Gloucester Helicopter Rides
See Gloucester from a whole new perspective, with ten helicopter experiences departing from Gloucestershire Airport at Staverton. From your first exhilarating lift-off to longer tours over the historic docks, River Severn and Forest of Dean, there is a flight to make your day unforgettable.
The thrill of flying over Gloucester
Gloucester is a city made for seeing from above. As your helicopter climbs away from Gloucestershire Airport, the streets, historic docks and River Severn take on a completely new perspective. The countryside stretches out beyond the city, and the excitement of being in the air turns familiar surroundings into something extraordinary. Whether this is your first flight or a longer sightseeing adventure, the view is only part of the thrill.
Choose from ten experiences, starting with a five-minute helicopter buzz and extending to a 30-minute tour combining Gloucester Docks with the Forest of Dean. Enjoy the rush of take-off, discover the city from a bird’s-eye view and let your pilot point out landmarks along the way. It is a remarkable way to celebrate, surprise someone with a gift or simply do something you will remember for years.
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 routes of 10, 12 or 15 minutes, offering a fresh perspective on the city, River Severn and surrounding countryside.
Longer Tours
Take 18 minutes to enjoy the city and docks, or extend your adventure to 30 minutes with the Forest of Dean.
Special Experiences
Three alternatives add bubbly or the dedicated Ultimate Co-Pilot experience.
Compare Helicopter Rides
Discover the excitement of helicopter flying, from a first countryside buzz to panoramic views of Gloucester and the River Severn.
6 Mile Buzz Helicopter Flight
Experience the excitement of your very first helicopter lift-off. As the aircraft climbs away from Gloucestershire Airport, the runway and surrounding fields shrink beneath you and the horizon opens up. Five minutes in the air are enough to discover why a helicopter ride is such a memorable experience.
View Experience
12 Mile Themed Helicopter Flight
Enjoy eight minutes in the air on the Glimpse of Gloucester City and River Severn route. Watch the city and its famous river come into view as the helicopter gains height, with your pilot highlighting local sights along the way. A wonderful step up from the shortest buzz, with more time to savour the view and the sensation of flight.
View Experience
18 Mile Adventure Helicopter Flight
Discover more of the region on the Gloucestershire Docks, Cotswold Villages and Countryside Tour. The ten-minute flight brings the character of Gloucester together with the surrounding countryside, giving you a fascinating contrast between city streets, villages and open fields. Enjoy the changing scenery and the excitement of seeing it all from above.
View Experience
UK Wide City Helicopter Tour
See Gloucester from a perspective that makes even familiar streets feel new. The local City of Gloucester Tour offers approximately 12 minutes of flying, with the city, River Severn and surrounding landscape forming a memorable aerial panorama. Your pilot can point out landmarks as you fly, and the UK wide voucher also offers a choice of participating city-tour locations.
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25 Mile Adventure Helicopter Flight
Give yourself more time to enjoy Gloucester from above on the 15-minute City of Gloucester Tour. Watch the cityscape, historic buildings and winding River Severn unfold beneath you, with the wider countryside creating a striking backdrop. It is a rewarding choice when you want to spend longer in the air and take in more than a first glimpse.
View Experience
20 Min Helicopter Pleasure Flight
Take your sightseeing further on the Views over Gloucester City and Docks route. With approximately 18 minutes in the air, you can appreciate the historic waterfront, the shape of the city and the River Severn from a perspective few people experience. There is more time to enjoy the flight, listen to your pilot’s commentary and capture photographs of the landscape below.
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 city’s historic waterfront and River Severn give way to the broad woodland scenery of the Forest of Dean, creating a wonderful contrast between urban landmarks and open countryside. This is the longest shared sightseeing option at Gloucestershire Airport, giving you time to settle into the flight and enjoy the changing landscape.
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 Gloucester helicopter ride departs from Gloucestershire Airport at Staverton, between Gloucester and Cheltenham. The airport provides a fitting start to an exciting day in the air, with the city and surrounding countryside close at hand. Sightseeing flights include 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 Gloucester from a whole new perspective
Gloucester has a different character when you see it from the air. The city’s streets and historic docks form a striking pattern, the River Severn winds through the landscape, and the countryside beyond opens up in every direction. Add the excitement of a helicopter lifting into the sky and it becomes far more than an ordinary sightseeing trip.
From Gloucestershire Airport, you can choose a short introduction to helicopter flying or a longer tour that makes the scenery the main attraction. Gloucester’s historic docks and the River Severn feature in the local sightseeing range, while the 30-minute tour adds the woodland landscapes of the Forest of Dean. Your pilot will help bring the views to life by pointing out local sights, and the longer flights give you more time to enjoy the experience and capture the moment.
A helicopter ride is a gift that feels like a genuine occasion, whether it is for a birthday, an anniversary or simply a day out with a difference. Bring your camera, enjoy the anticipation of take-off and make the most of every minute in the air. The photographs are wonderful to have, but it is the feeling of the flight that you will remember long after landing.
Before you fly
Which Gloucester 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 Gloucester helicopter rides depart from?
Flights depart from Gloucestershire Airport, Staverton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 6SR. It is between Gloucester and Cheltenham. 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 Gloucester 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.