London is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with striking architecture adorning its skyline. What could be better than seeing this incredible city from above? Viewed from a helicopter, the city feels truly dynamic, allowing you to fully appreciate its layout and the ways in which the skyscape shifts from older and historic buildings, to ultra-modern skyscrapers. Plus, helicopters typically fly at lower altitudes than planes, so not only are you getting an aerial view of the city, you are also getting an up close and personal view of the landmarks you pass.
The whole experience is further enhanced by experienced and knowledgeable pilots, who provide commentary throughout the flight to provide you with a more in-depth understanding of the buildings and areas you see. In the list below, we detail some of the best helicopter experiences in London so you can find the perfect company to show you this beautiful city.
Private Helicopter Tours of London, Kent
This company offers bespoke helicopter tours for small groups from between two and four passengers. The flight takes off from their facility in Kent, where you will be met by your pilot and offered refreshments before take-off. The route takes you northwards, to the Isle of Dogs and then along the River Thames through the beating heart of London. You will see incredible landmarks such as the Tower Bridge, The Shard, HMS Belfast, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. The experience has garnered excellent reviews, praising the professional and friendly crew who go out of their way to make the experience memorable and to make passengers feel like the most important people in London. This experience allows you to book all the seats in the helicopter or to fly with only a few chosen companions, so it really is a private and bespoke journey. The total experience time is sixty minutes with thirty minutes in the sky.
London Helicopter Tour for 4, High Wycombe
On this tour you are offered exclusive use of the helicopter, so no flying with other sightseers. The flight departs from the Heli Air base in High Wycombe, on the outskirts of London. At the base you will find car parking and a lovely café facility, where you can sit and have a meal while watching the helicopters take off either before or after your flight. When you arrive to prepare for your flight you will be offered tea and coffee while the staff take you through safety procedures. From there, you will board your helicopter and set off for an incredible fifty minutes of flight time, covering 77 miles, during which time you will see all of London’s major landmarks. If you really enjoy your flying experience, the company also offers flying lessons at their base! They offer rebooking at no extra cost if your flight is cancelled by poor weather conditions, and vouchers are valid for forty-eight months.
WonderDays City of London Helicopter Ride Sightseeing Tour
This tour departs from a regional airport outside of London so that as you take off, you will pass over gorgeous rolling countryside until the city begins to open up before you, spreading out for as far as the eye can see. Like the other tours, you will see all the famous London landmarks, including St. Paul’s Cathedral, The London Eye, and O2 Arena as well as Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge. While this is not a private flight—if you only book two seats the other two seats can still be booked by someone else—it is possible to book all four seats to ensure you are sightseeing with the people of your choice. There is an option to upgrade to the co-pilot seat, which is well worth the additional cost as it gives you a unique flying experience with a front-row view that is simply uncomparable. WonderDays also offer gift certificates so you can book the experience for your loved ones and they can select a flight day that best suits them.
London Sightseeing Flight for 2 with Bubbly
This is the perfect tour for those looking for a romantic experience. It really has it all—stunning views 1000 feet over the city of London, sprawling countryside views as you soar over Surrey on your way to and from the city, and a complimentary bottle of bubbly for when you are back on the ground. The tour covers all the main landmarks, and as it is for two people you are guaranteed an intimate experience.
London has so much to offer, no matter how you choose to see it but a helicopter tour is one of the most unique and exciting ways to see one of the world’s most vibrant cities. There is no greater thrill than seeing Big Ben from the sky, hovering over the long and winding River Thames, manoeuvring around the Shard, and flying home over long stretches of wheat fields. In the list above are experiences for everyone - depending on the exact nature of the tour that you’re looking for, you will be able to find one that best suits you.
