Spitfire Flights & Flying Experiences

The Spitfire - an aviation icon still flying

The Supermarine Spitfire was designed by RJ Mitchell as a formidable attacking weapon in the war torn skies. Prototypes first flew in March 1936 and the aircraft went into full production in 1938. The last working Spitfire retired in 1961, but this plane has never been forgotten and never will, thanks to the very deep pockets and determination of classic and wartime aviation fans.

Out of over 20,000 built, (many of which were assembled at the Cowley Plant in West Bromwich), there are only around 50 airworthy examples left today. And yes, every time one of these fabulous World War Two fighters takes to the skies, those lucky enough to see it by chance are bound to stop, stare in sheer admiration with a proud smile on their face.

Even those too young to remember what it was like in wartime Britain will know all about this famous aircraft. After all, you don't have to be an RAF veteran to have a lump in your throat when you hear the throaty purr of that finely tuned Rolls Royce Merlin engine. Many agree she simply epitomises the bravery of those who fought (with many paying the ultimate price) for freedom.

Click here to view our video about the Spitfire and what it's like to fly.

Military heritage alternatives

Of course, the Spitfire wasn't alone. In military aviation there were also the Hurricanes, the tough workhorses of the skies. Each plane played a vital role in the Battle of Britain that raged over the British and French coastline between July and October 1940. And this critical point in World War Two is still remembered today with the BoB Memorial Flight, which most commonly sees the trio of the Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire fly regularly together.

We also offer a land military vehicle equivalent in our tank driving experiences, the Chieftain tank being the most popular selection. However, there's no denying the one thing we all would love to do is fly in a two seater Spitfire.

There are only a handful of these super rare two seaters around the world (they are actually converted MkIXs). We are lucky enough to exclusively offer tandem Spitfire flights and one of them is ready and waiting at historic Biggin Hill Airport to take you on the most amazing and evocative passenger ride ever.

But if this unique experience is out of your price range, you can still get close to these wonderful aeroplanes, with Spitfire flights and visits for all budgets. Book in to tour the Heritage Hanger where the dedicated and quite frankly ridiculously talented team strips down and lovingly restores warbirds, or go for the full monty experience with a personal Spitfire flying display (how cool is that!?). Whichever of our wonderful Spitfire experiences you choose, we are sure you'll be captivated and moved by the day you met the Spit.