Marham (RAF)

1Runway 06 spot 1

The first spot to visit is a lay-by along the A1122. This spot gives a good view of the operations on the base and the aircraft landing on runway 06. It is also OK for aircraft taking off when runway 24 is in use. Photography is not really an option, since the aircraft are quite far away and reading can be difficult for some types.

Further East along the A1122, you can read F-35Bs if they are parked under their flightline sheds. Either by looking North, West rows of sheds, or looking East, for the Eastern rows of sheds. You will have to walk up and down (quite) a bit for this.

2Runway 06 spot 2

This is the alternative for spot 1, if you want to photograph the aircraft. You will need around 300mm analog for the average fighter aircraft. Reading serials from this spot is OK as well. To get here, park your car on spot 1 and walk back along the A1122 for around 100 meters. Then walk into the field towards the approach along a number of trees. You can position yourself once you pass these trees.

3Runway 06 spot 3

A bit further away but giving the better opportunities for photography is spot 3. It is quite a walk from spot 1 (where you can park your car without bothering anyone). If you walk towards the base fence from here, you can turn left towards a crashgate and walk into the farmland along the fence. If you go there please keep in mind to keep out of the farmland as much as possible. Photography is fine from here!

4Southern taxiway

Probably the best place to take pictures of the F-35s taxiing right in from of you is this spot. Park your car at the small lay-by along the A1122 at 52.63616, 0.56419 and walk on the path left of the trees towards the fence. No large stepladders is required as the fence is quite low. This spot offers a brilliant view of the taxitrack where the aircraft are on the way to runway 24.

5Runway 24

This spot at the other end of the base is OK when runway 24 is in use (but again gives nice opportunities for take off shots from runway 06). Reading is OK from here, so is photography. You can walk the dirtroad towards the base a little if a smaller trainer aircraft approaches. Otherwise you should do fine with a 300mm analog lense. To get here (from spot 1) turn left onto Chalk Lane where 'RAF Marham' is signposted. You will pass the shelter area and note the runway approach lights automatically. You can park your car at either the left of the right side of the road.

6Northwest taxiway

Take the road southbound out of Marham. After the wooded area there is a farm on you left, shortly thereafter is a dirt track to the right. You will not be able to navigate this by car. On foot it is okay though. You can walk all the way down to the perimeter fence. But beware, you are walking along private farmland, moreover it is a 1.2 km walk. Shots of the taxiway and aircraft on the runway are possible here but only after around 16:00 because you stare straight into the sunlight from this position throughout most of the day. You can move along the fence a bit to find the spot best suited to your needs.