Here’s a detailed guide to the official “Park and View” (P&V) areas at RIAT (Royal International Air Tattoo), a must-know for first-timers and a helpful refresh for regulars. These areas are run by RIAT themselves, offering unique photo opportunities and close-up views of all the action, especially during arrivals, rehearsals, and departures.

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As there are no suitable parking facilities on the public highways and pedestrian walkways surrounding RAF Fairford, the Park & View enclosures are provided for your safety and convenience.

In-advance tickets for Wednesday, Thursday and Monday are now available to book online however they sell out quick so I would advise to purchase them as soon as tickets are released , but there will be more tickets available on the gate on a first come, first served basis. 

(PERSONALLY I HAVE NEVER SEEN THEM SELL OUT ON THE GATE) 

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Park & View ticket includes

• Parking for ticket holders (opens at 6.00am)

• Toilets

• Disabled Parking (limited)

• Pay catering

• A stepladder enclosure within Park and View East

 

​​RIAT Official Park and View Guide (Totally In the Showground!)

There are two main Park and View locations:​

 1. P&V EAST

 Location: Eastern end of the airfield (Runway 27 threshold)
Best for: Landings on 27, aircraft taxiing out.​​

 2. P&V WEST

 Location: Western end of the airfield (Runway 09 threshold)
Best for: Take offs from 27, departures day, and most high-powered launches​​​

 Arrivals & Rehearsal-validations (Wednesday–Thursday )

• Teams like the Red Arrows, Frecce Tricolori, and demo jets do who do full displays 

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

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 Show Days (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)

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• Park and View on show days are closed, as the showground is open to the general public.

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 Departures Day (Monday)

• One of the most exciting days. as we see al aircraft take off and some in rare formations. (great day for photographers) 

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

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

As Monday is a popular day for enthusiasts, I have created a page dedicated to Departure day, hopefully this will help you out on the day.  

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