The UK countryside has a wide variety of stunning places best seen from above, whether it’s country houses, castles or pre-historic monuments. Private helicopter tour company, Bespoke Air Charter have rounded up the finest, and greenest, helicopter charter tours in the country.
Chatsworth House
Chatsworth House is possibly the most beautiful building on this list. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, its location, in the heart of the Peak District, make it an ideal destination for a helicopter charter tour.
The stately house is owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, having been in the family for centuries. The house itself is splendid, yet it is the gardens, as well the surrounding Derbyshire countryside that are really worth viewing from above.
Bespoke Air Charter run a country-wide Stately Homes and Gardens tour from London Battersea Heliport. The trip not only takes in Chatsworth House, but also the Cotswolds, Castle Howard and Mellerstain House. Chatsworth House is a 55 minute flight from London and is not only incredibly photogenic but also home to one of Europe’s most significant art collections.
Downton Abbey
AKA Highclere Castle, Berkshire. This stunning stately home may be enjoying a surge in popularity due its role as the setting of the hit television show, however Highclere Castle’s charm is a far more permanent fixture.
Downton Abbey first aired in 2010, yet this Jacobean country house’s history far predates its recent on-screen exploits. Construction of the site started in 17th century, however the earliest mention of an estate on the grounds dates back to the Domesday book.
The beautiful Berkshire countryside is a short flight from Battersea Helipad and the county is also home to the Queen’s favourite residence, Windsor Castle.
Stonehenge
In 2016, as much mystery surrounds Stonehenge as ever, especially as the prehistoric monument is no longer accessible by foot. Fortunately, several companies run helicopter tours near the site.
Stonehenge is described by English Heritage as one of the wonders of world, and it’s well worth a place on anybody’s bucket list. As well as Stonehenge itself, the nearby Cranborne Chase, a nationally designated Area of Natural Beauty, has miles upon miles of unparalleled beauty and is best seen from the sky.
Stonehenge is in Wiltshire, 8 miles north of Salisbury. Countryside enthusiasts will be happy to know that Country Life rank Wiltshire as the fourth greenest county in England, surpassed only by the Devon, Somerset and Dorset. Tours run from Compton Abbas Airfield in nearby Salisbury. As the only city in the county, Salisbury is remarkably quiet and charming and is only a 90 minute train from London Waterloo.
Dover Castle
A list of the best helicopter tours of the UK’s countryside wouldn’t be complete without Kent. The county is often described as the garden of England, yet it’s the castles that are really worth seeing here.
The majestic Dover Castle looks out over the English channel, its medieval architecture, aside from the White Cliffs, the castle has been many Europeans first impression of Britain since the 11th century. Although the battles fought here are a thing of the past, the incredible views are still there to be had. Not that Kent stops there though, Leeds Castle, Saltwood Castle and the Canterbury Cathedral are all within the county’s borders and are all magnificent.
If Kent’s natural beauty doesn’t convince visitors to take a helicopter charter tour here, it’s location, just to the South-East of London, will.
Chateau Rhianfa Hotel
This Victorian-built hotel is the youngest building on our list, yet it is remarkably impressive. Located on the isle of Anglesey, there may not be a pre-existing tour of the site, however the hotel does have a helipad.
As well as the helipad, this French style château has a critically acclaimed restaurant and pristine landscape gardens. It also has the great outdoors on its doorstep, overlooking the Menai Strait and only 12 miles from Snowdonia Park.
The Chateau Rhianfa strikes the balance between a rural escape and urban amenities, with the city of Bangor just a few miles away.
