Runway Visitor Park Manchester Airport
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Runway Visitor Park Manchester Airport

4.5
·6k reviews·, United Kingdom

Get up close to planes at Manchester Airport's Runway Visitor Park. See iconic aircraft, enjoy runway views, and explore aviation history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Catch heavy departures

CrowdMedium
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Runway Visitor Park Manchester Airport

Runway Visitor Park Manchester Airport

Best Time

Early mornings

Catch heavy departures

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Get up close to planes at Manchester Airport's Runway Visitor Park. See iconic aircraft, enjoy runway views, and explore aviation history.

4.5
(6k reviews)

"A fantastic day for all the family, and only £12 parking all day."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Fees

Entry is free, but parking costs £5 for 2 hours or £10 for up to 4. Bring cash & cards! :parking: :moneybag:

✈️ Plane Spotting Tips

Arrive early for the best views of long-haul departures. Check schedules for specific aircraft. :airplane:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Concorde Experience

Concorde Experience

Runway Visitor Park

Tour the iconic Concorde supersonic jet and learn about its history. A must-see for aviation enthusiasts!

Runway Viewing Area

Runway Viewing Area

Adjacent to runways

Get incredibly close to planes taking off and landing. Feel the roar and see them soar!

Children's Playground

Children's Playground

Within the park

A fun and engaging play area to keep younger visitors entertained while waiting for flights.

Static Aircraft Displays

Static Aircraft Displays

Within the park

Explore various aircraft up close, offering a unique perspective on aviation history.

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Planning Your Visit

Parking and Entry Fees

While entry to the Runway Visitor Park is free, parking fees apply. Expect to pay around £5 for two hours, or £10 for up to four hours. Instagram Some visitors suggest bringing cash and cards for various payable rides and the gift shop. Reddit

Best Viewing Spots & Timing

For optimal plane spotting, aim for early mornings to catch heavy long-haul departures. Reddit The raised viewing area offers close-up views of planes on the runway. Instagram+1 Some visitors recommend checking the schedule for specific aircraft like the Emirates A380. Instagram

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Catch heavy departures
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Fairground rides often open
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed pace
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

RUNWAY VISITOR PARK, SUNBANK LANE, ALTRINCHAM, WA15 8XQ 🛫✈️ A fantastic day for all the family, and only £12 parking all day. #runwayvisitorpark #manchesterairport #aircraft #familytime #familydayout #summerholidays #daysoutwithkids #mumsoftiktok #dadsoftiktok #schoolholidays #airport
@exploringwithjack2
15.5K likes • 1M views

🚗 Parking Fees

Entry is free, but parking costs £5 for 2 hours or £10 for up to 4. Instagram Bring cash & cards! Reddit :parking: :moneybag:

✈️ Plane Spotting Tips

Arrive early for the best views of long-haul departures. Reddit Check schedules for specific aircraft. Instagram :airplane:

Birmingham Airport Runway Visitor Park ✈️
@idrees_azam_
3.7K likes • 57K views
Runway Visitor Park Manchester A great family-friendly day out with a difference. Watching planes take off and land is surprisingly fascinating. The Runway Visitor Centre has a children's playground, fairground rides, a cafe, picnic area, and some planes to even climb up into, to explore. What's makes it even better is that it is free to enter. You just have to pay parking. If you visit at w...
daysoutmealsout
39 likes • 5.8K views

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun

Kids love the playground and climbing into static aircraft. TikTokInstagram Pack a picnic! TikTok :child: :picnic_sun:

🧥 Weather Preparedness

It can get breezy! Bring layers, especially if you plan to picnic. Instagram :windblowingface:

Discover your aviation dreams at the Runway Visitor Park near Manchester Airport! ✈️ Immerse yourself in exciting activities and experiences that will leave you in awe.🌎 Plan your trip by visiting their website.💻
manairportuk
631 likes • 20.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Fees

Entry is free, but parking costs £5 for 2 hours or £10 for up to 4. Instagram Bring cash & cards! Reddit :parking: :moneybag:

✈️ Plane Spotting Tips

Arrive early for the best views of long-haul departures. Reddit Check schedules for specific aircraft. Instagram :airplane:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun

Kids love the playground and climbing into static aircraft. TikTokInstagram Pack a picnic! TikTok :child: :picnic_sun:

🧥 Weather Preparedness

It can get breezy! Bring layers, especially if you plan to picnic. Instagram :windblowingface:

🛍️ Aviation Souvenirs

The aviation shop is well-stocked but can be pricey. Reddit Great for unique gifts! :gift:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Runway Visitor Park for its excellent plane spotting opportunities and the chance to explore iconic aircraft like the Concorde. It's considered a great, affordable family day out with free entry and a playground. Some minor drawbacks include parking fees and occasional issues with wasps, as well as inconsistent quality at the ice cream kiosk.

"4 complete aircraft to view and enjoy in the park and of course one of those being a former BA Concord. Paid parking not over expensive for MAG, and exhibits free, plus £6 to have guided tour inside Concorde, more expensive tours available. I also loved the out door commentary from 11am detailing the arrivals and flight departures on the two runways. Great team great tour guide great aviation store."

Nige Emms

"Great visitors park and lots to do especially for children, loved the Concorde. The aviation shop is good but fairly expensive but very well stocked. Would have been 5 stars but the guy in the car park hut on way out barked "6 quid" and needs customer skills. Remember those people are the ones who visitors see first and last when coming here. First impressions count"

David S

"Really enjoyed it here, its a nice family day out play area for children to play, they also have seating for you to sit down and eat so you can bring sandwiches or whatever else you fancy.
Has a onsite shop very you can purchase fridge magnets and display planes etc. No issues at all the only thing I can complain about is the wasps a lot of people i noticed had wasps following them around which is so annoying especially 🙄 when you trying to eat which the same happened to us, not sure if it's where they had the bins dotted about or what but clearly they had a issue with wasps needs sorting spoilt my day after our little encounter our child did not want to go play in the play area after this!...
Also just to put it out there it's not the parks fault in controlling nature but still should consider putting a few things in place to try get rid of them so they not causing guests issues and putting them off from returning in future however
don't let this put you off as there was other families that had no issues and there kids were fine playing etc.
Maybe it just wasn't our day!...
They also have a onsite shop where.you can purchase sandwiches etc.
Overall a lovely cheap and cheerful day out to enjoy 😀"

King Vlogs

What People Like

Close-up plane views
Concorde tours
Free entry & playground

What People Dislike

Parking fees
Wasps
Ice cream quality

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Runway Visitor Park is located on Sunbank Lane, Altrincham, WA15 8XQ. TikTok It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Instagram Public transport options might require a combination of bus and a walk, so driving is often recommended for convenience. TikTok

While direct public transport might be limited, some visitors have mentioned walking from nearby areas. TikTok It's advisable to check local bus routes and consider ride-sharing services if you're not driving. TikTok

Parking is available on-site, but it is a paid service. Fees typically range from £5 for two hours to £10 for up to four hours. Instagram Some reviews mention the car park attendant could improve customer service. Reddit

While the park offers excellent, up-close viewing, some general areas around the airport might offer distant views. However, for the best experience and close-ups, the dedicated viewing park is recommended. Reddit

Yes, it's a popular day trip destination. The drive from Manchester city centre is relatively short, making it an easy excursion for families and aviation enthusiasts. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Runway Visitor Park itself is free! TikTokInstagram You only pay for parking and any additional activities or tours you choose. Instagram

A guided tour inside the Concorde typically costs around £6 per person. Reddit More extensive tours might be available at a higher price. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are available for other aircraft like the DC10, which often cover the history of the airport and aviation careers. Instagram These tours provide in-depth insights for aviation enthusiasts. Instagram

It's generally recommended to check the official website for the Runway Visitor Park for the most up-to-date information on booking requirements for specific tours, especially for the Concorde. TikTok

Absolutely! The main attraction, watching planes take off and land from the viewing area, is free. TikTok The playground is also free to use. Instagram

🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of static aircraft, including the iconic Concorde, a DC10, and other types. Instagram+1 The park often features around 4 complete aircraft for viewing. Reddit

Early mornings are ideal for spotting heavy long-haul departures. Reddit The park's raised viewing area offers excellent visibility of planes on both runways. Instagram+1

Yes, there is a cafe on-site offering food and drinks. Instagram Some visitors have noted that the ice cream quality wasn't the best and it melted quickly. Reddit You can also bring your own picnic. TikTokReddit

Children will enjoy the playground, and there are often fairground rides available (though these may be seasonal). Instagram+1 They can also explore the static aircraft. TikTok

The park sometimes hosts special events, such as open days for the Fire and Rescue Service, offering unique insights and activities. Instagram Keep an eye on their website for announcements. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The raised viewing area provides excellent vantage points for capturing planes as they take off and land. Instagram+1 The static aircraft also make for great photo opportunities. Instagram

Yes, you can get quite close to the Concorde for photography, both externally and during tours. Instagram+1

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, it's always wise to be mindful of any specific signage or staff instructions regarding photography, especially concerning security. TikTok

You'll see a variety of commercial aircraft, including passenger jets like the Emirates A380, and potentially cargo planes depending on the day's schedule. Instagram

The park is primarily a daytime attraction. While some evening flights might be visible, dedicated night photography might be limited by lighting and operational hours. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Runway Visitor Park is a fantastic choice for families looking for a unique day out. The free entry and playground are big wins. TikTokInstagram Kids will be thrilled by the close-up views of planes and the chance to climb inside static aircraft. TikTokInstagram Consider packing a picnic to save on costs, as there are plenty of spots to enjoy your meal. TikTokReddit While there are paid rides, the main attractions offer plenty of free entertainment. TikTok

✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts

For true aviation buffs, the Runway Visitor Park is a must-visit. The Concorde tour is a highlight, offering an in-depth look at this legendary aircraft. Instagram+1 The plane spotting opportunities are unparalleled, with close proximity to active runways. Instagram+1 Engage with the on-site commentary for detailed flight information and chat with fellow enthusiasts or even airport staff who often visit. InstagramReddit The aviation shop, though pricey, is well-stocked with models and memorabilia. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

This park offers great value for money. Entry is free, and the main activity of watching planes is also free. TikTokInstagram The biggest cost is parking, which is reasonable for the duration of your visit. Instagram Bringing your own picnic is highly recommended to keep food costs down. TikTokReddit While there are paid tours and rides, you can have a very enjoyable and fulfilling day without spending much extra. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Concorde

One of the biggest draws at the Runway Visitor Park is the opportunity to get up close with a former British Airways Concorde. Instagram+1 Visitors can take guided tours inside the supersonic jet, offering a glimpse into its luxurious interior and the technology that made it famous. Reddit These tours are a highlight for many, providing a tangible connection to aviation history. Instagram

Learning about the Concorde's operational past and its significance in air travel is a key part of the experience. Instagram The park ensures that this piece of aviation heritage is accessible to the public, making it a memorable part of any visit. Instagram

Plane Spotting at its Finest

The park's prime location adjacent to Manchester Airport's runways makes it a premier spot for plane spotting. Instagram+1 The raised viewing area allows visitors to stand just metres away from aircraft as they take off and land, providing an exhilarating experience. Instagram+1 The sound and sight of powerful jets thundering down the runway are truly captivating. TikTok

For the best experience, arriving early in the morning is recommended to witness the departure of heavier, long-haul flights. Reddit The park's staff often provide commentary, detailing arrivals and departures, adding an educational layer to the viewing. InstagramReddit It's a fantastic opportunity to see a wide range of aircraft types, from commercial airliners to potentially cargo planes. Instagram

Family-Friendly Amenities

The Runway Visitor Park is designed to be a fun and engaging destination for families. TikTok+1 Beyond the thrill of watching planes, there's a dedicated children's playground that keeps younger visitors entertained. TikTokInstagram The park also features static aircraft that children can explore, offering a hands-on aviation experience. TikTokInstagram

Picnicking is a popular activity, with ample seating areas available. TikTokReddit While there are payable rides and a cafe, the core attractions of plane spotting and the playground are free, making it an affordable family outing. TikTokInstagram Some visitors have noted seasonal fairground rides, adding another layer of entertainment. Instagram

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