Lois Larson
From 2002 to 2020, the BBC show Top Gear was filmed at Dunsfold Aerodrome, a former Royal Canadian Air Force airbase in Surrey, England. The site was used as a studio and parts of the runways and taxiways were used as a test track for the show's cars and drivers. The track was designed by Lotus Cars and was approximately 1.75 miles long. In addition to Top Gear, Dunsfold Aerodrome has also been used for other television and film projects, as well as an annual air and motor show called Wings and Wheels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the airport | Dunsfold Aerodrome |
| Location | Surrey, England, near the village of Cranleigh |
| History | Built by the Canadian Army and civilian contractors as a Class A bomber airfield for Army Co-operation Command. It was commanded by the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1942 to 1944 and was known as Royal Canadian Air Force Station Dunsfold. Under RAF control, it was RAF Dunsfold. Post-war it was used by Hawker Siddeley and then its successor British Aerospace. |
| Use by Top Gear | From 2002 to 2020, it was used as the main site of the BBC show Top Gear. |
| Additional Information | Dunsfold Park's existing lawful use is in part as an aerodrome under a series of temporary planning consents which contain restrictions on the levels of aircraft movement and restrict flying to certain times. |
| Other airports used by Top Gear | Heathrow Airport |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Dunsfold Aerodrome, Surrey, UK was Top Gear's main site from 2002-2020
- The BBC show used a hangar and parts of the runways and taxiways
- The track is also used to host cycle races and an annual air and motor show
- Top Gear also ran Heathrow Airport for a day
- Dunsfold Park Ltd organises a drive-in cinema and a classical concert
Dunsfold Aerodrome, Surrey, UK was Top Gear's main site from 2002-2020
From 2002 to 2020, Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey, UK, was the main site of the BBC automotive television show Top Gear. The aerodrome, located near the village of Cranleigh, was built by the Canadian Army and civilian contractors as a Class A bomber airfield for Army Co-operation Command during World War II. It was commanded by the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1942 to 1944 and was known as Royal Canadian Air Force Station Dunsfold. After the war, it was used by Hawker Siddeley and then its successor, British Aerospace, for manufacturing and testing aircraft.
In 2002, Dunsfold Aerodrome was sold to The Rutland Group, which formed Dunsfold Park Ltd. Top Gear used a hangar at Dunsfold Park as a studio and parts of the runways and taxiways as its test track. The track was designed by Lotus Cars and served as a testing facility for their Formula One cars. It was approximately 1.75 miles (2.82 km) long and featured various challenges, such as provoking understeer and testing brake balance and tyres. The first bend was named "Crooner Curves," and the first proper turn was called "Willson Bend." The final turn before the finish line was named "Gambon" after Sir Michael Gambon, who completed the turn on two wheels during an episode of the show.
The Top Gear test track was also used for celebrity laps, where a famous guest would attempt to complete the track in the fastest time after being interviewed by Jeremy Clarkson. The guest would practice with The Stig before making several attempts, only learning their time after the interview. In addition to the test track, Dunsfold Park hosted Wings and Wheels, an annual air and motor show, from 2005 to 2019.
In December 2016, planning permission was granted to build 1,800 homes on the site, leading to the demolition of the track and associated aerodrome infrastructure.
Lanzarote's Airport Infrastructure: A Comprehensive Overview
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The BBC show used a hangar and parts of the runways and taxiways
The BBC show Top Gear used a hangar and parts of the runways and taxiways of the Dunsfold Aerodrome, a former Royal Canadian Air Force airbase constructed during the Second World War. The aerodrome, located in Surrey, England, was used as the main site of Top Gear from 2002 to 2020.
Dunsfold Aerodrome was built by the Canadian Army and civilian contractors as a Class A bomber airfield for Army Co-operation Command. It was commanded by the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1942 to 1944 and was known as Royal Canadian Air Force Station Dunsfold. After the war, it was used by Hawker Siddeley and then its successor, British Aerospace. In 2002, BAE Systems sold the aerodrome to The Rutland Group, which formed Dunsfold Park Ltd.
The Top Gear test track, located at Dunsfold Aerodrome, was designed by Lotus Cars as a testing facility for their Formula One cars. The track was approximately 1.75 miles (2.82 km) long and featured various bends and curves to challenge the cars and drivers. It included a drag strip that was used in some challenges and other features on the show. The course started outside the Top Gear studio, with the first bend nicknamed "Crooner Curves" and the first proper turn known as "Willson Bend."
Using a hangar as a studio and parts of the runways and taxiways of the aerodrome as the test track, Top Gear faced several logistical challenges due to the active nature of the airfield. The production team had to close the airfield to incoming aircraft during filming and deal with restrictions on cable usage since the hangar stored aircraft. To overcome these challenges, the BBC partnered with Gravity Media, which provided technical facilities and laid fibre optic cables to enable recording inside the working hangar.
La Guardia Airport: Serving NYC and Beyond
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The track is also used to host cycle races and an annual air and motor show
The Dunsfold Aerodrome, previously known as the Royal Canadian Air Force Station Dunsfold, was the filming location for the BBC show Top Gear from 2002 to 2020. The site, which is located in Surrey, England, was used as a studio and parts of the runways and taxiways were used as the test track for the show.
The track at Dunsfold Park is also used to host cycle races during the summer months as part of a closed-circuit series in the Surrey Cycle Racing League. The park also hosted an annual air and motor show called Wings and Wheels from 2005 to 2019, typically held in late August. The show attracted over 25,000 visitors and raised over £80,000 for charities, including Help for Heroes and the Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance.
Dunsfold Park Ltd also organises other events such as a drive-in cinema, a classical concert called Strings & Wings, and an annual air and motor show. The track and associated aerodrome infrastructure, including the runway drag strip, were demolished to make way for 1,800 new homes. The aerodrome was built by Canadian engineers and was completed in just six months, thanks to their access to large-scale earth-moving equipment and pipe-pushing apparatus for tree removal.
Mumbai Airport's Efficient Passenger Movement Through Multiple Gates
You may want to see also
Top Gear also ran Heathrow Airport for a day
Top Gear, the BBC's popular automotive television programme, has been filmed at various airfields and airports. The show's main site from 2002 to 2020 was Dunsfold Aerodrome, a former Royal Canadian Air Force airbase in Surrey, England. The Top Gear test track was located here, and the show utilised parts of the runways and taxiways as its testing facility.
However, in an exciting twist, Top Gear also ran Heathrow Airport for a day. The show's presenters joined the airside operations team, offering a unique insight into the inner workings of one of the world's busiest airports. To gain access to the airside areas, the presenters had to pass a driving test and obtain a special licence. They also had to provide a suitable vehicle—a bright yellow car with flashing orange lights on top.
Navigating Heathrow's vast expanse, twice the size of Gibraltar, was no easy feat. The airport handles an impressive 190,000 passengers per day across 215 stands, with 70 of them having their own airbridge. The presenters encountered a range of vehicles and equipment, from baggage carts and pushback tugs to the mighty Boeing Dreamliner. They even witnessed a white Bugatti Veyron being loaded into the hold of an Emirates Airbus A380, belonging to a senior sheikh.
The experience highlighted the efficiency and complexity of Heathrow's operations, where one of the hardest things to spot is an aeroplane. With buses, tugs, and catering lorries aplenty, the presenters had to stay vigilant and follow the rules to avoid arrest. Nigel, an experienced driver with 20 years under his belt, guided them through the airport's intricacies, ensuring they stayed on the right side of the law and didn't end up in a five-year prison sentence.
Mandalay Bay's Airport Shuttle: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Dunsfold Park Ltd organises a drive-in cinema and a classical concert
The BBC show Top Gear was recorded at Dunsfold Aerodrome, also known as Dunsfold Park, from 2002 to 2020. The site is located in Surrey, England, and was used as a filming location and for specialist training. The show used a hangar as a studio and parts of the runways and taxiways of the aerodrome as the test track.
Dunsfold Park Ltd, which owns the site, organises a variety of events throughout the year. In addition to being the former filming location of Top Gear, Dunsfold Park is also known for hosting the annual Wings and Wheels air and motor show, which attracts over 25,000 visitors. The event typically takes place in late August and features a variety of aircraft and vehicles. Dunsfold Park Ltd also organises a drive-in cinema, Dunsfold Drive-In, over the Easter bank holiday. This event transforms the airfield into a unique cinema experience, with movies projected onto a large screen and attendees watching from the comfort of their cars.
In addition to the drive-in cinema, Dunsfold Park Ltd also organises a classical concert called "Strings & Wings." This event combines the beauty of classical music with the majestic setting of the aerodrome. The concert is held outdoors, providing a unique ambiance under the stars and surrounded by the historic aircraft and runways. "Strings & Wings" features performances by renowned classical musicians, creating a magical blend of music and aviation.
The events organised by Dunsfold Park Ltd, including the drive-in cinema and classical concert, contribute to the diverse range of experiences offered at the former Top Gear airfield. These events attract visitors from near and far, showcasing the versatility of the venue and providing memorable experiences that cater to a variety of interests and preferences. Dunsfold Park has become a cultural hub, bringing together enthusiasts of aviation, motorsports, and entertainment, creating a community that extends beyond the boundaries of the airfield.
Vienna Airport: Navigating the Terminals with Ease
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Top Gear was filmed at Dunsfold Aerodrome, a former Royal Canadian Air Force airbase constructed during the Second World War.
Dunsfold Aerodrome is located in Surrey, England, near the village of Cranleigh.
Dunsfold Aerodrome is a fully operational airfield and has been used as a filming location for various TV shows and films.
