An eerie plane graveyard, also known as an aircraft boneyard, lies just outside London, shrouded in mystery. Located between the Skylark Hotel and London Southend Airport, the site is roughly an hour's drive along the M25 from South London and closer for residents of East and North London. The overgrown area, scattered with dusty, abandoned planes, sits on land believed to belong to the hotel and adjacent to the airport. Some of these aircraft may date back to the 1950s, according to EssexLive, a sister publication.
Location and Visibility
The graveyard is situated at Aviation Way, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6UN. Google Maps satellite view reveals three planes: two larger ones resembling modern passenger aircraft and a smaller one, possibly a private plane built for fewer passengers. The land behind the Skylark Hotel has remained undisturbed for years, allowing nature to reclaim the planes amidst wild vegetation.
Aircraft Types
Discussions on the Fighter Control forum suggest that the two larger aircraft could be ex-RAAF Hawker Siddeley HS 748s, a medium-sized turboprop airliner originally designed and manufactured by British aircraft maker Avro. However, no official confirmation exists regarding the precise type of aircraft left to deteriorate at the site.
Why Are They There?
The exact reason why these planes were abandoned remains unknown. They do not appear to have crash-landed, as the bodywork on the larger planes looks largely intact from a distance, though they show signs of rust and have been targeted by graffiti artists. According to local reports, the history behind these planes may never come to light.
How to See the Planes
Access to the area is restricted by locked gates and fencing, so wandering up to the planes is not possible. However, one of the larger aircraft can be spotted from a distance in the hotel's car park. Authorities advise obtaining permission from the landowner before venturing onto private land, as trespassing could result in legal consequences.
