I believe that the use of RAF Fairford as a landing-ground for the Space Shuttle only relates to an abort during its launch from Florida. Moron in Spain, somewhere in Morocco (can't remember name just now) and Ascension island are also 'used'/available. They are known as TLAs - Trans-Atlantic Launch Aborts
All the launches from Florida climb rapidly to the north-east, heading towards Europe.
I seem to remember that there are three different launch profiles, depending upon their planned orbit -
28 degree orbit - TLAs Ascension and Morocco
38 degree orbit - TLAs Morocco and Moron
51 degree orbit - TLAs Moron and Fairford
If there was a reason to abort the launch after lift-off they would head for the most suitable place, and they wouldn't be too bothered about ATC comms, they would be rather busy!
For what its worth, the '51 degree' orbit is the one that goes to the ISS, and 18-20 minutes after launch the Shuttle and main-tank overfly the southern UK and much of Europe, and with a clear sky are very visible. With a little bit of preparation you can also hear them (briefly) on the UHF radio in your aircraft.