A bittersweet thrill: daytrippers watch US warplanes in action at RAF Fairford

With some misgivings, families and aviation enthusiasts bring stepladders and picnics to the perimeter fence

It was a 4.40am start for the Wilkinson family. They packed their car with gear you might take on a trip to the seaside - folding chairs, blankets, a picnic. But instead of heading to the coast, they drove 80 miles from their home in Hampshire to Gloucestershire and set up camp close to the perimeter fence of RAF Fairford to watch American warplanes take off and land.

It's definitely cheaper than a trip to a theme park," said Jonathan Wilkinson, who was there with wife, Katie, and three sons, aged seven to 12. The sights and sounds are impressive. But it's a bittersweet thing. These planes are only here because of war. We have to keep that in mind."