Pilot Comments by Tim

I'm based here so know it well.
Grass, bit bumpy in places, sometimes closed in winter after prolonged rain, taxi with care as it's possible to get stuck.
ATIS available on https://egcbatis.co.uk/ if you can get it.
Usual operations on 08L/08R/26L/26R, they prefer one of the 26 runways as the climb out is then over fields rather than built up area.
It has to be really, really windy for them to operate 20.
Approaching via revised North West Transit Corridor to the south west of the field, it's now a restricted area with terms aimed at VFR traffic; SFC-1500ft, with Manchester Class D above, max 140kts, 5km vis required. Recommend you use FMC sq 7366 and listen in to Manchester Radar. No need to talk to them.
Call Barton as soon as you route out of the corridor - they can be very busy on a sunny weekend and it can be hard to get your call in. It may be wise to route towards Warrington, then in from the west, as it gives you a bit more time to get that call in.
Overhead joins fine, 1700ft, Manchester Class D airspace is at 2000ft, directly overhead the airfield.
Expect solo student traffic, microlights, possibly gyrocopters, aerobatic aircraft, etc.
Café is decent. Can be slow.
There's another café hidden away opposite the flying school near the simulator as you leave the airport. I prefer that one.
Taxying back from a 26L/R landing, watch runway 02/20 - it's very easy to go straight over it by mistake but you must be cleared.