Cheltenham Helicopter Rides
Take off from Gloucestershire Airport at Staverton and experience the thrill of helicopter flying, with ten choices ranging from an exhilarating first flight to extended sightseeing over Gloucester, the River Severn and the Forest of Dean.
Gloucestershire, from a whole new view
The excitement begins the moment the helicopter lifts away from Gloucestershire Airport. As the airfield falls behind you, the landscape opens into a sweeping bird’s-eye view of fields, villages and the countryside between Cheltenham and Gloucester. It is a completely different way to experience this beautiful part of the country, whether you are taking your first helicopter flight or returning for a longer sightseeing adventure.
Choose from ten experiences, from a short, exhilarating buzz to tours towards Gloucester’s historic docks, the River Severn and the Forest of Dean. Enjoy the thrill of take-off, watch the scenery unfold and let your pilot point out local sights as you fly. Whether it is a gift, a celebration or a day out just for you, find the flight that makes you want to take to the skies.
Shorter Flights
Two introductory flights of 5 or 8 minutes, perfect for the excitement of lift-off and your first bird’s-eye view.
Sightseeing
Three sightseeing choices of 10, 12 or 15 minutes, including Gloucester city, the docks and the River Severn.
Longer Tours
An 18 minute city and docks flight, or a 30 minute tour taking in Gloucester Docks and the Forest of Dean.
Special Experiences
Three alternatives add bubbly or the dedicated Ultimate Co-Pilot experience.
Compare Helicopter Rides
From your first helicopter buzz to longer sightseeing over Gloucester, the River Severn and the surrounding countryside.
6 Mile Buzz Helicopter Flight
The shortest way to discover the thrill of helicopter flying. Lift away from Gloucestershire Airport for five exciting minutes in the air, watching the runway and surrounding countryside fall beneath you as the helicopter climbs. The changing view, the sound of the aircraft and that unmistakable feeling of flight make this an unforgettable first taste of the skies.
View Experience
12 Mile Themed Helicopter Flight
Enjoy eight minutes of flying on the local Glimpse of Gloucester City and River Severn route. See the countryside open out around the airport as you gain a bird’s-eye perspective of the city and its famous river. A wonderful choice if you want a little more time to enjoy the sensation of flying and take in the view.
View Experience
18 Mile Adventure Helicopter Flight
Take your sightseeing a little further on the Gloucestershire Docks, Cotswold Villages and Countryside Tour. With ten minutes in the air, the flight brings together urban landmarks and the changing countryside, offering a memorable perspective on the region from above. Look out for the sights your pilot highlights and enjoy the thrill of every minute.
View Experience
UK Wide City Helicopter Tour
Discover Gloucester from a whole new angle on the local City of Gloucester Tour. With approximately 12 minutes of flying, you can enjoy the view of the city within its wider Gloucestershire setting, with the River Severn and surrounding landscape adding to the experience. The UK wide voucher also offers a choice of participating city-tour locations.
View Experience
25 Mile Adventure Helicopter Flight
Take to the skies on the City of Gloucester Tour and enjoy approximately 15 minutes of sightseeing. As the helicopter climbs, the city’s familiar streets, historic buildings and surrounding countryside reveal a perspective you simply cannot get from the ground. A substantial choice for anyone who wants more than a short introductory buzz.
View Experience
20 Min Helicopter Pleasure Flight
Enjoy an extended aerial adventure on the Views over Gloucester City and Docks route. With approximately 18 minutes of flying, there is time to appreciate the city and its historic waterfront from above, as well as the wider countryside surrounding the River Severn. Watch the scenery unfold and capture a few photographs of a view you will remember long after landing.
View Experience
30 Min Themed Helicopter Sightseeing Tour
Make the most of a full 30 minutes in the air on the Gloucester Docks and Forest of Dean Tour. The longer route combines the historic city and River Severn with the broad woodland landscapes of the Forest of Dean, creating a wonderful contrast between town and countryside. For anyone who wants to savour the helicopter experience and discover more of Gloucestershire, this is the longest shared sightseeing option in the range.
View ExperienceAdd a celebratory extra or enjoy the dedicated front-seat co-pilot experience.
Blue Skies Helicopter Flight with Bubbly
Add a celebratory touch to the thrill of flying. Enjoy a five minute helicopter buzz above the Gloucestershire countryside, then raise a glass of bubbly after landing. It is a memorable way to mark a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion, combining the excitement of take-off with a little something extra.
View Experience
Extended Blue Skies Helicopter Flight with Bubbly
Enjoy eight minutes in the air on the local Glimpse of Gloucester City and River Severn route, followed by a glass of bubbly after landing. The extended flight offers more time to take in the aerial views and enjoy the exhilaration before the celebratory finish. A lovely choice for a special day out or a gift with a difference.
View Experience
Ultimate Co-Pilot
Take your place in the front co-pilot seat beside the pilot and enjoy eight minutes of helicopter flying on the local Glimpse of Gloucester City and River Severn route. The forward-facing cockpit view adds another dimension to the experience as the landscape opens beneath you. The package also includes an aviation key ring and a £5 beer token.
View ExperienceGloucestershire Airport
Your Cheltenham helicopter ride departs from Gloucestershire Airport at Staverton, between Cheltenham and Gloucester. The airport is a lively aviation setting, making it a fitting place to experience the excitement of helicopter flying. From here, sightseeing flights take in Gloucester city and docks, the River Severn and, on the longest shared tour, the Forest of Dean.
Gloucestershire AirportStaverton
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
GL51 6SR
The map identifies the general airport area, not a confirmed helicopter touchdown point. Follow the exact entrance, parking and meeting instructions supplied with your booking, as individual operators have their own arrangements.
See Gloucestershire from a whole new perspective
There is something special about the moment a helicopter lifts away from the ground. The runway disappears beneath you, the countryside opens up and the familiar landscape between Cheltenham and Gloucester suddenly looks completely different. It is an experience that combines the thrill of flying with the pleasure of seeing the world from above.
From Gloucestershire Airport, you can choose a short, exhilarating first flight or spend longer exploring the region. Watch the River Severn wind through the countryside, discover Gloucester’s historic docks from a new angle or take an extended tour towards the Forest of Dean. Your pilot will help bring the scenery to life, pointing out local landmarks as you enjoy the changing view. The longer flights offer more time to relax into the experience, take photographs and appreciate the landscape beneath you.
Whether you are treating yourself, surprising someone with a gift or celebrating a special occasion, a helicopter ride is the kind of memory that stays with you long after landing. Bring your camera, enjoy the moment and make the most of every minute in the air.
Before you fly
Which Cheltenham helicopter ride should I choose?
Choose the flying time and experience that appeal to you. The 5 and 8 minute flights are ideal for a first taste of helicopter flying. The 10, 12 and 15 minute choices add more sightseeing, while the 18 minute city and docks tour and 30 minute Forest of Dean route offer the longest shared flights. The three special packages add a different way to celebrate the occasion.
Where do Cheltenham helicopter rides depart from?
Flights depart from Gloucestershire Airport, Staverton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 6SR. It is between Cheltenham and Gloucester. Use the exact entrance, parking and meeting instructions supplied with your helicopter booking rather than relying on the airport postcode alone.
What can I see on a Cheltenham sightseeing flight?
Sightseeing choices include a Glimpse of Gloucester City and River Severn, Gloucestershire Docks, Cotswold Villages and Countryside, the City of Gloucester Tour, Views over Gloucester City and Docks, and the Gloucester Docks and Forest of Dean Tour. The exact route and visible landmarks depend on the chosen experience and flight-day conditions.
Which flight includes Gloucester Docks and the Forest of Dean?
From Gloucestershire Airport, the 30 Min Themed Helicopter Sightseeing Tour becomes the Gloucester Docks and Forest of Dean Tour, with approximately 30 minutes in the air within an overall experience of around 60 minutes.
How long is the 20 Min Helicopter Pleasure Flight?
The local route is Views over Gloucester City and Docks, with approximately 18 minutes in the air within an overall experience of around 45 minutes.
What is the difference between the City Tour and the 25 Mile Adventure?
Both offer a City of Gloucester sightseeing route. The UK Wide City Helicopter Tour advertises 12 minutes flying, while the 25 Mile Adventure offers 15 minutes. The UK Wide City voucher also provides a choice of participating city-tour locations. Compare the current prices and booking options to find the one that suits you.
Can I book a front co-pilot seat?
The Ultimate Co-Pilot is a separate package with eight minutes in the air from the front seat beside the pilot. It also includes an aviation key ring and a £5 beer token. Other front-seat upgrades may be available with selected flights, subject to availability and the applicable supplement.
What is the difference between the two bubbly packages?
Blue Skies includes five minutes of flying, while Extended Blue Skies includes eight minutes on the local Glimpse of Gloucester City and River Severn route. Both include a glass of bubbly after landing. Compare the flying times and current package details before choosing.
Can spectators come, and what happens if the weather is unsuitable?
Spectators are welcome, subject to venue access arrangements. Helicopter flying is weather dependent and may need to be rearranged if conditions are unsuitable. Follow your booking instructions for the applicable arrangements.
How long are vouchers valid, and are there passenger restrictions?
Open-dated vouchers are valid for 12 months. The standard sightseeing experiences have a minimum age of 6 and a maximum individual passenger weight of 95 kg. Check the individual flight or experience for all applicable age, weight and other requirements before buying.