In this guide, we will go through the basics of aerial sightseeing, dive into experience flights, and discuss the best scenic routes in England. We will also be covering a few important best practices to enhance your aerial tour. Read below to learn more.
Aviation isn’t just for pilots. It is for anyone who wants to gain a new perspective on the world!
Flying high above the sky is perhaps the most profound way to open your mind and free your imagination. Not only can you see the world from a new angle (literally), but you can also experience the best of aviation.
Whether you want to become a pilot or are someone who just wants to fly for fun, aerial sightseeing tours are a fantastic way to explore places – and what better place to visit than England’s landscapes?
Known for its dramatic natural geographical structures, manmade landmarks, small and cute towns, and jaw-dropping horizons, England is by far one of the best places for aerial sightseeing tours.
In this guide, we will go through the basics of aerial sightseeing, dive into experience flights, and discuss the best scenic routes in England. We will also be covering a few important best practices to enhance your aerial tour. Read below to learn more:
Light Aircraft – The Sightseer's Choice
The best way to experience the skies of England is in a light aircraft.
There are two types of light aircraft: flex-wings and fixed-wings aircraft. These planes have a lower Maximum take-off weight of under 5000kgs and are ideal for private pilots who want to explore the skies for leisure purposes.
However, if you want the most out of sightseeing tours, then we recommend that you go with a flex-wing aircraft. These aircraft have an open-cockpit design that puts the pilot and a passenger in the open.
That’s right, instead of being inside an enclosed cabin, you are exposed to the environment and have an unobstructed view of your surroundings. This makes flex-wings the ideal choice for sightseeing.
Keep in mind though, that flex-wings have limited seating capacity. At a time, only one or two people can occupy a flex-wing. Therefore, if you want to take more people, a traditional fixed-wing would be the best option.
Helicopters are another excellent light aircraft choice for aerial sightseeing tours. Since helicopters can take off vertically and suspend in the air, they are an excellent choice for people who want to get up close to landmarks for intense aerial photography.
Best Scenic Routes for Aerial Sightseeing Tours in England
England has several scenic routes that are specifically perfect for aerial sightseeing tours.
To make this list easier, we have categorised these routes according to geographical features, landscapes, and countryside views, as well as list some of the most iconic and must-visit places in England.
Routes for Natural Geographical Features
Want to fly over lakes, mountains, and hills? We recommend flying over the Lake District. Located in the Northwest of England, the Lake District is known for its beautiful geographical features that include mountains, rolling hills, and of course, lakes – perfect for sightseeing tours!
You can also visit the Jurassic Coast if you want to explore the breathtaking cliffs, beaches, and other amazing rock formations.
The Jurassic Coast is recognised as a World Heritage Site and is found on the English Channel coast of southern England. The site has plenty of popular landmarks like Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, and much more.
Routes for Traditional Landscapes and Countryside Views
For manmade structures and rich countryside views, we suggest flying over the Yorkshire Dales! Located in Northeast England, you will also get to see stunning views of waterfalls and small villages from the skies!
Sherburn Aero Club is perfectly situated as a base to explore plenty of scenic routes such as Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, Yorkshire Coast, and more! Not only this, but Sherburn Aero Club can also give you access to the Lake and Peak Districts which are known for their beautiful geographical features such as waterfalls, ancient woodlands, rugged landscapes, and more.
Cotswolds is another great route for pilots who want to get a mix of man-made structures and nature. Not only do you get to experience dramatic waterfalls and a long list of historical buildings, but you can also witness a range of small villages in the heart of England!
Must-Visit Essential Routes for Aerial Sightseeing Tours
The Isle of Wight
Located off the South Coast of England, the Isle of Wight is a fantastic tourist spot that is known for its jaw-dropping beaches, geographical features, and a range of historic landmarks.
Fly over small and thoroughly romantic coastal towns and make sure that you also visit the Needles, which is one of the quintessential places to fly over in the Isle of Wight!
The South Downs
Looking for scenic hills with an awe-inspiring view? Then fly over the South Downs! Located in the South of England, this destination stretches from Hampshire to Sussex, so you will get to see plenty of landmarks. South Downs is also host to coasts and you can even experience the countryside too!
The Norfolk Broads
Want to explore the wildlife of England from an aerial perspective? Check out the Norfolk Broads.
Located in the East of England, this area is known for its amazing natural beauty. Experience tranquil lakes and natural landmarks, and fly over beautiful windmills with the backdrop of a stunning sunset.
The Brecon Beacons
Fly over dramatic mountain ranges that are sure to captivate your imagination!
The Brecon Beacons is in South Wales and is home to one of the best views that the UK has to offer. From lakes to geographical features to jaw-dropping sunsets, there is something for everyone here!
Northumberland Coast
This is perhaps the best place for people who love immaculate beaches.
Northumberland Coast is THE best place to visit for sightseers who want to explore the world above ground while flying through rugged cliffs, beaches, and beautiful historic castles.
Best Practices for Aerial Sightseeing Tours
Now that you know the best routes and types of aircraft for aerial sightseeing, it's time to learn some best practices that can greatly enhance your tour experience.
Being in the Moment
There are two types of people: one who wants to take as many photos as possible, and the others who just want to take it all in and experience the breathtaking views by being completely present in the moment.
For the best experience, we recommend that you find yourself in the middle. Flying is an incredibly unique experience that not many people can often revisit. So, if you are someone who is taking a trip of a lifetime, then make sure that you bring home a few mementoes such as photographs.
Aerial photography takes up a large portion of aerial sightseeing tours – but make sure that you strike a balance and not just explore the surroundings from behind a lens. Take it all in and be present in the moment as well!
Look for Inspiration.
Flying is an excellent way to introspect, and many people believe that it helps gain a new perspective on life.
When you are up in the air, we recommend that you seek inspiration from your surroundings and try to completely surrender to the experience. Feel fear, happiness, awe, and everything in between!
This might be a pivotal moment in your life, so it's best that you make the most of it by exploring not just your surroundings but also your emotions. Meditate in the air and connect with everything that you see – we guarantee that by the time you land back on the ground, you will be a changed person or at least have some profound discovery about the world.
Share the Moment with Family
The only thing better than experiencing the skies in light aircraft is experiencing it with someone special. Take your friends, family, or that special loved one with you. We bet it will be an event that you will be talking about for the rest of your life.
Aerial sightseeing tours are seldom enjoyed alone. When you are up in the air, it's best that you take people with you so that you can discuss what you see and share your happiness.
Please keep in mind that the number of people you take will affect the type of aircraft you will be able to fly. For example, flex-wings have a seating capacity of just two people with some off-market modifications allowing for three people (but that comes with its own risks).
Meanwhile, if you want to take more people, then you should always opt for a fixed-wing aircraft that can seat up to six people at a time.
Fixed-wing aircraft are also great when you want to take luggage with you as long as the total weight of the aircraft is under the specified limits.
What is an Experience Flight?
An experience flight is a chance for anyone to experience the thrill of aviation – regardless of whether they are pilots or not. An experience flight is an excellent opportunity for regular folks to fly and go for sightseeing tours with an experienced pilot by their side.
Many aviation clubs in the United Kingdom, including Sherburn Aero Club, offer experience flights to both members and non-members of the club. All you have to do is pick an aircraft, book a slot with the club, and enjoy your tour!
Experience flights are available for everyone above the age of 12. This flight requires no prior aircraft knowledge and is perfect for people who want to take in breathtaking views without going through any training.
Rest assured that you will be in the hands of a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) in the aeroplane so you can free your mind of worry and focus on the tour.
Benefits of Flight Experiences in England
Here are some of the top benefits of experience flights in England:
Gift a loved one the experience of a lifetime.
Flight experiences make for the best gifts for loved ones. If you have a special day coming up, there is no better way to surprise your partner than with a sightseeing tour over England.
Experience flights can profoundly impact your perspective in life and can be an incredibly important moment for you and your loved one. If your loved one already loves aviation, then we don’t think that any other gift would trump this one.
An affordable way to experience the thrill of flying.
Skip the exuberant fees of flight training and jump straight into the cockpit with a trained professional. Since experience flights require no prior knowledge or training of aircraft, you can completely indulge in the experience and enjoy the thrill without worrying about the flight itself.
Many aero clubs, like Sherburn Aero Club, offer affordable experience and trial flights that can range from £150 to £390. These flights can last anywhere from 30 minutes to about 90 minutes, which is plenty of time to experience the best of what the sightseeing tour has to offer.
Sherburn offers a 90-minute sightseeing extravaganza over the Yorkshire Dales that costs just £388!
Find Your Passion for Aviation
Imagine going for an experience flight and deciding that you want to become a pilot as well.
This is a common thought for anyone who takes an experience flight. People who don’t even identify with aviation would begin dreaming about becoming pilots. In fact, there are many success stories of regular folks who decided to take up aviation as a hobby or a career after taking a trial flight with a trained instructor.
So, if you are someone who is on the fence about joining aviation and needs persuasion, just pick an experience flight, enjoy a great sightseeing tour, and by the time you land back, you will have already decided how you want to proceed in aviation going forward.
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran in various types of light aircraft.
The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
Sherburn offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running the first Sunday of every month.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us at 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on aerial photography, light aircraft, training requirements, licencing procedures, as well as experience flights and pilot training at Sherburn.
Photo by Ian Cylkowski on Unsplash
