Fly a helicopter from an historic Sussex airfield

Imagine flying in a helicopter over this beautiful Grade II listed terminal building!

We’re rather pleased about signing up this new helicopter centre based at Shoreham Airport, as it’s an airfield steeped in history and offering incredible views of the adjacent coastline, Lancing College and the South Downs.

As if the excitement of actually going up in a helicopter (and flying the thing!) wasn’t enough to get you all excited, the airfield is always busy, has excellent facilities and a range of helicopter lessons that will entertain the whole family. For those even vaguely interested in finding out more about the past and present of the airport (which is also known as Brighton City Airport), you must take a peek in the Visitor Centre.

Staffed by knowledgeable volunteers, the centre is open seven days a week between 10:00 and 16:00 from October to April and from 10:00 to 17:00 between May and September. The team can also arrange tours of the airport for a small fee and you’ll be taken onto the live side of things at Shoreham to visit the main hangar, which houses anything between 20 and 30 aircraft, ranging from the latest modern touring aircraft to 1930’s biplanes. Subject to availability, you will get a close up look at the Sussex Police Helicopter which is based at the airport.

Make your helicopter experience a fun day out for all the family

All this touring round and watching your loved one fly a chopper is bound to leave you hungry and thirsty, so you should head to the Fly In Bar and Restaurant inside the main terminal building. The building, which was built in 1934, is now Grade II listed and is a fine example of modernist architecture with many original features lovingly preserved. The restaurant provides everything from a cuppa and a sarnie to proper lunches and even caters for weddings.

The airport, which is the oldest licensed airfield in the UK, is a really interesting place, so when you book your helicopter lesson, why not invite the family to watch and then make a full day of it with a tour and lunch in the art-deco terminal building restaurant? Sounds like a plan to us!