16-08-2022
If you are looking to head out for a drive, the UK has a wide range of viewing spots that are easily accessible and have parking available, so you can drive to them and enjoy the sights.
Humber Bridge is located just outside of Hull, linking the city with Scunthorpe and Grimsby. The bridge spans the width of the Humber River and is just over 2km in length so can be travelled over on foot, cycle or in a motor vehicle.
You can leave your vehicle for a picnic or if you prefer, you can have a walk around Humber Bridge Country Park or even head over to the other side of the Humber using the footpaths on the Humber Bridge.
Where to park: Hessle Foreshore is the perfect viewing area for Humber Bridge as it is right on the shoreline so offers great views of the bridge.
Location: Cliff Road, Hessle, HU13 0HE.
If you want to see aeroplanes land and take off at Heathrow, you can get some spectacular views from nearby Myrtle Avenue. The road itself is a cul-de-sac but at the end there is a large, grassed area that is often home to avid plane spotters.
You have a great view of planes coming in from overhead and a view onto the runway, although it is across a dual carriage way so watching them take off might be more difficult.
Where to park: Parking on Myrtle Avenue very limited and usually take up by residents’ vehicles, so you can park on nearby Wellington Road (be considerate to residents). Alternatively, Cains Lane is just a short distance if you can’t get parked on Wellington Road.
Location: Myrtle Avenue, Feltham, TW14 9QU.
The viewing area at RAF Lakenheath offers a spectacular experience for those looking to watch military planes take off and land.
There’s plenty of space to park up safely and setup your camera if you want to get some shots of your day out.
At certain times, there is a refreshment van so you can grab some food or drink whilst you view the planes.
Where to park: There is ample parking in the viewing area, so you can park right outside the boundaries of the RAF base.
Location: Wangford Road, RAF Lakenheath, Brandon, IP27 0SJ
One of London’s greenest areas, Richmond Park offers spectacular views across the park and past the Thames.
The viewing area can be reached without an uphill walk – it is possible to park near to the viewing area.
There are plenty of benches so you can take a seat and enjoy the view. If the weather is good, why not take a picnic?!
Where to park: Pay and display parking is available on Nightingale Lane, Cardigan Road and Richmond Hill (beyond junction with Cardigan Road).
Location: Richmond Hill, Richmond, TW10
If you want a coastal view, Olivers Mount Viewing Point in Scarborough offers spectacular views out to sea and across the whole town. Olivers Mount is home to Olivers Mount race track which has regular motorcycle races.
On site, there’s Olivers on the Mount, which offers a wide range of home cooked foods, refreshing drinks and delicious cakes.
Where to park: There is ample parking available opposite Olivers on the Mount.
Location: Olivers Mount, Scarborough, YO11 2UG
Overlooking Lake Windermere, Claife Viewing Area is owned by the National Trust. On Windermere’s West Shore, Claife Viewing Area is only one of the visitor spots in the vicinity, with many people going on to visit Wray Castle and Hill Top afterward.
If you enjoy visiting historical sites, Claife Viewing Area is one that dates back 200 years so you can get an idea of how the other half lived back in the day.
Where to park: You can drive to one of the National Trust owned car parks on Windermere’s West Shore or you can park in Bowness on Windermere and hop on the ferry which takes 10 minutes. You can also bring your car over on the ferry if you don’t fancy driving round the lake.
Location: Windermere West Shore, Hawkshead, LA22 0LW