Flying over Devon is certainly an experience that needs to be on everyone’s bucket-list! This county has plenty to offer when on your first flying lesson with views spanning all the way from Cornwall in the West to the Isle of Wight to the East. See if you can fly over our 10 Things to Spot on your Flight over Devon.
1. Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site
Spanning 95 miles from Exmouth to Studland and records dating back to 185 million years, the Jurassic coast is a definite must see! Watch as the curves of the coast carved by the waves come into view and as the waves meet the shoreline of the beaches and cliffs. A brilliant place to see by air and to visit by road with the family.
2. Blackdown Hills
The Blackdown Hills is a beautiful AONB spanning 15miles over the Devon and Somerset border. With high plateaux, steep ridges, river valleys and springs, this landscape is certainly a fantastic view from the skies. Once you’ve been flying, why not go and walk around the aray of paths, here’s some suggested routes.
3. River Exe
Flowing from Exmoor (near the Bristol channel) due south to Exeter and into the English Channel, The River Exe is Devon’s main River stretching over 50 miles. Many people go angling for Salmon and Trout as well as yachting up and down the estuary…. definitely an impressive sight to capture from up high! Along the banks of the river you will also find paper and flour mills. Some still in use and some have been converted, in fact one has been turned into a pub! Check out Mill on the Exe.
4. Powderham Castle
Located on the west bank of the River Exe just south of Exeter, this impressive 14th Century, grade I listed, fortified manor is a fabulous sight to admire from the skies. Situated within 3,500 acres, capture its beautiful parkland grounds where you may spot the deer’s that live there or see boats mooring on the river’s edge. You can visit the castle for £9.95 per adult, £8.95 seniors and £7.95 child.
5. Exeter Airport
Former RAF Exeter was heavily used during WWII by United States Air Force dispatching paratroopers to Normandy beachhead. Nowadays, Exeter Airport is used as an international airport connecting mainly to European countries.
Don’t forget to keep your eyes out for the Devon Air Ambulance and the Police Air Service helicopters also based out of Exeter Airport.
6. Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth
Situated North-East of Sidmouth you will find Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary. Home to over 400 donkeys roaming this beautiful setup makes this a fabulous place to see from above. Watch the donkeys play and enjoy being with their donkey friends. See if you can spot the chalk white donkey carving located in the grounds. If you want you can visit the Donkey Sanctuary after your flight, with free admission!
7. Paignton Zoo
Paignton Zoo first opened in 1923. With now over 2,000 animals and 175 members of staff on 83 acres of land, this landmark is an impressive sight to view when on your flight over Devon. Located in the heart of Paignton and just north of Clennon Gorge (a nature reserve to birds and insects) you will get to see all the outdoor enclosures holding: tigers, lions and apes as well as the outdoor climbing adventure park. Fancy going for a day-out? Check out the visiting prices here.
8. Lyme Regis Undercliff’s National Reserve
Stretching 7 miles from Axmouth, E.Devon to Lyme Regis, Dorset the geology of the South Devon coastline is a spectacular sight both from the ground and from the sky! Admire the dramatic jagged sandstone, chalk, clay and limestone rocks and the fabulously colourful fauna and flora from the air. This unique landscape is home to a huge diversity of wildlife and plantlife, all that have evolved to live side by side on these exposed grounds. If you have chance, go and visit this beautiful reserve by road.
9. Exeter Race course
Flying over Exeter Race Course will be man impressive sigh to see. Keep your eyes out as you fly over this thoroughbred horse racing venue situated on top of the Haldon Hills, South of Exeter City. The 3-mile long track is said to be the oldest and the highest in the UK and has been a part of Exeter’s Heritage since the 17th Century. There are plenty of races going on so fingers-crossed a race is happening when you fly over!
10. Dartmoor National Park
To the East of the airfield you will find Dartmoor National Park. Dartmoor is a superb landmark to admire from a plane window with ancient woodlands, mysterious hut circles and standing stones, rugged clapper bridges and rushing streams to spot. Don’t forget to look for the renown Dartmoor ponies, bustling towns and secluded villages.
Want to book a flying lesson to fly over Devon and see these iconic landmarks from above? Or would you like to treat a loved one to an unforgettable flight experience for their birthday? Take a look at our light aircraft flying lessons. Prices start from just £50, making it a fun and affordable present for those impossibly hard-to-buy-for people!
