view of the whole runway
Birmingham Airport offers a free official aircraft viewing area, located in Car Park 5, next to the airfield perimeter fence. This spot provides picnic benches and a great view of the runway. However, if you want to enjoy an unobstructed view of the whole runway, the upper deck of the airport parking garage is the best spot. While you will have to pay a small fee, it is worth it for the fantastic vantage point it offers of aircraft on their finals and landing.
There are several other popular plane spotting locations at Birmingham Airport, each with its own advantages depending on the weather, runway in use, and time of day. For instance, when Runway 33 is in use, you can get great photos of arrivals braking and turning off the runway and departures rotating. The afternoon and evenings are best for this location, as the sun will be behind you, providing excellent lighting for pictures.
If you want to access the International Pier (Area 1), you will need a staff or boarding pass. From here, you can follow the signs to the gates and capture some great shots. Another option is to try the perimeter footpath (Area 3), which can be accessed by foot from Comet Road or Birmingham International train station via Station Link Road. Enter the small wooden gate near a big billboard and turn left to find your desired spot.
If you are travelling by car, you will need to park in the Short & Medium Stay 2 car park on Ramp Road before the airport security gate (Area 4). This car park has replaced the old Car Park 5, which was a popular plane spotting location, especially while Runway 33 was in use.
For plane spotters who enjoy a little walk, Sheldon Country Park is another option, with car parking provided by Birmingham City Council. Additionally, the Marston Green Train Station is a good spot to see planes coming in very low, although the trees have overgrown somewhat, limiting ground shots.
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Car Park 5 has a free aircraft viewing area with picnic benches
Birmingham Airport offers a free aircraft viewing area, making it a perfect spot for plane spotting. The area is located in Car Park 5, next to the airfield perimeter fence, and offers a great view of the runway. If you're driving to the airport, you can park in Car Park 5 and follow the signposts to the viewing area. Normal car park charges apply for parking in Car Park 5, but the aircraft viewing area itself is free to access.
The aircraft viewing area in Car Park 5 provides picnic benches, making it an ideal spot for a family day out or a relaxing afternoon watching the planes. You can observe aircraft arrivals and departures up close and enjoy a meal at the picnic benches while taking in the action on the runway. It's a unique experience for aviation enthusiasts and a fun way to keep kids entertained.
In addition to Car Park 5, there are other spots around Birmingham Airport that offer plane viewing opportunities. One option is the upper deck of the airport's parking garage, which provides a fantastic view of the entire runway. There is a small fee for parking in the garage, but it can be a great location for a date night or a relaxing evening with a unique perspective of the airport's activity.
For those who prefer a more natural setting, Sheldon Country Park is another option. This park, located near the airport, offers car parking provided by Birmingham City Council. From the park, you can observe aircraft using Runway 15, providing a different perspective on plane spotting.
Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, a family seeking a fun outing, or simply looking for a quiet spot to enjoy the sights and sounds of the airport, Car Park 5's aircraft viewing area is a great option. With its convenient location, picnic benches, and unobstructed views of the runway, it offers a unique and accessible way to experience the excitement of air travel.
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Sheldon Country Park is a good option for aircraft using Runway 15
Birmingham Airport offers an official aircraft viewing area in Car Park 5, where you can see planes up close. However, if you are interested in aircraft using Runway 15, Sheldon Country Park is a good alternative. This 300-acre park borders Birmingham Airport and has a designated viewing area, which is approximately a quarter of a mile from the farm buildings and can only be accessed on foot. The park offers a great view of Runway 15 operations as most of the airfield is clearly visible, giving you a better angle and more time to observe aircraft. You can see planes slowing down after landing and blasting off down the runway.
To get to the Sheldon Country Park viewing area, you can park your car in the Marston Green Station car park and follow the path. The park itself also has a car park, but it is unclear when it closes. From the park car park, you can walk over to the end of the runway, which is a short distance away. Another option is to enter the postcode B37 7AF into your sat nav and use the station car park, which is free of charge. Then, walk out of the back entrance of the station and follow the path directly into Sheldon Country Park. If you want to go further, you can access Hatchford Brook Golf Course, which is next to the park.
Sheldon Country Park offers more than just plane spotting. It features open grassland, wetlands, old hedgerows, and mature woodland. The Old Rectory Farm, located within the park, is a demonstration farm with traditional farming methods and a variety of animals, including Jersey cattle, pigs, goats, ponies, ducks, chickens, and geese. There is also a playground near the main entrance off Ragley Drive, with swings, slides, and climbing frames suitable for all ages. Additionally, the park has a cafe and picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing day out with the family.
While Sheldon Country Park is excellent for plane spotting, some reviewers mention that other aspects of the park could be improved. The playground equipment and signs show graffiti, and the farm is smaller than expected. Dog owners should also be mindful of cleaning up after their pets to maintain the park's cleanliness. Nonetheless, the park offers a unique experience, combining nature, aviation enthusiasts, and educational opportunities for children.
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East Lake Boulevard in front of Coca-Cola is a popular viewing spot
Birmingham Airport offers an official aircraft viewing area, located in Car Park 5, where one can observe aircraft arrivals and departures. The area provides seating, picnic benches, and a great view of the runway. However, if you're looking for a spot outside the airport, East Lake Boulevard, in front of Coca-Cola, is a popular viewing spot.
East Lake Boulevard, located at 4600, is in close proximity to the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport. It is the site of the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. United's distribution center, which is currently being expanded into a $338 million campus that will serve as the company's future headquarters. The headquarters will be highly visible from Interstate 20/59, as well as to air traffic flying into Birmingham.
East Lake Boulevard, particularly the area in front of Coca-Cola, has become a favored location for plane spotting. It offers a fantastic view of the runway, and plane enthusiasts often park on the side of the street by the fence to enjoy the sight of aircraft taking off and landing. Some prefer to drive down a bit and park in front of the Alpha Charlie grill, a nearby cafe, to snag a spot at one of their outdoor tables.
For those seeking an alternative viewing experience, there is a duck-off spot on Runway Drive, situated on top of a hill. This location is a popular choice as most planes fly over this area when approaching the longer runway. Another option is the upper deck of the airport parking garage, which provides a panoramic view of the entire runway. While this spot requires a small fee, it can make for a unique and romantic date, with some food and wine, offering a different perspective of the airport's comings and goings.
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There is a duck-off spot on Runway Drive, on top of a hill where most planes fly over to land
If you're looking for a spot to watch planes taking off and landing at Birmingham Airport, there are several options available. One popular choice is the official aircraft viewing area located within Car Park 5, next to the airfield perimeter fence. This area offers a great view of the runway and provides picnic benches for visitors. Normal car park charges apply, but the viewing area itself is free to use and open 24 hours a day.
For those who enjoy plane spotting, there are a few other locations worth considering. One option is to park on East Lake Boulevard in front of Coca-Cola, near the fence, which is a popular spot for plane watchers. Another option is to visit Sheldon Country Park, which offers viewing opportunities for aircraft using Runway 15.
However, if you're looking for a more secluded spot, there is a duck-off spot on Runway Drive, on top of a hill where most planes fly over to land. This location provides a unique perspective as planes approach the longer runway. It's a quiet place to observe the aircraft without the crowds and offers a different experience from the more traditional viewing areas.
When visiting any of these locations, it's important to be mindful of your surroundings and respect the privacy and safety regulations of the airport. Additionally, consider using apps like FlightRadar24 to enhance your plane spotting experience, as it allows you to see the planes' departure times and destinations.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Birmingham Airport offers a free aircraft viewing area in Car Park 5, next to the airfield perimeter fence. You can observe aircraft arrivals and departures and enjoy a picnic with your family. Normal car park charges apply.
The upper deck of the airport parking garage offers a fantastic view of the whole runway. You can also park your car near the Coca-Cola factory on East Lake Boulevard or on Hazeldene Road and watch the planes from there.
Yes, you can park at Marston Green train station and walk to Coventry Road or Sheldon Country Park. The aircraft viewing area at Birmingham Airport is also open 24 hours a day.
