Stunning island off the coast of the UK that feels like the Med – and visitors can fly World War II Spitfires
FOR the first time ever, holidaymakers will be able to fly Spitfires from a British isle that’s been likened to both the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.
Visitor heading to Guernsey will be able to take to the skies in a classic World War II spitfire, marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
The history of Guernsey is particularly tied to the Second World War as it was occupied by German forces between 1940 and 1945.
To mark the significant anniversary, holidaymakers will be able to enjoy a birds-eye view of the Channel island.
Passengers will be able to spot Castle Cornet, historic wartime bunkers and lots of breathtaking views over the island’s rugged coastline.
The flights will depart from Guernsey Airport, with journeys lasting between 30 and 45 minutes.
Guests will be able to board a two-seat Spitfire where they will be strapped into the rear of the aircraft in their view own cockpit.
Not only will passengers be fully kitted out in the appropriate garb, there will also be the opportunity to fly the aircraft.
Spitfires, the company who is in charge of running the tours, wrote the following in a press release: “For those who want to, there will be the opportunity to take the controls and fly this legendary aircraft for a short time themselves.”
The two-seat aircraft will have dual controls, which means guests in the rear will be given the chance to fly a Spitfire while the professional pilot also still has control of the aircraft.
The UK-based company Spitfires are a team of specialists who aim to keep the World War II aircraft flying.
Spitfires already offers experiences from eight locations across the UK, including the Goodwood Aerodrome in West Sussex (formerly known as RAF Westhampnett), Jersey, Leeds East in the north of England, Perth and Bournemouth.
However, this will be the first time ever that Spitfire flight experience have been offered from Guernsey.
Matt Jones, Founder and Managing Director of Spitfires.com, said: “We’ve wanted to offer Spitfire flights in the Channel Islands for many years.
“With three two-seater Spitfires in our fleet, we are in a position to off more flights in more locations than we ever have before.
“Whilst flying a Spitfire anywhere is a privilege, taking off from Jersey or Guernsey Airports and heading towards the ruggedly beautiful coastlines and turquoise waters these islands offer promises to be truly mesmerising.
“Even during our shortest of flights, we will be able to circumnavigate the islands in their entirety, which is incredibly special for Jersey and Guernsey residents who come to fly with us.”
Spitfire flights will be operating from Guernsey on August 30 and August 31 and September 2 and September 3, with journeys starting from £3,500 per person.
The experience, which is already available to book from other locations, has been praised by visitors.
In a review on TripAdvisor, one person wrote: “I was given plenty of hands-on flying during my flight by the friendly pilot, and I enjoyed aerobatics over the beautiful Derbyshire Peak District.”
Another person added: “Without doubt, one of the best days of my life, such an incredible privilege to fly the Spitfire.”
A third person wrote: “It was a privilege to fly in a Spitfire and to have an opportunity to take the controls.”
WHY GUERNSEY?
The Guernsey Islands are made up of five small islands including Guernsey, Sark, Herm, Alderney, and Lihou, and they’re said to have the most hours of sunshine in the British Isles.
In previous years, the islands have been compared to the Mediterranean by visitors and travel experts.
Despite being only nine miles long and three miles wide, there’s plenty to keep Brit holidaymakers entertained on Guernsey.
Often likened to the Caribbean, the Channel Island has golden beaches, crystal-clear waters and exotic landscapes.
There are thought to be 27 beaches on the island, including Le Grand Harve, Shell Beach, Ladies Beach, and Petit Bot Bay.
Popular activities on the island include surfing, dolphin-spotting, scuba diving, surfing and wildlife-watching.
On land, there are plenty of walking and cycling routes too.
Other activities include visiting Castle Cornet (an 800-year-old castle), sampling some Guernsey ice cream at one of the beach cafes, and exploring the island’s history at the Little Chapel.
Condor Ferries operate direct passenger ferries from Poole in Dorset to St Peter Port in Guernsey.
Alternatively, flights operate from a number of UK airports and can take as little as 45 minutes.
See the Red Arrows from a quaint UK village
THERE are plenty of other places in the UK where Brits can see famous aircraft in action.
One of those places is Waddington – a quaint village where both locals and visitors can see the famous Red Arrows practice for free.
Located near Lincoln, the UK village was first documented in the Doomsday Book in 1086.
In 1916, the Royal Air Force opened a training base, with hundreds of pilots learning to fly a wide variety of aircraft at RAF Waddington during the latter half of World War One.
Described as the hub of UK Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), RAF Waddington is also the main operating base for airborne intelligence aircraft and systems, which can only mean one thing for us lay people, the chance to spot the Red Arrows.
The Red Arrows, officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, are one of the world’s premier aerobatic display teams.
While most Brits will only see the famous Red Arrow flypast at official events, including the King’s Coronation, the distinctive Hawk fast-jets routinely take to the skies to practice in Waddington.
Another tiny village in the UK has been compared to a retro 1940s film set.
And an abandoned village in England only opens to tourists once a year.