RAF Coningsby

If you’ve ever wanted to feel your insides rearranged by sheer jet power while holding a slightly greasy cheeseburger, RAF Conningsby is *the* place to be. The home of the mighty Typhoons, it’s a paradise for aviation fans, engine lovers, and anyone who enjoys the smell of aviation fuel with a side of ketchup. There’s ample parking, which is handy because you’ll likely be there a while. A friendly burger van awaits — cash only, because apparently contactless payments haven’t made it through the sound barrier yet. Luckily, an ice cream van rolled in to save the day, because nothing complements a deafening afterburner like a 99 flake trembling in your hand. After a bit of jet-spotting, I wandered to one of the gate viewing areas (don’t ask me which — they all have numbers and I was too busy gawping at planes). From there, I got an incredible close-up view of the Typhoons taxiing down the runway before taking off. One pilot clearly wanted to show off — rocketed upwards almost vertically with burners blazing like something out of Top Gun. Goosebumps. And possibly mild hearing loss. Top tip: bring snacks, patience, and a flight-tracking app. Otherwise, you’ll be sat there all day thinking the RAF’s gone on strike. But when they finally launch — oh boy, it’s worth every minute. In short: five stars. A brilliant day out, part airshow, part adrenaline therapy session. Bring earplugs, a camera, and your inner child. You’ll leave with a grin, a ringing in your ears, and a newfound respect for anything that can fly straight up like a homesick angel.

Great active air base with good spotters car partners the end of runway. Gets very busy at times but excellent place to see the typhoons flying. The Battle of Britain memorial flight is based here with a museum.

best RAF base by far, You have Typhoon display team and the BBMF. Pilots always wave and sometimes if your lucky come to the fence. With 5 squadrons based there your garenteed to see activity.

I've not yet visited, but after reading Dawn Cornish's review I felt compelled to comment. As a former RAF family you should ignore any unqualified local bigots. You had every right to stay as you did. Plus thanks to Mr. Cornish for his service. This would not happen in the USA where the vast majority of people have respect for ex-Service personnel.

"No Overnighting" signs should be put up here. We stayed in our campervan. Used the bins, didn't urinate as I saw some cars do. We use our own toilet. Woken in middle of night to a display of door banging at one thirty in morning by people entering car park. Plenty of space in car park and front row seats to watch but elderley lady decided to park next to us and speak loudly. We were just getting up at nine after a long drive down. Then we were approached. She made it clear locals do not want us staying here, kept telling us to get a campsite. Felt very intimidated by her.Didnt know how to take her one minute nice then very authoritarian. After she left I burst into tears and wanted to go. My husband was in the RAF 16, 26 regiment and QCS. Felt so sorry for him he had been looking forward to coming and seeing the planes our first time here. But unlike Lossiemouth where the locals are very friendly and welcoming. The shops , cafes , takeaways we frequent alot and are making friends up there. Coningsby doesn't seem to want the same happy vibe. I suggested an honesty box / Campra to give to the community and paying to which I got snapped at. Simply not welcome here . We moved for our safety and spent money in a different area. Sad day. However you made us proud Typhoons and Lancaster , excellent 👏 BBMF

This is an amazing place for any aviation enthusiast. A great variety of aircraft fly here, including the BBMF (Battle of Britain Memorial Flight). The typhoons are incredible and make for cracking photos.

Aviation buffs will love this place. (yes Im one) You cant walk around the base obviously but the Battle of Memorial Flight is housed here just on the perimeter fence line and an escorted visit is available, adult entry is about a £10 as of 2023..Toilets and drinks machine here. Wheelchairs available too. Park on the spotters arera 200 yrds further on and watch the TYPHOON activity...very noisy and very exciting. Thes often a burger van her, but food and drink is available in Coningsby village 10 minutes away. the BBMF aircraft often park outside just yads from the fence line and frequently fly during the week..Saw then flying Wednesday AND thursday this week!

Nothing better than sitting on the spotters car park watching the typhoons