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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch heavy departures

Runway Visitor Park Manchester Airport
Best Time
Catch heavy departures

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

🚗 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:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Children's Playground
Within the park
A fun and engaging play area to keep younger visitors entertained while waiting for flights.

Static Aircraft Displays
Within the park
Explore various aircraft up close, offering a unique perspective on aviation history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking and Entry Fees
Best Viewing Spots & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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:
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
Kids love the playground and climbing into static aircraft. Pack a picnic! :child: :picnic_sun:
🧥 Weather Preparedness
It can get breezy! Bring layers, especially if you plan to picnic. :windblowingface:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 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:
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
Kids love the playground and climbing into static aircraft. Pack a picnic! :child: :picnic_sun:
🧥 Weather Preparedness
It can get breezy! Bring layers, especially if you plan to picnic. :windblowingface:
🛍️ Aviation Souvenirs
The aviation shop is well-stocked but can be pricey. Great for unique gifts! :gift:
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Runway Visitor Park is located on Sunbank Lane, Altrincham, WA15 8XQ. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transport options might require a combination of bus and a walk, so driving is often recommended for convenience.
While direct public transport might be limited, some visitors have mentioned walking from nearby areas. It's advisable to check local bus routes and consider ride-sharing services if you're not driving.
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. Some reviews mention the car park attendant could improve customer service.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Runway Visitor Park itself is free! You only pay for parking and any additional activities or tours you choose.
A guided tour inside the Concorde typically costs around £6 per person. More extensive tours might be available at a higher price.
Yes, guided tours are available for other aircraft like the DC10, which often cover the history of the airport and aviation careers. These tours provide in-depth insights for aviation enthusiasts.
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.
Absolutely! The main attraction, watching planes take off and land from the viewing area, is free. The playground is also free to use.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of static aircraft, including the iconic Concorde, a DC10, and other types. The park often features around 4 complete aircraft for viewing.
Early mornings are ideal for spotting heavy long-haul departures. The park's raised viewing area offers excellent visibility of planes on both runways.
Yes, there is a cafe on-site offering food and drinks. Some visitors have noted that the ice cream quality wasn't the best and it melted quickly. You can also bring your own picnic.
Children will enjoy the playground, and there are often fairground rides available (though these may be seasonal). They can also explore the static aircraft.
The park sometimes hosts special events, such as open days for the Fire and Rescue Service, offering unique insights and activities. Keep an eye on their website for announcements.
📸 📸 Photography
The raised viewing area provides excellent vantage points for capturing planes as they take off and land. The static aircraft also make for great photo opportunities.
Yes, you can get quite close to the Concorde for photography, both externally and during tours.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Concorde
Learning about the Concorde's operational past and its significance in air travel is a key part of the experience. The park ensures that this piece of aviation heritage is accessible to the public, making it a memorable part of any visit.
Plane Spotting at its Finest
For the best experience, arriving early in the morning is recommended to witness the departure of heavier, long-haul flights. The park's staff often provide commentary, detailing arrivals and departures, adding an educational layer to the viewing. It's a fantastic opportunity to see a wide range of aircraft types, from commercial airliners to potentially cargo planes.
Family-Friendly Amenities
Picnicking is a popular activity, with ample seating areas available. 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. Some visitors have noted seasonal fairground rides, adding another layer of entertainment.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit