I’ve been to Sleap airfield in Shropshire a couple of times, it’s a pleasant place to spend a couple of hours and an excellent ride from where I live. Nice cafe and a relaxing place to spend a couple of hours. I mentioned this to my friend who I’m visiting down in Dorset this week, and she’s taken me to Compton Abbas airfield, and it’s the same - a bar this time (owned by film director Guy Ritchie!). Would I be right in thinking most airfields are like this? A nice little place to go and hang out with cafes and an easy going atmosphere? Can’t believe I’ve never found this out before - unless it’s a closely guarded secret (if so then I promise to keep quiet). im particularly interested in any in the Staffordshire/Derbyshire/Cheshire locales, if anyone has any recommendations!
Some aren't worth the visit.... Google research in advance, check out facilities, nature of the airfield (what's to see etc), check out any photos etc. Compton Abbas is great.... always good to check their website for fly in events etc Popham is even better from the point of view of the variety of aircraft (another grass airfield) Cotswold Airport (Kemble Airfield) is another good destination But none of those in the Staffordshire/Derbyshire/Cheshire areas.
I think so, certainly the privately owned ones, not sure you’d get the same reception tipping up at Heathrow Compton Abbas is a local ride out for me and had breakfast there a few times (used to get pretty busy) although not been since Guy Richie bought it. Pub trivia, Compton Abbas was the airfield Asil Nadir used to flee the country in 1993 to avoid trial after the collapse of Polly Peck.
A few of my favourites near to me are: AV8 Cafe at Kemble Megs at Shobdon Touchdown Cafe at Wellesbourne
Thruxton as good facilities. Popham is small and quaint and has a great vintage plan and bike event each year.
Many thanks for posting Sleap Airfield! I rode there this afternoon... what cool place! It's like some sort of a weird time warp, or a WW2 movie set! Amazing variety of aircraft too. Thanks again! p.s. Photo: a Hurricane, which I think was manufactured in Ontario Canada. Beautifully restored!
You're very welcome, was that your first time? It's a really nice place to go and chill out isn't it! I'm out of the UK until mid July, but if you're up for going again let me know and I'll meet you there for a coffee
Loads of old airfields near to me in Lincolnshire, although many are just strips of crumbling concrete, most have an info board close by though, quite a few still have their conning towers too, fascinating and somehow eerie places to visit .
That's a great idea! Perhaps post something on the forum when you return and we'll head over there. Thanks again & happy travels!
WTF!! 3000 houses planned https://www.hampshirechronicle.co.u...eld-campaign-launched-fight-3-000-home-plans/ Visit pophamairfieldmatters.org/
I did Fenland airfield today in Lincolnshire - a long way from home but I thought I’d go as I dropped my seat at Else Made for reshaping. Very flat and interesting surroundings, I’ve never been in the Fens before. Nice restaurant - had a burger and chips before the three hour ride back!
excellent thread, down here apart from Goodwood of course, these two come to mind, but only if you are in the area, not really worth a special journey. (Hangar Cafe) https://maps.app.goo.gl/qxGZqR181io3byRf7 (Hangar 9 Cafe) https://maps.app.goo.gl/NfCtVBvok8UW6iMW7
