The Experience
The Portsmouth & Isle of Wight Helicopter Tour offers 90 minutes of flight time and a wide-ranging look at the coast, countryside and historic sites of southern England.
This private experience for up to three passengers departs from Redhill Aerodrome and begins with a westward route over Box Hill and Denbies Vineyard.
From there, the tour continues over woodland and quiet valleys before reaching Dunsfold Aerodrome. You’ll pass Cowdray Park and head south across the South Downs, where Hayling Island comes into view. After crossing the Solent, the flight reaches Ryde and follows the River Medina toward Newport, right at the centre of the Isle of Wight.
Further south, you’ll pass Blackgang’s rapidly eroding cliffs before flying along the coast toward the Needles. These chalk stacks mark one of the island’s most striking landmarks. The route continues past Cowes and the impressive Osborne House, once the summer retreat of Queen Victoria.
On the return journey, you’ll fly over Portsmouth with clear views of the Royal Navy dockyards, HMS Victory and the Spinnaker Tower. The final leg crosses over the Sussex countryside and villages near Chiddingfold before heading back to Redhill.
This extended helicopter tour gives a complete aerial view of the South Coast, making it ideal for those who want to see more than just one location!
Itinerary
> Redhill to Dorking & Boxhill
Starting from Redhill Aerodrome and flying west past Dorking, Box Hill and Denbies Vineyard.
> Albury Park, Dunsfold and Cowdray House
Flying over the lush woodlands and past the stunning Paladial Mansion of Albury Park you head south through beautiful valleys, passing many impressive country homes. Next is Dunsfold Airfield home of the BBC program Top Gear. Continuing south you over fly the market town of Midhurst with the ruins of Cowdray House set within the stunning “Capability” Brown landscaped Cowdray Park.
> South Downs to the Solent
Then crossing over the South Downs you will see The Isle of Wight in the distance. The flight takes you over Hayling Island, where the windsurfer was invented. Heading out over the Solent towards the four 18th Century Forts that guard the Solent (Now all private homes or Hotels) you arrive over Ryde on the Isle of Wight and follow the River Medina to the town of Newport in the centre of the Island then on towards Blackgang famous for smugglers of yesteryear. This particular section of cliff and coastline is famous for Dinosaur fossils and the clearly visible rapid erosion by the sea, many houses now perilously close to the edge! Following the shoreline you continue westwards towards the famous Needles. You swoop low over the water to get an unsurpassed view of these jagged rocks and the lighthouse.
> Cowes, Isle of Wight
Turning back towards the east you will follow the northern shoreline to Cowes, the sailing centre and capital of the island. Many yachts adorn its harbour, you may even be able to see some of the exciting racing events that happen all through the year. Just to the east of Cowes is the imposing Osborne House. Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert bought Osborne House in October 1845. Prince Albert designed the house himself in conjunction with builder Thomas Cubitt the London architect and builder whose company also built the main facade of Buckingham Palace.
> Portsmouth back to Redhill
Crossing the sea back to Portsmouth, home of the British Royal Navy. As well as a fantastic view of The Spinnaker Tower, you will also see the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard with HMS Victory and HMS Warrior. You may also see some of the visiting ships in the Naval Dockyard that come in from time to time for a refit or naval celabrations. Now back over the open countryside you head northeast over flying small villages and market towns such as Chiddingfold. In the distance is the North Downs and Surrey. A trip that you well remember for some time, showing the stunning countryside and the varied coastline of Southern England.
Vital Information
Minimum age is 6 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Due to comfort and weight / balance of the aircraft, passengers weighing over 15 Stone (95 Kg) should contact the carrier before booking.
Flights are subject to suitable weather conditions. In the event of unsuitable weather, you will be offered an alternative date.
All passengers must have photographic ID with them for the day of the flight.
Flights are weight critical and all passenger weights must be provided when booking your date.
Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is cancelled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
The Weather
Lessons may be rescheduled due to poor weather, air traffic restrictions, safety concerns or other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.
Session Length
Your private helicopter flight will last 90 minutes.
Numbers
This experience is for up to three people.
What To Wear
Feel free to wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear. All aircraft are heated so regardless of the time of year you shouldn’t need more than a light jumper.
Availability
Flight departure times are subject to availability. Our flights usually operate between 10:00am and 4:00pm on a daily basis.
Location
Redhill, Surrey.
