Plane spotting in London & the South East
Home to Britain's busiest airports — and Myrtle Avenue, the most famous spotting location in the country. From Heathrow's wide-bodies to the business jets of Farnborough and Biggin Hill, this is the richest region in the UK for variety and volume.
Airports & spotting locations
★ rating reflects how worthwhile the location is for a plane spotter. Always confirm current access and public rights of way before you travel.
| Airport | Rating | Best-known spotting spot | What makes it useful |
|---|---|---|---|
| London HeathrowLHR | ★★★★★ | Myrtle Avenue / Hatton Cross | Probably Britain's most famous spotting location. Superb low arrivals onto 27L (when 27L is in use for arrivals). |
| London GatwickLGW | ★★★★ | Horley / Lowfield Heath & perimeter areas | Excellent volume of easyJet, BA, TUI and Jet2 plus long-haul traffic. Positions vary with runway operation. |
| London StanstedSTN | ★★★★ | Belmer Road / runway 22 end | Ryanair plus substantial cargo and occasional unusual movements. |
| London LutonLTN | ★★★★ | Airport Way / crash-gate & runway 26 approach | Very busy A320/737 airport; easyJet, Wizz and Ryanair plus bizjets. |
| London CityLCY | ★★★ | Royal Albert Dock / Connaught Bridge | Excellent close views; E-Jets, A220s and business traffic against a London backdrop. |
| London SouthendSEN | ★★★ | Eastwoodbury Lane / Rochford runway ends | Lower traffic, but extremely close views when movements occur. |
| FarnboroughFAB | ★★★★ | Eelmoor Road / Queens Roundabout | One of Britain's premier business-jet airports. The Farnborough Airshow makes it exceptional. |
| Biggin HillBQH | ★★★ | A233 / runway approach areas | Business jets, historic aircraft and special movements. |
| Oxford (Kidlington)OXF | ★★★ | Langford Lane / Kidlington perimeter | Business jets, training and occasional larger aircraft. |
| BlackbusheBBS | — | Terminal / perimeter fence | Mainly business aviation; aircraft parked on the north side can be seen from public areas. |
| ManstonMSE | — | Manston Road / perimeter | A huge former commercial runway able to handle large airliners, but not a normal operating passenger airport — check status before travelling. |
Log every catch on your day out
Take printable spotting sheets or the paperback log book to any of these locations — tick off types, note the registrations, and build a collection to be proud of.
Get your spotting sheets →