The Supermarine Spitfire is one of the most iconic and celebrated aircraft of World War II. It played a crucial role in the Battle of Britain and throughout the war, earning its place in history as a symbol of British resilience and victory. For aviation enthusiasts, seeing or flying a Spitfire is a way to connect with and appreciate the rich heritage of aviation — not to mention, flying one can offer you and exhilarating experience!
Many people feel a strong emotional connection to the Spitfire due to its association with significant historical events and the sacrifices made by those who flew them. So, here’s the good news: If you’re interested in seeing or even flying in a Spitfire in the United Kingdom, there are several options available.
seeing or flying a Spitfire offers a chance to experience a piece of living history and to pay tribute to the remarkable individuals and technological achievements of the past. So, let’s explore the best places where you can fly a Spitfire, their best experiences, and all prices.
Can You Actually Fly a Spitfire Today?
Certainly! A symbol of courage, innovation, and British ingenuity, the Spitfire stands as an enduring icon of World War II, its graceful silhouette and thunderous roar evoking memories of a pivotal chapter in human history. The sensation of being in control of such a historic and powerful machine can be both thrilling and humbling, and there are plenty of places that offer this experience all across the United Kingdom.
Where to Fly a Spitfire in the UK (+ Prices)
For those who yearn to experience the thrill of flight aboard this historic aircraft, a select few destinations offer the opportunity to soar through the skies and relive the glory days of aviation’s golden age. These experiences include not just the flight itself but also access to hangars and museums, special equipment, and many activities relating to Spitfires, like educational talks where you’ll learn about the aircraft’s history and significance.
Fly a Spitfire vs Fly With a Spitfire vs Spitfire Simulator
One important thing before we list the different operators is that you might be surprised by the costs of flying a Spitfire (which start at around £2,000-3,000). However, there’s one important thing to consider: There is an alternative, too. Instead of flying in a Spitfire, you can fly NEXT to one. This can cost as little as £500. Then, you also have the option to try a simulator for about £70.
One-seater vs Two-Seater Spitfires
The experiences we’ll cover below are usually available in one-seater and two-seater configurations. One-seater Spitfires are original wartime configurations optimized for combat missions, while two-seater Spitfires are modified versions used for training and civilian purposes. If you’re unsure which one to choose, here’s a quick comparison:
One-Seater Spitfires:
- Original wartime configuration used primarily for combat missions during World War II.
- Features a single-seat cockpit, with the pilot as the sole occupant.
- Designed for agility and performance, optimized for dogfighting and high-speed maneuverability.
- Generally lighter and faster compared to two-seater variants due to the absence of additional cockpit space.
- Typically used for aerial combat, reconnaissance, and ground attack missions.
Two-Seater Spitfires:
- Modified post-war versions used for training purposes and civilian use.
- Features a dual-seat cockpit, accommodating both a pilot and a passenger or instructor.
- Designed for training and familiarization flights, allowing for instruction and supervision of novice pilots.
- Often equipped with additional instrumentation and controls for the instructor’s use.
- Generally used for flight training, airshows, and recreational flying, providing an opportunity for passengers to experience the thrill of flying in a historic aircraft.
Fly In A Spitfire by Aero Legends
(London, Dorset, and Kent)
Why choose this experience? Aero Legends is probably the most renowned operator in this list. With four good locations, their flight experiences are ideal for those interested in WW2.
Aero Legends offers three locations from which you can try the Fly a Spitfire experience: North Weald Airfield in London/Essex, Compton Abbas Airfield in Dorset, and Headcorn Aerodrome in Kent.
There are also different experiences for each location. For example, if you’re in Essex, you can do a 30-minute ‘London Patrol’ flight, a 40-minute ‘Battle of Britain’ one, or enjoy a 55-minute experience over the ‘White Cliffs of Dover’. In Dorset, you can do the ‘Isle of Wight’, and in Kent, a ‘Coastal Patrol; or ‘Beachy Head’ flight.
There are also some extras you can add to your experience, including in-flight video, T6 Harvard Formation, and the ability to fly in close formation alongside a Single Seat Mk IX Spitfire.
Prices:
The cheapest experience (which is the 30-minute London Patrol), starts at £2,975. This includes a briefing, taxiing and engine checks, and at least 20 minutes airborne time. Other prices:
- Battle of Britain: From £3,975
- White Cliffs of Dover: From £5,475
- West Country: From £2,975
- Isle of Wight: From £5,475
- Beachy Head: From £3,975
Spitfire Flights by Fly a Spitfire
(Biggin Hill, Cotswold, Blackbushe, and Norwich)
Why choose this experience? This operator has excellent reviews and a good selection of flights to choose from. What’s more, they also offer Mustang flights, too!
Fly a Spitfire is the largest Spitfire operator in the United Kingdom (and also offers Mustang flights and hangar tours). The company has operated since 1986 and, today, has a fleet of Spitfires operating from various WW2 airfields, including RAF Kemble (Cotswold Airport), RAF Biggin Hill, RAF Horsham St Faith (Norwich Airport), and RAF Hartford Bridge (Blackbushe Airport).
The operator offers six different flight routes to choose from. You can book these for yourself of purchase a voucher to gift others.
Prices:
The cheapest experience (the 30-minute ‘Weald of Kent’ flight), starts at £2,975. Other prices for Cotswolds:
- Leeds Castle: From £3,475
- Beachy Head: From £4,475
- White Cliffs of Dover: From 35,475
- Battle of Britain Airfields: From £6,475
- Coastal Patrol: From £7,475
Spitfire Flights by Fly a Spitfires.com
(Goodwood, Lee-on-Solent, Dunkswell, Leeds, Perth, Bournemouth, and Jersey)
Why choose this experience? This operator has Spitfires all over the UK! Plus, a simulator and pilot courses if you want to dive even deeper into the world of these wonderful machines.
Spitfires.com offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience the thrill of flying in a Spitfire, one of the most iconic aircraft in aviation history. Their Spitfire flights provide aviation enthusiasts with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take to the skies aboard this legendary warbird, soaking in the sights and sounds of a bygone era while soaring through the clouds.
This operator doesn’t just offer flights. They also have Spitfire pilot training courses and even a Spitfire simulator.
Prices:
It depends on the location, but the cheapest experiences (usually lasting 30-minutes), start at £2,975. These include, for example, the English Channel flight from Goodwood, The Needles from Solent, and the Leeds & York flight. Other prices are:
- Coastal Patrol from Goodwood: £3,475
- Isle of Wight from Solent: £3,475
- South coast from Solent: £7,475
- Dartmouth tour: £4,475
- Cornwall tour: £7,475
- Lake district: £7,475
Spitfire Flight Experiences by Aerial Collective
(Duxford Aerodrome)
Why choose this experience? Aerial Collective offers individual and couples premium flight experiences, including formations and a 109 tailchase!
Nestled within the iconic grounds of Duxford Aerodrome, a site steeped in aviation history, Aerial Collective offers enthusiasts the chance to embark on a journey through time aboard one of World War II’s most iconic aircraft.
Aerial Collective at Duxford Aerodrome offers a range of Spitfire flight experiences, each tailored to cater to different preferences and levels of interest. For example, short pleasure flights with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, extended flights to explore a wider area and experience the Spitfire’s performance in greater depth, and aerobatic flights for thrill-seekers looking to push the limits of adrenaline and excitement.
Prices:
The short flights start at £2,975 and include entry to the Duxford Air Museum, a flight suit for your flight, safety briefing, and access to the hangars. Some of the prices are:
- 40 minute Spitfire experience: £3,450
- 50 minute White Cliffs: £6,000
- 30 minute Spitfire & 109 tail chase: £4,500
- 40 minute Spitfire formation (for 3 people): £10,675
- 50 minute Battle of Britain: £7,250
FAQs About Flying Spitfires
How much does it cost to fly a Spitfire?
Shorter pleasure flights, which typically last around 20-30 minutes and may include basic maneuvers, can start from around £2,000 to £3,000. More immersive experiences, such as longer flights or aerobatic maneuvers, can cost significantly more, ranging from £5,000 to £10,000 or more.
How long does a Spitfire flight last?
Short flights typically last around 20 to 30 minutes. They offer participants the opportunity to experience the thrill of flying in a Spitfire and to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from the air. For those seeking a more immersive experience, extended Spitfire flights may be available, lasting anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour or longer. These flights often include additional time in the air, allowing participants to explore a wider area and perform more maneuvers.
Do you need experience to fly a Spitfire?
For most Spitfire flight experiences or tours, prior flying experience is not typically required. Passengers are typically given the opportunity to sit in the cockpit, enjoy the views, and perhaps even take the controls under the supervision of the pilot, depending on the specific package or experience chosen. That said, some flight operators may offer more immersive experiences that allow participants to take a more active role in the flight, such as actually piloting the aircraft under the guidance of a qualified instructor. In such cases, prior flying experience or specific qualifications may be required.
