Northolt (RAF)

1Landing runway 25

This is the best known spot for RAF Northolt. This spot is located near the approach of runway 25, along the A4180, just near the southern gate of RAF Northolt, next to a gas station. From this position, all landing traffic can be spotted and photographed. The fence around this spot is covered with shrubberies, but standing on a wall near the gas station or looking through some holes in the shrubberies you can have a view onto the field. Especially departing traffic or helicopters can be seen in this way, and also photographed in the morning. In the evening you just have to cross the extended centerline to the north.

2View onto the airport

From the '25' (eastern) end of the runway drive south back towards the main A40 road which runs east-west past RAF Northolt. At the large roundabout go straight across and continue south along the A4180. The road begins to climb a small hill. At the top of the hill there is a golf course on the left, and on the right there is a small lane leading to the West London Shooting Grounds. Take the little lane and find yourself a spot. There are various places you can see through the trees and bushes to see what is parked at the hangars. From here you are too far away to take photos, but it does give you a good view of the airfield.

3Landing runway 07

As you drive past RAF Northolt on the highway A40, just past the western end of the runway, there is an exit to the left. Take the exit and follow it to a set of traffic light. Turn left and you will see a small row of shops. Turn left immediately after the shops and drive towards the end of the road. Park somewhere near the end and continue on foot. Walk along the path back to the highway A40 exit, then along the side of the exit road until you come to a small river running under the road. There is a small path that runs beside the river under the road, which brings you out on the northern edge of the highway A40. Then walk along the edge of the A40 road (carefully!) until you reach the field at the end of the runway. From here you can take good photos of aircraft landing and taking-off from the '07' end of the runway, but you are facing south so you will have the sun in your face. Because people do not go very often to this spot you will also probably get a visit from the security people since they are not used of seeing people here. Bringing your ID is therefore recommended.