Bovingdon Airstrip serves Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, GB.
Bovingdon Airstrip (GB-0751) serves primarily as a multifaceted site for a popular market, diverse driving experiences, and film studios, rather than a traditional commercial airport for passenger travel. Recent traveler sentiment largely reflects satisfaction with the market's offerings and the thrill of driving experiences. However, for actual pilots using the microlite runway, facilities are noted as minimal.
What Travelers Love
- Bovingdon Market: Visitors consistently praise the vast array of goods, numerous stalls (up to 400), and opportunities for bargains, making it a "great day out" for many. The market also offers a wide variety of food options, from international cuisine to specific cafes like the Motown cafe.
- Driving Experiences: Participants enjoy the thrill of driving supercars, race cars, and drift cars on purpose-built tracks. Reviewers often highlight the skill of the professional instructors and the wide selection of vehicles, with options available for both adults and junior drivers.
- Microlite Runway: Pilots flying microlites have noted the original RAF runway offers an incredibly smooth surface for landings.
Common Complaints
- Market Entry Restrictions and Queues (historical): During the COVID-19 pandemic, the market experienced strict entry restrictions (e.g., no children, ID checks) and enormous queues, negatively impacting the experience for some visitors. The market's location has also shifted due to studio expansion, which may affect previous visitor expectations.
- Lack of Airfield Facilities for Pilots: For those using the microlite runway, there are no facilities directly at the airfield itself, though a nearby pub offers food within a short walk. Prior Permission Required (PPR) is essential for visiting aircraft.
- Chaotic Cafe and Parking Issues: Some reports mention chaotic situations at the Base One Cafe due to unclear instructions and general parking challenges at peak times, particularly associated with market activities.
- Driving Experience Duration (older review): An older review (2017) indicated that some felt the driving experience was "over before it started", suggesting a desire for more track time.
Bovingdon Airstrip continues to be a vibrant hub for leisure activities, offering popular market shopping and exciting driving experiences. While it lacks traditional airport traveler amenities, visitors engaging in these specific activities generally report positive experiences, provided they are aware of the operational nature of the site and any specific event requirements.
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Where is Bovingdon Airstrip located?
Bovingdon Airstrip is located in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, GB. Its IATA code is — and ICAO code is GB-0751.