Lakenheath spotters carpark

[jimbo]

Is the parking area a public space? If it is then everyone has the right to be there. Heck even I’ve been before a business meeting in mildenhall.

[slogen51]

You have been to Lakenheath.

FC has over twenty thousand members according to the page footer - I wonder how many have been to Lakenheath. I assumed everyone but now I am not so sure?

It would be interesting to have a survey of members interests - spotting , photos , industry, ex service , history etc

[Blackcat1]

Been visiting LN since the mid 80s ,nice & quiet then. Visited 3 times a year with my Uncle until 2011 then he passed away so I lost my wingman so haven't been up since.

[slogen51]

That is a lovely story

That is what it is all about - making memories

[tm74sqn]

Been to Lakenheath since the mid-1950s, but not too often and not at all in 2020 . . . hope that I can visit at least once this year - if it's not too crowded!

[Blackcat1]

That is a lovely story

That is what it is all about - making memories

Thank you mate

[supakva100]

Morning.
I've not been to Lakenheath since the F16s were there before lock-down.
If the spotters car park is full are you still allowed to park on the verges leading up to it.
Never had any problems when parked there before, often the police would come over and chat.
Dont want to risk a long drive and have parking problems.

Thanks.

[pg1610]

Morning.
I've not been to Lakenheath since the F16s were there before lock-down.
If the spotters car park is full are you still allowed to park on the verges leading up to it.
Never had any problems when parked there before, often the police would come over and chat.
Dont want to risk a long drive and have parking problems.

Thanks.

There was no issue I could see a week or so back when the USMC F35s departed to the carrier, parking on both sides of the verge , and in forest entrance (although it was a Sunday)

[DTyphoon29]

Thanks for the update, I've been wondering what the situation was like at the viewing area too.

[supakva100]

Thanks for the update.
Ill book a day of work and have a ride over again.

[Tiger 1]

Been going to Lakenheath since 1986.

Great memories of F111s and all the visitors LN use to get dropping in like CR... BT...F15s various other aircraft and of course the classic Xcalibur Exercise.

I would have liked to have been there to see the F100s and F4s... tm74sqn... you must g have seen some things in your time and a photo album full of gems no doubt.

Great place to be watching the F15s and the time is near to once again welcome another new jet to the Station the F35.

Long may it continue.

T1

[Apache123]

First went to mildenhall and Lakenheath in 87 and frequently been ever since for the sandpit switch rounds, delivery's of Saudis etc. Early 90s from both mildenhall spotters car parks were epic for variety

[SCruttonStreet]

Been going since the mid 1970s. The Phantoms were residents then (as they were at Woodbridge and Alconbury). Remember a couple of deployments - F100s and F105s I think. Visitors (there seemed to be a lot more in those days) were F4s from Soesterburg, Bitburg, Ramstein and Spangdahlem, while there were also a fair few Dutch and German Starfighters passing through.

And no viewing area, but it was never a problem just to park up at the side of the main road and get out to read off the numbers. No screens to stop you then.

Happy days.

[Northsky]

My first proper Military Open Day 1970 by coach from London many F-100 and 1st viewing of RAF Buccaneers.

[slogen51]

Was that the National Coach from Victoria? That was how I first made the trip to Mildenhall/Lakenheath

No shelters to get in the way in the mid 70s

[plmc135]

Also no viewing area at Lakenheath in those days, I wish people would call it by its designated name. First visit in 09/69 and the biggest problem with F100's was the style of presentation of the serial. 6,8 and 9 were easy to confuse.

Camped the night near the 11 runway end and was rudely awakened by a C-133 departing; what a way to start the day.

[Northsky]

The trip to the 1970 open day was arranged by a spotter who worked for BEA/ We also visited Alconbury Denham Mildenhall and Wethersfield.

[R1nger]

F-100's were a sod to read off, small black numbers on a drab camo background like army serials. As said above 6, 8, 9 and sometimes 0 could easily be confused.
A list of based aircraft didn't really help as visitors could come from Wethersfield or Torrejon and all looked similar.
Happy days in late 60's and early 70's, then came the Phantom!

[Nighthawke]

I have received the following from Suffolk County Council which should clarify the situation regarding parking on the verge on the road running down to the Viewing Area car park.

[paddyboy]

Seems pretty much black & white to me, Ian