Guide to London Gatwick Airport

This is the best area to view arrivals to runway 26L which is used 75 or 80% of the time. The aircraft will approach over you but this spot is massivly set back from the runway threshold so aircraft are still reasonably high. It's so far back that the approach lights to runway 26L haven't even begun yet. This spot is not at all good from runway 08R so if that runway is in use then please go to spot B. From here you cannot see the airport at all, including the two terminal buildings and the control tower, therfore ground shots cannot possibly be had from here. You can still get some good shots of aircraft approaching however due to buildings and trees, you cannot see aircraft approaching until they are literally above you and then they dissapear behind the trees so you cannot see them land.

There is plenty of space to park your car on the side of the street and there are no car parking charges. The locals do not really like you parking here so it's best to not stay any longer than 30 or 40 minutes. As this spot is well set back from the perimetre fence, the airport staff have no issues with you parking here. This spot is not very good at all but is the best Gatwick has to offer for it's most common active runway.

Sat Nav Co-ordinates
(Some locations may not be next to a road but the sat nav should get you pretty close using these co-ordinates)

Latitude: N51° 9' 18" (N51° 9.307')
Longitude: W0° 8' 47" (W0° 8.775')

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This area can ofer some good views of aircraft. You can get some shots of aircraft on approach and lining up on runway 08R. This area is not at all a good place when runway 26L in in use. Unfortunately runway 08R is only used about 20 or 25% of the time so this spot is rarely any good. From here, you can't see into the airport as there is a large hedge all along the perimetre fence. The only way you can look through is through a small gap in the emergency gate.

There are no car parking charges but there is very little space to park and there are a numer of restrictions. Airport staff do not like you parking your car at the spot as it's a major emergency exit gate so you are very likely to be asked to move your car away, but there are double yellows all down the street. The best option is probably to park at a pub called "The Flight Tavern" and walk to the spot which takes about 15/20 minutes. Although this spot is often not very good at all, it's the best that Gatwick has to offer so it's recommended to avoid spotting at Gatwick if possible.

Sat Nav Co-ordinates
(Some locations may not be next to a road but the sat nav should get you pretty close using these co-ordinates)

Latitude: N51° 8' 41" (N51° 8.684')
Longitude: W0° 12' 56" (W0° 12.926')

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If you are parking at the short term car parking for a day of spotting then this location is perfect. To get there by car drive around Ring Road S and then turn into the short term car parking. Go to the top level and if you go to the southwest corner of Blue Car Park 1 you can get some fantastic shots of 26L arrivals. The car park is also easily accessible from the South Terminal. You also get a fantastic view of aircraft touching down, as you are extremely close to the runway.

Sat Nav Co-ordinates
(Some locations may not be next to a road but the sat nav should get you pretty close using these co-ordinates)

Latitude: N51° 9' 20" (N51° 9.326')
Longitude: W0° 9' 32" (W0° 9.527')

Photos

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