Anyone been spotting at BHX?

[CSR Performance]

My lad is desperate to head up to Birmingham one evening for some plane spotting. We have been once before to the Sheldon country park at the North West end of the runway, but unless the planes are going over your head you can't see much.

From what I've found on FB it seems that most go to the long term car park or the NCP at the Cargo terminal. Just wondered if anyone has experience of either of these places or anywhere else to go.

Thanks.

[zsdom]

I live near & spot at BHX regularly, Sheldon country park is a great location to get close to the aircraft as you say they take off and land over your head and there s benches to sit on too.
Park at Marston Green train station and take a 8minute walk to the end of the runway

The NCP is good for viewing too, you get to see take offs and landings in close proximity but not as dramatic as the country park, the last time I went there the barriers were broken and didnt have to pay (disclaimer, they may not be broken anymore, I got lucky, you may not)

Lastly and its a not a very well documented spotting location and parking is difficult but imho its the best location is the other end of the runway, park on clock lane (another disclaimer, its double yellowed so if you get a ticket thats not on me, again I ve been lucky!) then follow the public path round to the landing lights and have a field day

Edited by zsdom on Tuesday 25th August 19:43

[Austin Prefect]

I remember back in the 80s there was a viewing gallery in the terminal, complete with snack bar. I went there most Sundays, paid I think 20p to get in, then bought a coffee and a Sunday paper and spent a happy hour or two. No help to you of course, just making you envious. To be fair there wasn't as much activity then. The only wide body I can remember was a weekly 747 to and from Canada.

[Eric Mc]

Thre old terminal at Birmingham (Elmdon) -