THE BEST HELICOPTER RIDES IN NORTH WEST ENGLAND

There’s a reason that helicopter rides are at the top of everyone’s bucket lists. The reason that it’s always something that’s referred to as a ‘must do’ activity is that there’s nothing quite like it!

Millions of people fly up into the air a couple of times a year to go on their holidays (although not so much recently of course), and they think that they already know just what a helicopter tour would entail. However, the feeling of flying in a helicopter is incomparable to that of a commercial plane. There’s the vertical take-off for a start... In order to get up into the air, the craft will tilt 90 degrees upwards, while you lay back in your seats and blast up into the sky in the most exceptional form possible.

Once you’re up in the atmosphere, it’ll be evident how much of a difference the unique controls and design of the helicopter make to your flying experience. It’s designed especially to hover and turn in mid-air, the amount of control the pilot has over the craft is something entirely unique.

The windows are also designed to give the passengers a super clear and close to panoramic view, making them ideal for sightseeing tours in more ways than one. The North West of England has no shortage of good helicopter tours on offer, whether you’re looking for a city view full of sky scrapers in and architecture in Liverpool or an escape into the rolling hills of the lake district, we think there’s something for everyone. 

Helicopter Buzz Flight for Three

A buzz flight is the perfect way to dip your metaphorical toe into helicopter flying. These 5-minute flights allow apprehensive first time flyers the opportunity to get in, get up and get down. This particular flight takes off from Manchester Barton City Airport, meaning you and two friends will still get to witness some truly breath-taking views of Manchester city on your short 7-mile flight.

This will typically last for around 5 minutes, before heading back down to the ground. After that, we’re sure you’ll be hooked and ready to book something longer!

Lake District Helicopter Flight Tour

The Lake District is known for it’s beautiful scenery. Rolling hills, quaint countryside and you guessed it, pristine lakes. This helicopter tour will take you over all of this and more, starting in Camforth, and then heading towards the renowned Lake Windermere, which is a beautiful sight, surrounded by mountain peaks and secluded villages.

We can assure you that the view of Lake Windermere from a 1000ft vantage point is better than anything you could see on the ground (and you don’t even have to hike up a mountain to see it). On your journey to the Lake you’ll fly over Morecambe Bay, the largest estuary in the North West of England. You’ll also fly over a few of the lake’s tiny villages, including Bowness and Belle Isle. 

Helicopter Flight Tour of Lancashire 

This sightseeing tour of Lancashire takes off from Manchester City Airport before heading North up to Rochdale, Lancashire. You’ll see plenty of interesting sights here, including Rochdale Manor and the Rochdale town hall (once very admired by Adolf Hitler, who planned to transport the whole building to Germany if he won the war).

Next, the flight will follow the canal all the way to Todmorden, and then from there it’ll go on to Bacup, the hometown of none other than Beatrix Potter. After that, you’ll begin your return to the airport.

However, this isn’t the end of the adventure! On your way back you’ll fly over a wind farm and the town of Bury. On top of this, you’ll be able to see an incredible skyline view of Manchester on the horizon before finally returning back down to the ground. What a way to explore the county of Lancashire! 

Bolton Helicopter Tour

Another flight departing from Manchester Airport, this one will take you for an adventure over the local city of Bolton. You’ll begin by flying over Chat Moss, described by Google as a mass of peat bog, this stretch of countryside has more charm than you’d expect, as well as over 7000 years of history.

As you fly up to Bolton you’ll get to see the ‘floating’ railway. Next, you’ll fly over Bolton, be sure to keep your eye out for any sights you may recognise! One sight that will peak any football fans interest is that of the amazing views of the Reebok Stadium, home to the Bolton Wanderers FC., next you’ll fly over the small towns of Atherton and Leigh before returning back to base.

25 Mile Helicopter Flight

This 25-mile flight is available in the beautiful North Western city of Liverpool. Liverpool is famous for The Beatles as well as their distinctive "Scouse" accents, however there is much more to the city than that!

The 15-minute flight will take you over Liverpool city centre, where you’ll be able to spot top sights such as the beautiful buildings of Royal Albert Docks and The Liverpool Cathedral as well as famous museums such as The World Museum, Museum of Liverpool and Merseyside Martime Museum.

This short flight is a super exciting way to see the city, whether you’ve lived there your whole life, and you’re looking to see it in a new light, or you’re visiting for the first time and want to see it in all it’s beauty. 

Buzz Flight for Two with Bubbly and Chocolates

This buzz flight, similar to the one in Manchester is perfect for anyone who is keen to tick off the experience from their list, and get a little taster of what it might be like before diving in head first to the slightly longer flights.

This buzz flight option in Blackpool will not only give you beautiful views of Blackpool and it’s well-known landmarks, but you even get bubbly and chocolates when you land, so to make sure the experience feels like something seriously special, because it is! 

Check out other regions for the best helicopter flights:

The Best Helicopter Flights in Yorkshire & Humberside

The Best Helicopter Flights in Wales

The Best Helicopter Flights in the South East of England

The Best Helicopter Flights in the Midlands

Thank you for reading! 

We hope you were able to find a helicopter tour that’s just right for you. If not, please feel free to browse all our North West flying experiences here, as well as all our helicopter flights across the country here. 

If you are interested in learning flying in a helicopter but have some questions, please read our What to Expect From a Helicopter Flight article here.