We would like to visit a big air show, either this year or next, and would like to take the caravan. Any suggestions on shows with campsites (within 3 hours of Cardiff preferably)would be very welcome.
Thanks
jo
Thanks
jo
UK Air Shows
- Thread starter jo3
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The best one we know of is in southport, its a bit of a long drive for you but well worth it if you like airshows.
The site is called willowbank caravan park and it is right at the end of the runway so you can watch the airshow from your van, the park itself is kept to club standards and is very clean and friendly, the only problem you may have is getting in for the airshow as the park is usually booked up very early in the season for this weekend.
the link below is for the site.
http://www.willowbankcp.co.uk/
The site is called willowbank caravan park and it is right at the end of the runway so you can watch the airshow from your van, the park itself is kept to club standards and is very clean and friendly, the only problem you may have is getting in for the airshow as the park is usually booked up very early in the season for this weekend.
the link below is for the site.
http://www.willowbankcp.co.uk/
Probably the best air show in the world comes around every two year.
It's the 60th anniversary this year
http://www.farnborough.com/Site/Content/public/public-welcome.aspx
19th - 20th July.
It's the 60th anniversary this year
http://www.farnborough.com/Site/Content/public/public-welcome.aspx
19th - 20th July.
It'll be nice to see the good old Vulcan doing the tour of the airshows again. I've missed the side to side waltz as she flies a few feet above the runway. And the ground shaking as the pilot stands her on her tail with the after burners on.
Dave
Dave
The only airshow to go to is Fairford its on this weekend. Its now the largest Airshow in europe. This year the usaf f-22a raptor will be flying for the first time in europe the vulcan got its flying certificate last weel end so all being well it will be flying. All together there will be 300 aircraft from around the world on display. Try this www.airtattoo.com. We are staying not to far away at Mayfield park www. mayfieldpark.co.uk.
Fairford's the best, no question - it's an 8 hour air display - plus static exhibits and stalls - it needs two days.
One of the CC centres does a rally to coincide with Fairford, their field gets a good view of the display - too late to book for this year I'm sure.
One of the CC centres does a rally to coincide with Fairford, their field gets a good view of the display - too late to book for this year I'm sure.
Sorry to have to correct you Dave, the Vulcan engines do not have reheat (afterburner - American term).It'll be nice to see the good old Vulcan doing the tour of the airshows again. I've missed the side to side waltz as she flies a few feet above the runway. And the ground shaking as the pilot stands her on her tail with the after burners on.
Dave
Still a lot of power though!
John
we used to live in Farnborough Hants ,one of the biggest air shows is held there , most of the people i know used to take there holiday while the show was on , the traffic is horrendous
you can get a good view of the show ,on the big roundabout at the end of Queensmeade shopping centre
you can get a good view of the show ,on the big roundabout at the end of Queensmeade shopping centre
Hi Jo
I have been to Waddington and Farnborough, the one I enjoyed the most is waddington, this is a RAF show and you have missed it this year the Farnborough show seemed to be aimed at the commercial market but I still enjoyed the Farnborough show
I have been to Waddington and Farnborough, the one I enjoyed the most is waddington, this is a RAF show and you have missed it this year the Farnborough show seemed to be aimed at the commercial market but I still enjoyed the Farnborough show
The RIAT at Fairford is by far and away the biggest airshow in Europe, it is also billed as so. We stayed at Lincoln farm in Oxfordshire which was about a 40 minute drive to the airfield in the morning. The site has been featured in the magazine top 100 parks on a few occasions. By the way the airshow is on this weekend, probably to late to book a pitch this year to stay but still worth a day out at the airshow.
Jo. we have been for the last three years to Waddington staying on the lincs Ambucopter appeal site. It is straight at the side of the runway - you don't have to leave your van if you don't want to. there are no hook ups but we cope pretty well for four nights without. There is clean water and somewhere to get shut of the waste but no showers or toilets. 40 quid thursday to sunday. you can run a generator if you want between 10 am and 10pm.there is also a gate to gain access to the display (sometimes you can get in free shhhhhhhh!)
Dave
Dave
You could also consider visiting the Kemble Air Show just a short(ish) ride from Cirencester (Cirencester Park CC). You would, however, need to book a site well in advance.
The Air Tattoo at Fairford was cancelled this year because of waterlogged ground in the parking areas.
Can't advise as to which site to use but here in Eastbourne there is an airshow anually in August = AIRBOURNE.This year it opens I think 14th aug-runs thurs-Sun along the seafront.There are many attached attractions.This year it is necessary to buy a ticket to get into parts and the best viewing spots-but each year the cjhildren and I head for the beach and watch it all no charge to sit on the beach.There are many touring sites within a short reach of Eastbourne but if you you book and come along aim to be close as the town tends to be gridlocked for these few days at peak times.
Google Eastbourne should bring up the local tourist info website.
Google Eastbourne should bring up the local tourist info website.
The Vulcan never had afterburners but I do remember one with a couple of rocket moters in the bomb bay at Farnborough many many years ago that came over slow and low then lit them and it was like the space shuttle going up. Clear blue sky and you could just about see the delta at god knows how high sitting on top of the plume of smoke. Finest aircraft sight I have ever seenIt'll be nice to see the good old Vulcan doing the tour of the airshows again. I've missed the side to side waltz as she flies a few feet above the runway. And the ground shaking as the pilot stands her on her tail with the after burners on.
Dave
We've stayed at the Camping & Caravanning club site at Normans Bay (Nr Eastbourne). Not a lot in the immediate area but right by the beach and only a few miles outside eastbourne for the air show. Has toilets showers and all the usual C&CC stuff.
The Air show itself is great because it's free and if it's a nice day you can sit on the beach, have a paddle and watch the planes at the same time (excellent if you have small kids as they can play on the beach while you're waiting for the display to start.
Get there early though if you want to park on the seafront as it does get very busy.
Think it's on around 14th August this year but check this out as I'm guessing here.
Jerry
The Air show itself is great because it's free and if it's a nice day you can sit on the beach, have a paddle and watch the planes at the same time (excellent if you have small kids as they can play on the beach while you're waiting for the display to start.
Get there early though if you want to park on the seafront as it does get very busy.
Think it's on around 14th August this year but check this out as I'm guessing here.
Jerry
Another one to consider is Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambs. They have several shows during season - some quite large. You can then stay at either CC or CCC in Cambridge.
Steve
Steve
As Ann said in July, Kemble air show in June is an excellent day out and convenient from Cardiff. You can get up very close to the runway and the aircraft - a day not to be missed. See - http://www.kembleairday.com/
Hi,
I know you said something with-in 3 hours of your home, but there is an air show in Portrush NI the first weekend of sep every year.
It lasts two days, is totally free, the area is coming down with excellent campsites.
The show can be watched from umpteen areas around the harbour.
It is defenitly worth a visit, and the whole north coast is excellent.
try googleing portrush air show or simply portrush NI , I can gurantee,if you go you will not be disapointed.
Unfortunitly a little late for this year, but def a must for next year.
anthony.
I know you said something with-in 3 hours of your home, but there is an air show in Portrush NI the first weekend of sep every year.
It lasts two days, is totally free, the area is coming down with excellent campsites.
The show can be watched from umpteen areas around the harbour.
It is defenitly worth a visit, and the whole north coast is excellent.
try googleing portrush air show or simply portrush NI , I can gurantee,if you go you will not be disapointed.
Unfortunitly a little late for this year, but def a must for next year.
anthony.
probably not within a 3 hour drive from you, but shoreham airshow is always a good day out.
Cheaper to book tickets in advance and although I've never stayed at a local camp site, I'm sure there are a few about.
Eastbourne started today - but very wet so not sure it'll be the best day out
Cheaper to book tickets in advance and although I've never stayed at a local camp site, I'm sure there are a few about.
Eastbourne started today - but very wet so not sure it'll be the best day out
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