Watching planes take off and land can be an exciting and fascinating experience. If you’re someone who loves aeroplanes or is simply curious about the aviation industry, visiting a runway can be a great way to spend an afternoon. 

One such runway that offers excellent viewing opportunities is located at Manchester Airport in the United Kingdom! In this article, we’ll provide you with some useful information on how to watch planes at the Manchester runway.

We’re also including the best spots to view the planes, safety precautions, and other helpful tips, so read on!

Can you watch planes at Manchester Airport?

People can watch planes at Manchester Airport as there are several designated viewing areas where plane spotters can enjoy the action. 

Whether you’re interested in commercial airlines, private jets, or military aircraft, you’re sure to see a variety of planes at Manchester Airport.

In addition to the viewing areas mentioned in the previous section, there are also several other spots around the airport where you can watch planes. These include car parks, public footpaths, and the airport perimeter road. 

However, it’s important to note that some of these areas may not be as safe or accessible as the designated viewing spots.

If you’re planning on visiting Manchester Airport specifically to watch planes, it’s a good idea to do some research beforehand to find out the best viewing locations and times. 

Do you have to pay for the Runway Visitor Park?

There are fees for certain activities and facilities, such as car parking, aircraft tours, and access to the Concorde exhibit.

Visitors can purchase tickets for the Concorde Experience and other attractions at the park’s entrance or online. 

Prices vary depending on the activity and age of the visitor. It’s worth noting that the park can get busy during peak times, so it’s a good idea to arrive early to secure a good spot for plane spotting.

Runway Visitor Park Activities

Fly 360 Simulator

Our group was excited to try out the Fly360 activity at the Runway Visitor Park, and we weren’t disappointed. 

The simulator provided a realistic and immersive experience of flying an aircraft, and the full 360-degree motion added an extra level of excitement to the activity.

The staff at the Visitor Park were friendly and helpful throughout the booking and session, and we appreciated the clear communication regarding the minimum height and age requirements.

The cost of £12.00 per flight was reasonable, and we felt like we got our money’s worth from the experience. Being able to share the simulator with a friend or family member added to the fun and made the activity more enjoyable.

Overall, we highly recommend the Fly360 activity to anyone visiting the Runway Visitor Park who wants to try something new and exciting.

Concorde Platinum Tour 

We had an amazing time on the ‘Concorde Platinum Tour’. From the moment we arrived, the staff were welcoming and attentive, and we felt like VIPs. 

The cabin and flight deck tour was an absolute highlight – we were able to see and touch everything, from the luxurious seats to the state-of-the-art cockpit instruments. 

Walking underneath the wings of the flagship G-BOAC Concorde was also a unique experience, and we loved sipping on our champagne and orange juice as we did so. 

The nose droop demonstration was definitely a crowd-pleaser, and we managed to capture some fantastic photos of the moment. 

Overall, we would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in aviation or looking for a special and memorable experience. The price was reasonable, and the complimentary car parking made it all the more convenient. 

We left feeling informed, inspired, and grateful for the opportunity to explore such an iconic aircraft.

Concorde Classic Tour

We recently went on the Concorde tour, and it was an incredible experience that we won’t forget. 

The introductory video was a great way to start the tour, as it provided us with an overview of the Concorde’s commercial service years and its significance in aviation history. 

Boarding the G-BOAC aircraft was a highlight of the tour, as we got to sit in the luxurious leather seats and feel like we were part of the aircraft’s history. 

The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and provided us with fascinating insights and stories about the Concorde’s history that we hadn’t heard before. 

The visit to the flight deck was also a memorable experience, as we got to see the controls and instruments up close and take some great photos. 

All in all, we highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in aviation history or looking for a unique and unforgettable experience.

Supersonic Short Tour

We were excited to take the Concorde tour and see this iconic piece of engineering up close. As we boarded the G-BOAC Concorde, we were immediately struck by the luxurious leather seats, which were incredibly comfortable. The Concorde guide was very knowledgeable and provided fascinating insights into the history and technology behind this impressive aircraft.

We felt transported back in time as we explored the cabin, imagining what it must have been like to fly on this supersonic jet. The attention to detail was remarkable, and we appreciated being able to see the cockpit, even though we couldn’t go onto the Flight Deck.

In total, we had a fantastic experience on the Concorde tour. It was a great activity for the whole family, and we would highly recommend it to anyone interested in aviation or engineering. The price was very reasonable, and it was a unique and memorable way to spend 20 minutes.

Concorde Technical Tour

We recently went on a guided tour of Concorde’s Flight Deck and ground-breaking technology, and it was an incredible experience. 

As aviation enthusiasts, we were blown away by the level of engineering and technology that went into creating this supersonic marvel. 

The extended time in the flight deck gave us a unique perspective on the aircraft, and we were able to appreciate the intricate details that make Concorde so special.

The guided tour underneath the aircraft was equally impressive, as we got to explore the ground-breaking technology that made supersonic travel possible. 

The knowledgeable guide provided us with fascinating insights into the engineering and design of the aircraft, which added to our overall appreciation of Concorde’s capabilities.

Overall, we would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in aviation or engineering. The price of £25 per person is well worth it, and the fact that car parking is included in the package makes it even more convenient. 

We left the tour with a newfound respect for Concorde and the incredible minds behind its creation.

Nimrod Classic Tour

We had the opportunity to take a tour of the RAF Nimrod aircraft, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. 

As we approached the aircraft, we were amazed at its size and the intricate details that made it such a valuable asset for search and rescue missions. 

The guide was incredibly knowledgeable and provided us with detailed information about the equipment and procedures used during the aircraft’s missions in the Falklands, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

The visual demonstration was one of the highlights of the tour, and we were able to see some of the equipment in action. 

That includes the advanced imaging technology that allowed the aircraft to locate and rescue individuals in even the most challenging environments. 

We were also impressed by the level of detail that went into the design of the aircraft, which enabled it to perform such complex and demanding operations.

Overall, the tour of the RAF Nimrod aircraft was a truly unique and captivating experience that we would highly recommend to anyone interested in aviation or military history. 

The cost of £16 per person was well worth it, and the minimum height restriction of 1.2 metres was understandable given the design of the aircraft. 

We left feeling inspired and in awe of the capabilities of the RAF Nimrod aircraft and the brave men and women who flew it on their search and rescue missions.

Flight Academy Airport Life

We had an amazing time on the Airport Tour for Children! As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by friendly staff who directed us to the DC10 aircraft where the tour started. 

We learned about the different job roles that help run the airport, from air traffic control to baggage handling. The tour guide was engaging and made the experience enjoyable for both adults and children.

After the indoor tour, we were taken outside to witness the action on the runway. It was incredible to see planes taking off and landing so close to us. We also got to observe some of the job roles we had learned about in action, which was really exciting.

The ticket price of £12 per person was well worth it for the experience we had. It was an educational and entertaining way to spend an afternoon. 

Additionally, the full-day parking fee of only £5 made it convenient for us to spend more time at the airport after the tour.

Overall, we highly recommend the Airport Tour for Children to anyone looking for a unique and informative experience.

FAQs about Plane Watching at the Manchester Runway