Flying in Cornwall - Image: © Max ( Geograph.org.uk ) CC BY-SA 2.0
Flying in Cornwall
Flying Lessons, Scenic Flights & Aviation Experiences Above Cornwall
Cornwall's spectacular coastline, golden beaches, rugged cliffs and historic landmarks make it one of the most rewarding places in the UK to experience flying. From the air, familiar landscapes are transformed as the Atlantic coastline, fishing villages, hidden coves and sweeping moorland views create unforgettable scenery. Whether you are looking for a unique holiday experience, a special gift, or have always dreamed of learning to fly, Cornwall offers a range of aviation experiences for beginners and experienced pilots alike.
Flying lessons and trial flights are available from several locations across the county, including Cornwall Airport Newquay, Land's End Airport near St Just and Bodmin Airfield. Visitors can take to the skies with an experienced instructor, enjoy a scenic flight along the Cornish coast, or begin training towards a private pilot licence. Flights can provide amazing views of iconic landmarks including Land's End, St Michael's Mount, St Ives Bay, Porthcurno and the beaches of North Cornwall.
Aviation in Cornwall has a long history, with the county's airfields supporting everything from general aviation and pilot training to helicopter operations and flights to the Isles of Scilly. Modern airfields provide excellent facilities for visitors, while smaller flying clubs offer a friendly introduction to recreational flying. For holidaymakers searching for unusual things to do in Cornwall, a flying experience provides a completely different perspective on the county's landscape and coastline.
Cornwall Airfields & Flying Experiences Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Cornwall Airfields & Aviation Centres
Cornwall has a diverse aviation scene ranging from the county's main airport at Newquay to smaller general aviation airfields where visitors can experience flying first-hand. Whether you want to take a sightseeing flight, try flying for the first time, or begin pilot training, Cornwall's airfields provide an excellent gateway to the skies above the county.
Image: © Pete Chapman
(
Geograph.org.uk
)
CC BY-SA 2.0
Newquay Airport, St Mawgan, Cornwall
Cornwall Airport Newquay
Located near St Mawgan on the north coast, Cornwall Airport Newquay is the county's main airport and an important centre for aviation. Alongside commercial flights, the airport supports general aviation, charter operations and flight training. Its long runway and coastal location make it an ideal base for exploring Cornwall from the air.
Visitors interested in aviation experiences can enjoy trial flights and training opportunities from operators based at the airport, with views stretching across Newquay's beaches, the Atlantic coastline and the surrounding countryside.
Visit Cornwall Airport Newquay
Image: © Roy Hughes
(
Geograph.org.uk
)
CC BY-SA 2.0
Entrance to Land's End Airport, Cornwall
Land's End Airport
Situated close to the western tip of Cornwall near St Just, Land's End Airport offers one of the most dramatic flying locations in Britain. Flights from the airport provide spectacular views across the Atlantic, Cornwall's rugged cliffs and the islands beyond.
The airport is particularly famous for flights towards the Isles of Scilly, but also provides a base for private aviation and scenic flying experiences. A flight from Land's End offers a unique perspective over Porthcurno, Sennen Cove and the western coastline.
Visit Land's End Airport
Image: © Humphrey Bolton
(
Geograph.org.uk
)
CC BY-SA 2.0
Bodmin Airfield The Clubhouse, Cardinham Airfield, Cornwall
Bodmin Airfield
Bodmin Airfield provides a friendly general aviation environment close to Bodmin Moor. The airfield is home to recreational flying activities and is a popular base for pilots who enjoy exploring Cornwall's countryside and coastline.
The location makes it possible to experience a different side of Cornwall, with aerial views across Bodmin Moor, the Camel Valley and the north coast.
Cornwall Flying Club
Image: © Max
(
Geograph.org.uk
)
CC BY-SA 2.0
G-SCOL landing at Perranporth Airfield, Cornwall
Perranporth Airfield
Perranporth Airfield is located close to the north Cornwall coast and has long been associated with recreational aviation. Its coastal location makes it an attractive base for pilots looking to enjoy spectacular views over beaches, dunes and the Atlantic Ocean.
The surrounding area is also popular with visitors staying in Newquay, Perranporth and the north coast holiday destinations.
Flying Experiences in Cornwall
A flying experience is one of Cornwall's most memorable activities. Unlike many attractions, a flight allows visitors to see hundreds of miles of coastline and countryside in a single journey. From a short introductory flight to a longer coastal tour, there are options suitable for birthdays, anniversaries, gifts and family holidays.
Scenic Coastal Flights
Enjoy aerial views of Cornwall's famous coastline including Land's End, St Michael's Mount, St Ives Bay, Padstow and the beaches of North Cornwall.
Trial Flying Lessons
A trial lesson allows beginners to experience the controls of a light aircraft under the guidance of a qualified instructor. Many visitors choose this as the first step towards gaining a pilot licence.
Flying Lessons & Pilot Training
Cornwall offers opportunities for private pilot training, recreational flying and continued development for aspiring pilots.
Cornwall Landmarks to See From the Air
Seeing Cornwall from above reveals the true scale and beauty of the county. Aerial flights provide incredible views of famous landmarks and natural landscapes including:
- Land's End and the dramatic western cliffs
- St Michael's Mount rising from Mount's Bay
- St Ives Bay and its sweeping golden beaches
- Porthcurno and the Minack Theatre coastline
- Bodmin Moor with its granite tors and open landscapes
- North Cornwall beaches including Newquay, Watergate Bay and Padstow