Going a little bit further, this page covers destinations which are 1 to 1.5 hours one-way, typically 100 to 150 nm in each direction. These distances can take us to all points of the compass, including God’s own country of Yorkshire.
To the south….
Sandown on the Isle of Wight is a great destination. The easiest route is via the Southend overhead towards the south coast, skirting the Gatwick CAS (see the notes about Goodwood and Shoreham) and then westbound, either inland or along the coast. You will pass Shoreham and Goodwood on the way. If you have time, detour to the west for spectacular views of the Needles. Hang around the airfield or take a bus into town where there are plenty of restaurants, ice cream parlours and a pier. There is also a zoo for those interested in that kind of thing. The runway is grass, can be soft in places (check the website for status, or phone and they will advise) and is a bit undulating.
Lee on Solent is another good destination. The airfield is close to both Southampton CAS and Fleetlands military airfield. Just plan your altitudes and familiarize with the circuit join before going – there is information on the website. The beach, cafes and restaurants are a short walk from the perimeter fence. There is a hovercraft museum, open on Saturdays.
And of course going across the Channel we can reach Le Touquet – see the international section.
Yorkshire
These four airfields could even be done in a single day.
The most easterly is Beverley, home of Hull Aero Club, a busy grass field with a small cafe and always a warm welcome. You’ll probably route near the Humber Bridge, and talk to Humberside Radar en route.
Slightly further west are neighbours Leeds East (formerly RAF Church Fenton) and Sherburn. Leeds East has massive runways. Check the joining procedures before setting out. There is now a cafe, the Fenton Feeder. Airfield owner and entrepreneur Chris Makin makes his money supplying strawberries to two major supermarkets. He has established Makin Air – you can charter their Pilatus PC-12 if you want! Sherburn has multiple grass and tarmac runways and is a busy training airfield. Digby’s restaurant is well known in the area and does superb Sunday lunches. Both airfields have fuel but only Sherburn offers UL91. The Avgas at Leeds East was some of the cheapest in the country when I visited.
Huddersfield Crosland Moor is up in the Pennines, and at 825 ft amsl, is the highest airfield in the UK. Facilities are limited to self service tea and coffee but that’s not why we go there. It has an interesting approach over a valley, onto a part tarmac, part grass runway. 23 has a pronounced 2.6% upslope – so be ready for that! The airfield was was established by the David Brown Engineering Works, who were based nearby. Never heard of David Brown He is the DB of Aston Martin DB….
The Midlands
Tatenhill
Gamston
Netherthorpe
To the west
Kemble
Gloucester – as the crow flies less than 100 nm but…..
Shobdon
Compton Abbas