Opened in 1930 as one of Britain's first purpose-built municipal airports, Barton Aerodrome, now also known as City Airport, is a historic general aviation airfield at Eccles on the western edge of Greater Manchester. Its Grade II listed control tower and preserved grass airfield give it a strong sense of heritage, and it remains a working airfield as well as a visitor attraction. The site is open to the public and trades partly as a day out, with free parking, a grass viewing area, a children's play zone and a cafe, bar and restaurant on site. Visitors of all ages come simply to watch light aircraft, helicopters and microlights take off and land, and the aerodrome hosts a regular calendar of aviation-themed events and fly-ins. Flying itself is central to the offering. Independent operators based at the airfield run a range of experiences, from fixed-wing trial lessons and microlight flights to helicopter and gyrocopter pleasure flights over Greater Manchester and the surrounding countryside, with bookings handled through those individual flight schools. In recent years the open expanse of the airfield has also been used as a backdrop for large outdoor entertainment, with concert and festival programmes staged on the grounds alongside classic-car meets and family events. The flat sightlines and big-sky setting make it a distinctive, if unconventional, venue for live music. Easily reached from the M60 and by tram and rail via Eccles, the aerodrome combines its core role as a heritage airfield and flying centre with this growing events use. The result is an unusual hybrid: part living museum of aviation, part visitor attraction, part open-air event space on the edge of the city. The control tower and clubhouse are among the oldest surviving structures of their kind in British aviation, and enthusiasts and families alike are drawn by the chance to see vintage and modern aircraft at close quarters. That combination of working airfield, heritage site and family attraction gives the venue a character quite unlike any conventional events space.

Type: Tourist Attraction

Address: Liverpool Rd, Eccles, Manchester, United Kingdom, M30 7SA

Website: https://www.bartonaerodrome.co.uk

Opening Date: 01/01/1930

Outdoor Area