London - Heathrow

1The Central Area

On top of Terminal Two, there used to be a roof terrace but that is closed nowadays. There are some multi-storey car parks, and some parts of the airport can be seen from the top levels of the carparks, in particular from the one close to Terminal Two.
Note: by June 2012 signs had been placed warning you that loitering and aircraft spotting are not allowed. Camera surveillance means that the local police will visit you soon and ask you to leave. The second time they find you there they will probably be less polite...

2Runway 27L - morning/afternoon

There is a perimeter road, but the fence is heavily screened almost everywhere, so views are minimal. However, there are some spots near the underground station of Hatton Cross. Walk out of the station, turn right and cross the A30 road. Then turn right and follow the footpath until you reach a grass field. Here some good quality pictures can be made of aircraft arriving on runway 27L. Be aware: A340-600s need much less than 90 millimeters here, so bring that wide angle lense!

3Runway 27L - evening

During summer, the sun passes the runway centreline late in the afternoon. But you are still able to take photos of landing aircraft until the sun finally sets. Go out of the Hatton Cross subway station on the north side. On your right side, a bridge crosses Hatton Road. Use this bridge to get an elevated view on the approach to runway 27L. Aircraft appear from behind a building without much notice, so be prepared!

4Runway 27R - morning/afternoon

On the other side of the maintenance area, there is a roundabout near the approach of runway 27R. However, the crossing point from the BA maintenance base - east is now closed and the road has been diverted around the outside of the base. Catch a free bus from Hatton Cross towards the Central Area and get off at the nearest stop to the end of 27R to get to spot 4. Good pictures can be made here too (90mm minimum for A340-600s) but beware, the businesses here are anti-spotters, so during working hours you might get sent away. This can be avoided by moving towards the roundabout.

5Runway 27R - evening

As an alternative for spot 4, when it is cloudy or the sun has transited through the centreline, go to the Premier Inn, through the lobby to the parking lot behind the building. There is a small earth wall you can stand on to photograph aircraft landing on runway 27R. The same bus stop as for spot 4 serves for this spot.

6Viewing Area

A viewing area is available just outside the airport and is located inbetween Bath Road and the northern perimeter road, in the visitors centre. Being north of the runways the sun is in your face nearly all day, so photographic opportunities are limited here. The bonus is that you can get there by free bus from the central area. Also there are many hotels in de neighbourhood. See section More info on the right for details.

7Runway 09L

A good place is at the end of 09L on a grass area next to the airport's perimeter road. This place has become more interesting as parking and other amenities are now within a reasonable walking distance following the opening of Terminal Five.

8Terminal 5 parking

When you get into the car park for Terminal 5, head for the highest level, and the end nearest to the 09R threshold, you can see most of the biz parking, and most of the cargo aircraft.

9Esso petrol station

On the Southern Perimeter road there is a a petrol station (Esso). On the bank behind you can stand nearly perfect for long haul aircraft taking off from runway 27L. You need a lense of about 100-200 mm minimum.
You can get there by car via Bedfont Road (free parking space on Oaks Road in Stanwell) or via Southern Perimeter Road (parking space at Esso petrol station).