Gloucestershire Helicopter Rides
Discover the thrill of helicopter flying across three Gloucestershire locations, with short first flights, city sightseeing and longer adventures over the Cotswolds and Forest of Dean.
Three locations. A whole new perspective.
There is nothing quite like the moment a helicopter lifts away from the ground. The landscape begins to open beneath you, familiar places become a patchwork of colour and shape, and the excitement of flying turns an ordinary day into something extraordinary.
Gloucestershire offers two different departure airports and a wide choice of experiences. Fly from Kemble for Cotswold countryside and Cirencester sightseeing, or take off from Gloucestershire Airport for city views, the River Severn and longer adventures towards the Forest of Dean. Choose the area and flight that capture your imagination, then explore the individual options below.
Cheltenham
A gateway to the skies, with city views, Cotswold countryside and longer flights towards the Forest of Dean.
Cirencester
Lift off from Kemble for Cotswold villages, Cirencester Park and extended sightseeing towards Cheltenham.
Gloucester
Explore Gloucester city, its historic docks, the River Severn and longer routes towards the Forest of Dean.
Choose Your Launch Area
Explore three flight locations, from Cotswold countryside to Gloucester city and the River Severn.
Cheltenham Helicopter Rides
Take to the skies from Gloucestershire Airport near Staverton and discover a completely different perspective on this corner of the county. Short buzz flights offer an exhilarating first taste of helicopter flying, while longer routes bring Gloucester city, the River Severn, Cotswold villages and the Forest of Dean into the picture. Choose a sightseeing adventure for the view, or a special experience to make the occasion even more memorable.
View Cheltenham
Cirencester Helicopter Rides
The Cotswolds take on a whole new character when you see them from a helicopter. Departing from Cotswold Airport at Kemble, the range includes a short first flight, longer countryside sightseeing and named tours towards Cirencester Park, Cheltenham and the surrounding landscape. Watch fields, villages and winding roads unfold beneath you, with extended options for anyone who wants to spend more time enjoying the view.
View Cirencester
Gloucester Helicopter Rides
See Gloucester from an angle that changes everything. From Gloucestershire Airport, take a short helicopter flight or choose a named city tour to enjoy views of Gloucester, its historic docks and the River Severn. Longer sightseeing experiences venture further into the county, with the Cotswold countryside and Forest of Dean providing a striking contrast to the city. It is a wonderful way to discover the region or give someone a day out they will remember.
View GloucesterWhere the flights take off
Your Gloucestershire helicopter adventure begins at one of two airports. Choose a venue below to see its position on the map and explore the flight locations it serves.
Cotswold Airport
Kemble, Gloucestershire GL7 6BA Cirencester helicopter ridesGloucestershire Airport
Staverton, Gloucestershire GL51 6SR Cheltenham & Gloucester helicopter ridesThe map shows the general airport locations rather than exact helicopter touchdown points. Use the entrance, parking and meeting instructions supplied with your booking for your flight-day arrival.
From city skylines to Cotswold countryside
Imagine the helicopter lifting into the hover, the ground falling gently away and the countryside opening into a view that seems to stretch for miles. The first few moments are exciting enough, but the real magic comes when you begin to recognise familiar places from a completely new angle. Whether it is your first flight or a gift for someone special, the experience of being in the air is every bit as memorable as the destination.
From Cotswold Airport at Kemble, sightseeing is focused on the Cotswolds, with routes towards Cirencester Park, Cheltenham and the surrounding villages and countryside. Gloucestershire Airport offers a different outlook, including glimpses of Gloucester and the River Severn, city and docks tours, and longer flights towards the Forest of Dean. Your pilot can point out local sights as the scenery changes beneath you, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the view and capture a few photographs.
A short buzz flight can be the perfect way to discover the excitement of helicopter flying, while longer sightseeing tours give you more time to settle in and take in the landscape. Choose the route and flying time that appeal to you, and make the day your own. The individual location pages provide the full range of experiences, from introductory rides to extended tours and special occasion packages.
Choose your location
Where can I take a helicopter ride in Gloucestershire?
You can explore flights through our Cheltenham, Cirencester and Gloucester location pages. Cirencester departures use Cotswold Airport at Kemble, while Cheltenham and Gloucester rides use Gloucestershire Airport at Staverton. There are two physical departure airports across the three locations.
Which location has the widest choice of flights?
Cheltenham and Gloucester each offer 10 flight choices, while Cirencester offers 9. The two Gloucestershire Airport pages share the same flight range but present different local sightseeing perspectives. Choose a flight for its route, duration and experience format rather than assuming that the two pages represent separate airports.
Where should I go for a short first helicopter flight?
All three locations offer a short 6 Mile Buzz flight, with approximately five minutes of flying. It is a wonderful introduction to the sensation of taking off in a helicopter. Longer options are also available if you would prefer more time to enjoy the scenery.
Which flights offer Gloucester city and the docks?
Gloucestershire Airport has named tours including Glimpse of Gloucester City and River Severn, City of Gloucester Tour, Views over Gloucester City and Docks, and the longer Gloucester Docks and Forest of Dean Tour. The individual experience page explains the associated flying time and route.
Can I see Cirencester and the Cotswolds from the air?
Yes. Cotswold Airport offers sightseeing towards Cirencester Park, an Extended Cotswolds Tour and a longer Cotswold, Cirencester and Cheltenham Tour. Choose a named route if a particular area matters to you, and check the experience details for the expected flying time.
What is the longest sightseeing flight available?
Both airports have a 30 Min Themed Helicopter Sightseeing Tour, with approximately 30 minutes of flying. The Gloucester-area route includes Gloucester Docks and the Forest of Dean, while the Kemble route takes in Cotswold, Cirencester and Cheltenham sightseeing. The precise route and sights depend on flying conditions and operational requirements.
Can I choose a specific landmark or route?
Named sightseeing tours are the best choice when a particular area is important to you. The advertised route gives you an indication of the sights and region the flight is designed around, but the precise path and visibility of individual landmarks cannot be guaranteed.
How do I find the correct departure point?
Check the airport named on your selected experience and follow the joining instructions supplied with your booking. The county map identifies the general airport locations, not the exact helicopter stand, parking area or check-in point.
Can spectators come, and what happens if the weather is unsuitable?
Spectators are welcome, subject to the individual venue’s access arrangements. Helicopter flying is weather dependent, so flights may need to be rearranged if conditions are unsuitable. Your booking instructions explain the relevant arrangements and venue facilities.
How long are vouchers valid, and are there passenger restrictions?
Open-dated vouchers are valid for 12 months. Check the individual experience before purchasing for its age, weight and other passenger requirements, particularly if the voucher is intended as a gift.