Manchester Airport Viewing Park
Not convenient for everyone but the Viewing Park makes no charge if you enter on foot (or with pushbike ??). A half hourly bus service passes through the Cargo Area which is about a five minute walk from the Viewing area.
One has to wonder who dreamt up the £ 12:00 charge given the straightened times we are told that we now live in. Perhaps they are trying deter people from visiting in cars?
Planemike
One has to wonder who dreamt up the £ 12:00 charge given the straightened times we are told that we now live in. Perhaps they are trying deter people from visiting in cars?
Planemike
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Perhaps they are trying deter people from visiting in cars?
My opening words were "not convenient for everyone" but the option to come in on foot is there.
Paying £ 12:00 for a three hour stay will beyond what many people are prepared to pay. Convenience comes at a price !!!
Planemike
Paying £ 12:00 for a three hour stay will beyond what many people are prepared to pay. Convenience comes at a price !!!
Planemike
As an aviation enthusiast and father of an 18-month-old boy, I have been to the viewing park a few times lately and here is my take on it:
1) £9 for three hours parking for a young family is NOT value for money. Granted, nobody is making us spend the money, but I do not want to deny my son the golden memories I myself have of my childhood.
2) The new system where you pay on exiting is ridiculous. It is no fun sitting in a hot car with a screaming kid queuing to get out. It is FAR too slow manually paying on exit and I've witnessed people getting irate. Either make people pay on entering again, or install pay machines. I can only imagine that such a system has been implemented to create maximum profit, i.e. herd 'em all in as fast as we can, then make 'em wait to get out.
3) Would it not be fairer to split the AVP into two, with a free park and view grassed area and burger van, like I imagine it was in the old days, and then have a mini theme-park type area with the aircraft on display, shop, Concorde tours, restuarant etc, that you pay to get into and park?
I admit, I do not know the ins and outs of the setup, who owns it or just how much work goes into it, but from a family viewpoint it does not seem very good value for money, and I imagine it must be getting expensive for the spotters as well. I'd take my lad every week if I could, but for now it's just going to be a "once in a blue moon" treat.
1) £9 for three hours parking for a young family is NOT value for money. Granted, nobody is making us spend the money, but I do not want to deny my son the golden memories I myself have of my childhood.
2) The new system where you pay on exiting is ridiculous. It is no fun sitting in a hot car with a screaming kid queuing to get out. It is FAR too slow manually paying on exit and I've witnessed people getting irate. Either make people pay on entering again, or install pay machines. I can only imagine that such a system has been implemented to create maximum profit, i.e. herd 'em all in as fast as we can, then make 'em wait to get out.
3) Would it not be fairer to split the AVP into two, with a free park and view grassed area and burger van, like I imagine it was in the old days, and then have a mini theme-park type area with the aircraft on display, shop, Concorde tours, restuarant etc, that you pay to get into and park?
I admit, I do not know the ins and outs of the setup, who owns it or just how much work goes into it, but from a family viewpoint it does not seem very good value for money, and I imagine it must be getting expensive for the spotters as well. I'd take my lad every week if I could, but for now it's just going to be a "once in a blue moon" treat.
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i was over the southside today,and looking over at the avp i have to say it looked very busy again,with the kids having gone back to school i can only think that the main attraction was the a380 plus the added fact there were two on the apron at the same time. other than that with the summer season coming to a close the airport seemed rather quite.
so i wonder in the next few months when the weather turns colder and wetter and everyone's seen the a380 umteen times and we revert back to the winter schedule will the avp reduce the price of admisson?
because i cant see many people paying £12 to watch the usual suspects at those prices.
so i wonder in the next few months when the weather turns colder and wetter and everyone's seen the a380 umteen times and we revert back to the winter schedule will the avp reduce the price of admisson?
because i cant see many people paying £12 to watch the usual suspects at those prices.
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If you want to see a great viewing platform, check out Hamburg Airport, above the departures. Outside terraces with binoculars, restaurant, shops and no entry charge.
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Not only Hamburg. Germany has some of the best facilities in Europe. It may cost a couple of quid but it's well worth it for the views. Dusseldorf has two terraces. One on the main terminal and another, with even more outstanding views, at the mainline airport railway station.
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Facilities at the AVP
I must say that the AVP @ Manchester is probably the best of its kind in the UK, though I'm open to any correction that anyone wants to make about that.
I travel over there regularly from Nottingham (great views via the Woodhead Pass and also on the run via Chesterfield/Chatsworth, NOT the horror run via the A50/M6) - if only people at EMA (ironically the same as those who run Manchester) realised that it pays to be nice to spotters, not harass them or make them risk life & limb around the site?
What I'd like to see improved at the AVP, from entrance to exit:
improved access, and a clearer notice advising people what it costs to come in by car, so they can opt out more easily if not prepared to pay
tarmac on the parking area (pigs might fly first)
relocation of the mound nearest the screened-off area (which must have been built before the screens were erected there?) or construction of a new mound (preferably at a greater height than the existing ones, to take the fence out of the picture in photos?) which takes into account the needs of dedicated spotters
some kind of fencing/shelter on the mound(s) to protect from the prevailing winds, if H&S legislation/costs allow
clean toilets with an extract fan - those in the visitor centre are fine, but their use by spotters is often discouraged by the staff, in my experience
a bit more space in the shop - wonderful stock, but too much of it in the middle of the floor!
also in the shop - put the radar display where people can at least admire it, not many of us can afford to purchase it (though I'm crazy enough to be working on that)?
on busy days, more staff to assist with egress/exit from the car park, I agree with the gentleman who made the point about it taking too long - maybe even have a car park pay prior to exit machine as many car parks do?
Yes, all of the above cost money - but looking at the numbers that have turned up on recent holiday days, is the VP not making any? It'd be terrible to lose the facility, or see it deteriorate, and if there's anything I can do to prevent that....?
Further thoughts on any aspect of the above, or additions to it, are more than welcome,
Happy Viewing!
Mark
I travel over there regularly from Nottingham (great views via the Woodhead Pass and also on the run via Chesterfield/Chatsworth, NOT the horror run via the A50/M6) - if only people at EMA (ironically the same as those who run Manchester) realised that it pays to be nice to spotters, not harass them or make them risk life & limb around the site?
What I'd like to see improved at the AVP, from entrance to exit:
improved access, and a clearer notice advising people what it costs to come in by car, so they can opt out more easily if not prepared to pay
tarmac on the parking area (pigs might fly first)
relocation of the mound nearest the screened-off area (which must have been built before the screens were erected there?) or construction of a new mound (preferably at a greater height than the existing ones, to take the fence out of the picture in photos?) which takes into account the needs of dedicated spotters
some kind of fencing/shelter on the mound(s) to protect from the prevailing winds, if H&S legislation/costs allow
clean toilets with an extract fan - those in the visitor centre are fine, but their use by spotters is often discouraged by the staff, in my experience
a bit more space in the shop - wonderful stock, but too much of it in the middle of the floor!
also in the shop - put the radar display where people can at least admire it, not many of us can afford to purchase it (though I'm crazy enough to be working on that)?
on busy days, more staff to assist with egress/exit from the car park, I agree with the gentleman who made the point about it taking too long - maybe even have a car park pay prior to exit machine as many car parks do?
Yes, all of the above cost money - but looking at the numbers that have turned up on recent holiday days, is the VP not making any? It'd be terrible to lose the facility, or see it deteriorate, and if there's anything I can do to prevent that....?
Further thoughts on any aspect of the above, or additions to it, are more than welcome,
Happy Viewing!
Mark
improved access, and a clearer notice advising people what it costs to come in by car, so they can opt out more easily if not prepared to pay
Anyone want to post a photo of the sign so we can all see how stealth charging works?
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Great post! Ye s its ok to shelter a metal Concorde but how about the mere mortals who may want to look longingly through the fancy windows but then turn their attention to the real aircraft landing, taking off and such like? Watching Etihad, Singapore & Co depart at 9 am and then waiting for the airbus at 12.25, shivering even when wrapped up warm is taking the fun bit to extremes. But no matter we plod on, occasionally! Just glad we dont have to pay, being pedestrians
No warm car to sit in mind.
No warm car to sit in mind.
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Rvp cover
Providing cover for visitors has been raised many times and hopefully the new management at the RVP will act and find funding for it,
You can sit in the takeaway (as long as you make the odd purchase) and I am told Ringways are going all costa coffee style with leather settees at the windows
Also the feared renewal of the 8 foot fence for a 12ft Dft standard one is not happening in the near future, so the mounds are still high enough to take photos
Lastly TAS are holding their aviation fair on the 9th & 10th of July this year
TAS Fair
You can sit in the takeaway (as long as you make the odd purchase) and I am told Ringways are going all costa coffee style with leather settees at the windows
Also the feared renewal of the 8 foot fence for a 12ft Dft standard one is not happening in the near future, so the mounds are still high enough to take photos
Lastly TAS are holding their aviation fair on the 9th & 10th of July this year
TAS Fair
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I went to the Manchester airport viewing park on a University trip last week and i thought it was great. I go to LHR quite a lot and you do get good pictures I think manchester is great for spotters. I really enjoyed seeing different planes instead of the normal BA, Virgin and BMI.
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Visited for the first time at the weekend. I agree that it isn't cheap but by far the best facilities in the UK. I wish they would do something like it at one of the Scottish airports.
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Well I visited the MAN AVP for the for the first time in about 5 years, as a mate of mine was down there late on a Sunday evening a couple of weeks ago. Anyhow, we were the last two to leave at 8pm I think, and unfortunately I'd forgotten to bring some cash. I assumed that like most places they'd take card, or at least have a cash machine. Failing that, my friend would bail me out. Anyway, it cost him £12 to get out and when I drove up the barrier, the "friendly" man told me it was £6 (I was there for an hour and 12 minutes), and it got quite nasty. My friend came over and we were being as polite as possible, explained we didn't have enough cash, to which I was told, the cash machine is locked up and we don't take card! So I said to the man, what do you want me to do? We ended up in a heated debate, well I should say, he explained the trouble he would get into for waivering the £6 charge, so apparently I've been reported to the police! He took my registration and my details 
lol. It wasn't as if I didn't want to pay, or tried to cheat the barrier, I even offered the £3 we could muster up as a good will gesture. He was having none of it! I fully understand I was in the wrong for not having change, but the whole affair took around 20 minutes for him to press the 'raise barrier' button on his computer. Left a very sour taste in my mouth! Next time I go, I'll park at the pub next door and walk in. That's if I've not been sent to prison in the meantime.
lol. It wasn't as if I didn't want to pay, or tried to cheat the barrier, I even offered the £3 we could muster up as a good will gesture. He was having none of it! I fully understand I was in the wrong for not having change, but the whole affair took around 20 minutes for him to press the 'raise barrier' button on his computer. Left a very sour taste in my mouth! Next time I go, I'll park at the pub next door and walk in. That's if I've not been sent to prison in the meantime.
I think they've dropped a boll*ck from a public relations viewpoint with the new system, but they are probably raking it in financially. The last couple of times I've been I've found myself clock watching and wondering what they are going to charge me if I'm a couple of minutes over. I'd take the family more often if it were cheaper/fairer.
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I am thinking of visiting the AVP and will be flying up from LHR; how do I get from the terminal to the AVP? I presumme its not walking distance; is there an airport shuttle bus? Any advice appreciated.
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LAS 1997
Yes, there is a bus. From the Terminal, follow signs for the bus and railway stations. Downstairs in the bus station, look for number 200. I think it goes from stand H or K or somewhere thereabouts. The 200 goes one way to a town called Wilmslow, but you want it going the other way; the AVP is the last stop.
It goes hourly from the airport at 16 mins past, and comes back at 25 mins past. The journey is 8 minutes. Not sure how much the fare is. Maybe a local can advise??? If you just miss the bus, you can walk it in about 25 mins - see route on bus map & timetable here:
http://www.tfgm.com/upload/routemaps/200_0310.pdf
Yes, there is a bus. From the Terminal, follow signs for the bus and railway stations. Downstairs in the bus station, look for number 200. I think it goes from stand H or K or somewhere thereabouts. The 200 goes one way to a town called Wilmslow, but you want it going the other way; the AVP is the last stop.
It goes hourly from the airport at 16 mins past, and comes back at 25 mins past. The journey is 8 minutes. Not sure how much the fare is. Maybe a local can advise??? If you just miss the bus, you can walk it in about 25 mins - see route on bus map & timetable here:
http://www.tfgm.com/upload/routemaps/200_0310.pdf