Tiny UK village where the Red Arrows practice – you can watch them for free throughout the year
HOLIDAYMAKERS heading to Lincolnshire are likely to visit Lincoln thanks to attractions like its cathedral and castle, but there are other destinations in the county that deserve some attention.
One of those places is Waddington – a quaint village where both locals and visitors can see the famous Red Arrows practice for free.
Located near Lincoln, the UK village was first documents in the Doomsday Book in 1086.
Until the late 19th century, Waddington was mainly known as a agricultural community.
The image of the village soon changed when the Royal Air Force opened a training base on the site in 1916.
Hundreds of pilots learnt to fly a wide variety of aircraft at RAF Waddington during the latter half of World War One, and it’s now thought to be one of the oldest and busiest RAF stations in the country.
It’s been described as the hub of UK Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR).
It’s also the main operating base for airborne intelligence aircraft and systems, which can only mean one thing for us lay people, the chance to spot the Red Arrows.
The Red Arrows, officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, are one of the world’s premier aerobatic display teams.
While most Brits will only see the famous Red Arrow flypast at official events, including the King’s Coronation, the distinctive Hawk fast-jets routinely take to the skies to practice in Waddington.
There are several Facebook Groups dedicated to sharing information about potential practice teams in Waddington like the Red Arrows Special and the Red Arrows.
The unofficial fan pages capture photos of the practice sessions, sharing them on the platform for other Red Arrows enthusiasts.
Website Military Airshows also shares details of the times and routes of when the Red Arrows are likely to fly.
For example, the brilliant-red jets are set to leave Waddington later this afternoon as they make their way down to RAF Fairford.
For those aviation enthusiasts who are keen to catch a glimpse of the Red Arrows in action, there are plenty of overnight accommodation options in nearby Lincoln.
There are also several pubs in Waddington, including the Three Horseshoes.
The Red Arrows will be able making several appearances at airshows throughout the summer, including Farnborough International Airshow, Blackpool Airshow, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Eastbourne International Airshow.
During the winter months, holidaymakers can watch the Red Arrows train for their upcoming season too.
A description on the website reads: “Typically, winter training starts in October, with small groups of three or four aircraft formations. Each pilot flies three sorties a day, five days a week, and the formations grow in aircraft number as training progresses.
“These flights involve a thorough brief, debrief and discussion to ensure safety is paramount and the formations are precise. One complete cycle consisting of these elements lasts about two hours, usually with a 30-minute flight.
“Winter training lasts until mid-March or early-April, when the team usually moves overseas to a location with more predictable, settled weather to maximise flying hours and perfect the display. This is known as Exercise Springhawk.”
OTHER QUAINT UK VILLAGES
There are plenty of other quirky villages to visit in the UK too, including Bournville in Birmingham.
Located in southwest Birmingham, Bournville is a tiny village that was built by the Cadbury family.
While the model village may sound fairly idyllic, it isn’t without its quirks.
Because of its Quaker heritage, there are no pubs in Bournville, so those residents, and tourists, who fancy a swift drink need to visit boozers in other parts of Birmingham, like Selly Oak and Stirchley.
Best staycation locations for 2024
- 1. Bristol
The arty harbour city was the top spot on the list and is bursting with culture and trendy cafes scattered along the River Avon.
A bubbling hub for creatives, Bristol is the birthplace of street artist Banksy, and you can admire some of his best early works on a free walking tour.
- 2. Hull
The Humberside port city started to get recognition last year, and it has a thriving nightlife scene – if that’s something you’re after.
The old town is crawling with history and classy buildings, whose walls have many stories to tell and The Deep is a fascinating aquarium attraction.
- 3. Isles of Scilly
Just off the Cornish coast, it’s easy to see why the archipelago made it into the top three.
Here, you can expect golden sandy beaches where you will be able to spot dolphins beyond the shoreline, as well as seafront pubs serving up hearty grub.
Another tiny village in the UK has been compared to a retro 1940s film set.
And an abandoned village in England only opens to tourists once a year.