Helicopter Rides, Balloons and Skydiving: Epic Aerial Adventures

Flying doesn't always have to mean boarding a plane to a far-off destination. Right here in the UK, you can experience the thrill of the skies in ways that are more intimate, scenic, and adrenaline-pumping than any commercial flight. Whether you're gliding silently over patchwork countryside in a hot air balloon, hovering above ancient castles in a helicopter, or plummeting from a plane over the British coastline, aerial adventures in the UK offer fresh ways to explore our skies.

So if you're craving a new perspective—one that doesn't involve airport queues—here are three unforgettable ways to take flight across the UK.

Helicopter Rides: See the UK from a VIP Perspective

Best for: Iconic landmarks, coastal views, countryside estates

UK hotspots: London, Lake District, Scottish Highlands, Jurassic Coast

There's nothing quite like the buzz of lifting off vertically and soaring over some of the UK's most iconic landscapes. Helicopter rides deliver panoramic views that simply can't be matched—from the sprawling urban beauty of London to the rugged cliffs of Cornwall or the glassy lakes of Cumbria.

Top Helicopter Experiences in the UK:

• London Helicopter Tour – Fly over the Thames, spotting Tower Bridge, The Shard, and the London Eye.
• Lake District Scenic Flight – Witness dramatic peaks, winding lakes, and the poet-loved landscapes from above.
• Isle of Wight – Experience the Isle of Wight's breathtaking coastlines, beautiful beaches, charming country estates, and expansive, picturesque landscapes.

Pro Tip: Book a private flight for special occasions like anniversaries or proposals—many companies offer champagne packages and personalised routes.

Hot Air Balloons: Floating Above the English Countryside

Best for: Peaceful mornings, romantic outings, aerial photography

UK hotspots: Bath, Bristol, Cotswolds, Yorkshire, Norfolk

Hot air ballooning is as much about the journey as it is about the view. Drifting slowly above historic towns, rolling farmland, and winding rivers offers a uniquely serene way to appreciate Britain's beauty. And when the skies are clear and the wind is kind, few experiences are more magical.

UK Hot Air Balloon Highlights:

• Bristol International Balloon Fiesta (August) – Europe's largest ballooning event with over 100 hot air balloons launching at sunrise and sunset, plus magical night glows and aerial displays—a must-see for sky lovers.
• Balloon Flights Over Bath and the Cotswolds – Soar above Bath's Roman rooftops and the golden-hued villages of the Cotswolds. It's a flight through time and nature, with postcard-perfect views in every direction.
• Oxfordshire Balloon Rides – Glide over the River Thames, historic market towns like Abingdon and Wallingford, and the spires of Oxford itself. With lush countryside, ancient woodlands, and hidden stately homes, this area is a patchwork of English charm from above.
• Yorkshire Ballooning – Offering a broader northern perspective, flights here reveal sweeping dales, stone-built farms, and timeless landscapes beloved by walkers and writers alike.

Pro Tip: Most balloon rides take place just after sunrise, so prepare for an early start and bring a camera—you'll thank yourself later.

Skydiving: Plunge into the UK's Most Thrilling Landscapes

Best for: Adrenaline seekers, milestone moments, ultimate freedom

UK hotspots: Devon, Swansea, Salisbury, Peterborough, Perth (Scotland)

There's no better way to face your fears and feel completely alive than jumping out of a plane at 10,000+ feet. And the UK has plenty of stunning backdrops for that once-in-a-lifetime (or maybe once-a-month!) skydive. Whether you want coastal views, countryside serenity, or just a massive shot of adrenaline, you'll find a drop zone that delivers.

Top UK Skydiving Locations:

• Skydive Buzz (Devon) – Stunning views of Dartmoor, Exmoor, and the southwest coast.
• GoSkydive (Salisbury) – Near Stonehenge, with views of the plains and the famous stones.
• Skydive Swansea (Wales) – Coastal jumps with views across the Gower Peninsula.
• Skydive St Andrews (Scotland) – Over the east coast with expansive sea and farmland views.

Pro Tip: Tandem jumps are perfect for beginners. And don't skip the video package—it's worth every penny to relive the moment (and prove you did it!).

Final Thoughts: Taking Flight, the British Way

You don't have to leave the UK—or fly on a plane—to have an unforgettable aerial experience. These sky-high adventures offer new ways to reconnect with the land, push your comfort zone, and see the familiar from an entirely new angle.

So whether you're sipping bubbles above Bath, whizzing past The Gherkin in a helicopter, or free-falling over Devon's moors, one thing is guaranteed: you'll never look at the UK the same way again.

Here at Flydays, we offer everything from hot air balloon experiences to skydives and helicopter rides, so if you want to get involved, give some of these other aerial adventures a go!

Like this blog? Why not read some related blogs to this one:

• Top Questions We Get Asked Before Takeoff—Answered!
• Make 2025 a Year to Remember With Our Most Thrilling Experiences