Park and View at Totterdown Hill is a legendary spot for spotting aircraft during the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT). While it’s technically outside the showground, it offers some of the best unobstructed views of the runway and taxiways, and it’s a favourite for hardcore aviation photographers, spotters, and enthusiasts.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect and how to make the most of your visit to Park and View Totterdown Hill during RIAT.

 

WHAT IS “PARK AND VIEW” AT TOTTERDOWN?

Totterdown Hill lies to the southwest of RAF Fairford, on a slight rise overlooking the main runway (27/09). It's privately owned farmland, which allows access during RIAT week in exchange for a small entry/parking fee.

Totterdown is not operated by the official RIAT organizers, but it’s a hotspot for photographers looking for:

• Arrivals and departures views

• Taxiway and line up shots

• Golden hour and backlit silhouettes

• Runway threshold action with great angles

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​ACCESS, FEES & PARKING

When Usually open from the Wednesday of RIAT week (Arrivals) through to Monday after the show (Departures)

Parking Fee £15-£20 per car per day (cash preferred, varies yearly)

No Advance Booking First-come, first-served

Gates Open Approx. 7:00 AM, earlier on peak days

Toilets on-site

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WHAT YOU CAN SEE

Arrivals (Wednesday-Friday)

• Aircraft fly in from both directions, but Runway 27 is most common.

• Aircraft often break to land right in front of Totterdown, with vapours and full wing banking.

• Some aircraft do multiple practice passes.

Display Rehearsals (Wed–Fri)

• Teams like the Red Arrows, Frecce Tricolori, and demo jets do full display runs.

• Perfect chance to capture formation flypasts from an off-centre perspective.

Show Days (Sat–Sun)

• You’ll hear the action and see most take offs and landings, but no close-up static park access.

• Great for arrival rolls, vertical climbs, gear retraction.

Departures Day (Monday)

• One of the most exciting Totterdown days.

• Non-stop stream of departing aircraft, many using full afterburners.

• Best spot for heat distortion, wave-offs, wing dips, and rare angles.

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Subject                                       Notes

Take offs                                     Aircraft often rotate right in front of you (esp. Runway 27)

Landing approaches             Some break turn patterns come directly overhead

Taxiway views                          Through binoculars or long lenses, great for line up shots

Golden hour                               Excellent side lighting in early morning and sunset

Long lens                                    Use a range from 300mm–600mm for best runway and in-air shots

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HOW TO GET THERE

SatNav: GL7 4DG (Townsend Farm area)
Look for signs on Whelford Road just before the village of Totterdown. Access routes vary year to year, but locals are helpful.