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Myrtle Avenue, Hounslow facts for kids

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Myrtle Avenue is a street in London, England. It is located very close to Heathrow Airport's southern runway, called 27L. This special location makes it a very popular place for people who love watching airplanes, a hobby known as plane spotting.

Because it's so close to the runway, Myrtle Avenue can be quite noisy when planes are taking off or landing. However, this is exactly why so many people visit! They come to get an amazing view of the aircraft.


Qantas b747 over houses arp
A Boeing 747-400 from Qantas flying over houses as it approaches Heathrow Airport's runway 27L in 2004.

What is Plane Spotting?

Plane spotting is a fun hobby where people watch, identify, and sometimes photograph airplanes. It's a bit like bird watching, but for aircraft! Spotters often keep lists of the planes they see. They might note down the airline, the type of plane, and its unique registration number.

Myrtle Avenue is considered one of the best places in the world for this hobby. Its direct view of the runway means you can see many different types of planes up close.

Why is Myrtle Avenue So Popular?

Every day, many plane spotters travel to Myrtle Avenue. They come from all over the world to enjoy the unique views. The street ends at a large green area. This grassy space is directly under the flight path for planes using Runway 27L. This means aircraft fly right over your head as they prepare to land or climb after taking off.

Concorde G-BOAB 'Alpha Bravo' at Heathrow, 8 July 2020
A view of Heathrow Airport from Myrtle Avenue in July 2020. You can see the famous Concorde G-BOAB, which has been at the airport since 2000.

What Can You See There?

You can see all sorts of aircraft at Myrtle Avenue. From huge passenger jets like the Boeing 747 to smaller planes, there's always something flying by. On special days, like when a brand new type of aircraft visits Heathrow for the first time, hundreds of people might gather. This includes regular spotters and families just looking for an exciting day out.

Getting There and Nearby Facilities

Myrtle Avenue is easy to reach. The Hatton Cross tube station is nearby, making it simple to get there using London's underground train system. There is also a petrol station close by. This can be handy for grabbing snacks or drinks while you are watching planes.

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