Visitors Centre Manchester Airport

The visitors centre at Manchester Airport — officially called the Runway Visitor Park (RVP) — is one of the most popular aviation attractions in the North West of England. Located directly beside the airport's active runways on Sunbank Lane in Altrincham, the park offers an unrivalled opportunity to watch commercial aircraft take off and land from just metres away. Entry to the park is completely free, though car parking charges apply. Whether you are an aviation enthusiast, a family looking for a great day out, or a photographer hoping to capture stunning aircraft shots, this guide covers everything you need to plan your visit.

Where Is the Visitors Centre at Manchester Airport?

The Runway Visitor Park is located approximately 3 miles from Manchester Airport's main passenger terminals, on Sunbank Lane near the village of Styal. The postal address is Sunbank Lane, Altrincham, WA15 8XQ. Despite its Altrincham postal address, the park sits right on the airport perimeter — directly adjacent to Runway 1 (05L/23R). This means you are genuinely just a few metres from the taxiway and runway threshold, giving you one of the closest public views of active runway operations anywhere in the UK.

It is important to understand that the Runway Visitor Park is not inside the airport terminal complex and is not accessible by walking from the terminals. It is a separate attraction located off the public road network, accessed from Junction 6 of the M56 motorway. For directions, see the how to get there section below.

What Is at the Manchester Airport Visitors Centre?

The Runway Visitor Park covers over 9,000 square metres of outdoor space and includes raised viewing platforms, five retired aircraft, a café, an aviation shop, a children's play area, and a Fly 360 full-motion flight simulator. Live weekend commentary from the park's viewing tower adds to the experience, with staff identifying each arriving and departing aircraft, its airline, origin, and destination. Here is a closer look at everything the park offers.

Aircraft on Display

The centrepiece of the visitors centre is the collection of five retired aircraft, each with its own story and significance in aviation history.

• Concorde G-BOAC ("Alpha Charlie"): The flagship of the British Airways Concorde fleet, delivered in 1976. This iconic supersonic airliner carried royals, celebrities, and dignitaries during its 27 years of commercial service before retirement in 2003. Concorde G-BOAC made its final flight to Manchester Airport in October 2003 and is now housed in a purpose-built hangar at the Runway Visitor Park. Access is by guided tour only.
• RAF Nimrod MR2 XV231: A former Royal Air Force maritime reconnaissance and search-and-rescue aircraft that saw active service in the Falklands, Afghanistan, and Iraq. The Nimrod arrived at the park in April 2010 after retirement from military duty. Guided tours are available on selected days.
• Hawker Siddeley Trident 3B (G-AWZK): A 1960s-era medium-range jet airliner operated by British European Airways (BEA). With over 23,000 flying hours logged, the Trident was the first aircraft to make a fully automated approach and landing. The restored interior gives visitors a glimpse of what air travel looked like in a bygone era. Open daily for self-guided access.
• Monarch Airlines DC-10 (Forward Section): The preserved nose section of a former Monarch Airlines DC-10 wide-body jet, converted into a multi-purpose education and conference facility. It seats up to 40 people and retains an authentic on-board atmosphere.
• Avro RJX: The last aircraft to be fully manufactured in the United Kingdom. The Avro RJX is lovingly maintained by the Runway Visitor Park's volunteer engineering team and is open to the public daily.

Viewing Platforms & Plane Spotting

The Runway Visitor Park's raised viewing platforms are the main attraction for many visitors. Positioned directly beside the airport's main taxiway, you can stand just metres from aircraft as they taxi, take off, and land. The variety of aircraft visible on any given day is impressive — from narrow-body Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s to wide-body Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Airbus A330s, Boeing 777s, and even the double-decker Airbus A380 operated by Emirates. At weekends, live commentary from the control tower identifies each aircraft and its route, adding an educational dimension to the experience.

Concorde Tours

The Concorde experience is the highlight of any visit to the Manchester Airport visitors centre. Three tour tiers are available, all of which must be booked in advance through the official Runway Visitor Park website. Walk-up availability is extremely limited, especially at weekends.

• Classic Concorde Tour (£15 per person): A guided tour of the cabin, the opportunity to walk under the wings, and a demonstration of Concorde's famous drooping nose mechanism. This is the most popular tour and provides an excellent overview of the aircraft's history and engineering.
• Technical Concorde Tour (£24 per person): Everything in the Classic tour, plus extended time on the flight deck and a more in-depth guided tour beneath the aircraft, focusing on the groundbreaking engineering that made supersonic passenger flight possible.
• VIP Platinum Concorde Tour (£35 per person): The ultimate Concorde experience. Includes all elements of the Technical tour, plus a celebratory glass of champagne (or orange juice), ample photography opportunities, and extra time with your guide for questions and stories. This tour is particularly popular as a gift experience.

Concorde tours do not run daily, so always check availability on the official booking page before visiting. Private group tours for 20 or more people are also available at a discounted rate.

Fly 360 Flight Simulator

The Fly 360 is a full-motion flight simulator that puts you in control of a fighter plane. The simulator offers complete 360-degree rotation, allowing you to experience aerobatic manoeuvres including loop-the-loops. It is suitable for older children and adults, with a height restriction of 1.2 metres. Sessions are bookable on arrival at the park and are a favourite among thrill-seekers and aviation fans alike.

Family Facilities

The Runway Visitor Park is an excellent destination for families with children. In addition to the aircraft and viewing platforms, the park has a dedicated children's play area, a picnic area with tables, and the RVP Café serving hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, and snacks. During school holidays, the park runs its Flight Academy programme for children aged 4–12, where youngsters learn about the different roles at an airport, sit in a real cockpit, and visit the viewing deck to watch live operations. Flight Academy sessions cost £12 for one adult and one child.

RVP Café & Aviation Shop

The on-site café offers a range of hot and cold food and beverages, with both indoor seating and a click-and-collect service. The Aviation Shop stocks a wide selection of aircraft models, books, souvenirs, and gifts suitable for casual visitors through to serious aviation enthusiasts. Both the café and shop have their own opening hours, which generally run from 9am and close one hour before the main park.

Opening Times & Seasonal Hours

The Runway Visitor Park is open every day of the year, though opening hours vary by season. The main park always opens at 8am. Closing times are as follows:

• November – February: Main park closes at 4pm. Café open 8am–3:30pm. Reception and shop open 9am–3pm.
• March & October: Main park closes at 5pm. Café open 8am–4:30pm. Reception and shop open 9am–4pm.
• April & September: Main park closes at 6pm. Café open 8am–5:30pm. Reception and shop open 9am–5pm.
• May: Main park closes at 7pm. Café open 8am–6pm. Reception and shop open 9am–6pm.
• June – August: Main park closes at 8pm. Café open 8am–6pm. Reception and shop open 9am–6pm.

The park is occasionally closed for operational reasons, so it is worth checking the official Runway Visitor Park website or their social media channels before setting off. The Concorde hangar walkthrough closes at the same time as reception, and private events may also affect visiting hours.

Prices & Admission

Entry to the Runway Visitor Park is completely free. The only cost for a standard visit is the car parking charge, which is payable by debit or credit card only (no cash accepted). Apple Pay and Android Pay are also accepted. The parking charges are:

• Up to 2 hours: £6
• 2–4 hours: £12
• Over 4 hours: £15
• Coach parking: £15 (flat rate)

Visitors who arrive on foot, by bicycle, or by public transport enter entirely free of charge — no parking fee applies. If you visit frequently, ask at reception about the Multi-Entry Pass, which can reduce your parking cost to as little as £2 per visit. Parking is also free for conference delegates and those attending official park events.

How to Get to the Manchester Airport Visitors Centre

By Car (Recommended)

The Runway Visitor Park is most easily reached by car. From the M56 motorway, leave at Junction 6 and follow the A538 towards Wilmslow. After approximately 500 metres, take a left turn down Sunbank Lane (opposite the DHL depot). At the T-junction, turn right onto Wilmslow Old Road and follow the road for about half a mile to the Runway Visitor Park entrance gates. The Sat Nav postcode is WA15 8XQ. Look for the brown tourism sign marked "Concorde & Viewing Park" near The Romper pub.

By Train & Tram

Manchester Airport railway station is the nearest rail station, approximately 3 miles from the park. The station is served by Northern Trains, TransPennine Express, and Transport for Wales. The nearest Metrolink tram stop is Shadowmoss, roughly 1.5 miles from the park. There is no direct bus service to the Runway Visitor Park. From the station, you would need to take a taxi or walk (approximately 45–50 minutes on foot). For details on rail services, see our trains to Manchester Airport guide.

By Foot or Bicycle

If you walk or cycle to the Runway Visitor Park, entry and parking are completely free. The park is accessible via Wilmslow Old Road and Sunbank Lane. Bicycle racks are available on site. Note that motorbikes are not classed as bicycles and are subject to the standard parking charges.

Accessibility at the Visitors Centre

The Runway Visitor Park is largely an outdoor attraction on open ground. The main viewing platforms include ramped access for wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility. The Concorde hangar, café, and Aviation Shop are accessible at ground level. However, some areas of the park — particularly in wet weather — can have uneven ground, so visitors with mobility difficulties should take care. Guide and assistance dogs are welcome throughout the park; other dogs are not permitted due to the proximity of the active runways. Payment machines for parking are positioned at a height accessible to wheelchair users, with adequate turning space in front.

Venue Hire & Conference Facilities

The Runway Visitor Park is also home to the Concorde Conference Centre, which offers unique event and meeting spaces directly beneath the wing of Concorde. The converted DC-10 forward section provides an additional conference breakout room seating up to 40 people. The facilities are popular for corporate events, team-building days, private parties, and educational visits. For conference and event enquiries, contact [email protected].

Education & School Visits

The park's Education Centre offers a range of STEM-focused programmes for primary and secondary school groups. Educational visits can include guided aircraft tours, airport operations workshops, and sessions inside the DC-10 Education Centre. School groups benefit from discounted rates and dedicated parking. Teachers and group organisers can submit an enquiry through the official educational enquiry form on the Runway Visitor Park website.

Nearby Attractions & Combining Your Visit

The visitors centre at Manchester Airport pairs well with other nearby attractions. The village of Styal, home to the National Trust's Quarry Bank Mill, is less than 2 miles away and makes an excellent half-day addition. Families may also enjoy a visit to the Trafford Centre or the Etihad Stadium. If you are spending time at Manchester Airport itself, our guides to terminal facilities, airport lounges, and airport parking will help you make the most of your day.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Manchester Airport Visitors Centre

Is the Visitors Centre at Manchester Airport free?

Yes, entry to the Runway Visitor Park is completely free. The only standard charge is for car parking: £6 for up to 2 hours, £12 for 2–4 hours, and £15 for over 4 hours. If you arrive on foot, by bicycle, or by public transport, there is no charge at all. Concorde tours and the Fly 360 simulator are optional extras with separate charges.

What are the opening times of the Manchester Airport Visitors Centre?

The park opens at 8am every day. Closing times vary by season, ranging from 4pm in winter (November–February) to 8pm in summer (June–August). The café, reception, and shop have slightly shorter hours. Always check the official website before your visit, as the park occasionally closes for operational reasons.

How do I get to the Visitors Centre at Manchester Airport?

By car, leave the M56 at Junction 6, follow the A538 towards Wilmslow, turn left onto Sunbank Lane (opposite DHL), then right onto Wilmslow Old Road. The postcode is WA15 8XQ. The park is about 3 miles from the airport terminals. There is no direct bus service, so driving is recommended.

Can you tour Concorde at Manchester Airport?

Yes, guided Concorde tours are available in three tiers: Classic (£15), Technical (£24), and VIP Platinum (£35). All tours must be booked in advance via the Runway Visitor Park website. Tours do not run daily, so check availability before your visit. Walk-up access is extremely limited.

What aircraft can you see at the Manchester Airport Visitors Centre?

Five retired aircraft are on permanent display: Concorde G-BOAC, RAF Nimrod MR2, Hawker Siddeley Trident 3B, a Monarch Airlines DC-10 (forward section), and an Avro RJX. From the viewing platforms, you can also watch live aircraft on the airport's runways, including A380s, Boeing 787s, and other commercial jets.

Is the Visitors Centre suitable for children?

Absolutely. The park has a children's play area, picnic space, a café, and the Flight Academy programme for children aged 4–12 during school holidays. The Fly 360 flight simulator is popular with older children (minimum height 1.2m), and the weekend live commentary is educational and engaging for younger visitors.

How far is the Visitors Centre from Manchester Airport terminals?

The Runway Visitor Park is approximately 3 miles from the airport's main passenger terminals and is accessed from a different motorway junction (Junction 6 of the M56, rather than Junction 5 for the terminals). There is no shuttle bus between the two. The park is a standalone attraction with its own entrance and car park.

Can you bring dogs to the Manchester Airport Visitors Centre?

Only guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed. Pet dogs are not permitted at the Runway Visitor Park due to its proximity to the airport's active runways. This is a strict safety requirement.