The best way to schedule a day of flight training is to start by planning your lunch stop and take it from there. With amazing dining opportunities within an hour from London this is just a taste of what’s waiting out there for you.
If you need more inspiration just message one of our instructing team for their recommendations.
Great Massingham
Take the short walk from the airstrip to The Dabbling Duck, a standout pub and restaurant on the village green with excellent comfort food. Everything on the menu is good and when the pizza oven fires up on Friday and Saturday you could almost be in Napoli.
Bembridge (EGHJ)
Hop over to the Isle of Wight and it’s just a short taxi ride from flight training to The Best Dressed Crab, billed as the island’s only floating seafood café. It’s spot in the harbour guarantees possibly the best seafood platter and great views on those perfect weather days.
Wycombe Air Park (EGTB)
The airfield’s Air Adventures Café sports a seasonal menu that never fails to disappoint. In fact, their wagyu burger seems to get better each time we visit.
Turweston (EGTB)
On a Northamptonshire lake, the airfield’s fabulous Tower building is home to The Flight Deck Café. Popular with pilots and non-aviators alike, booking is very much recommended when the weather is good. And seeing Silverstone racetrack from the air on the way in is a bonus too.
Lydd (EGMD)
On a beach in the Dungerness National Nature Reserve and just a short taxi ride from the airstrip is The Pilot. The English Channel may prove a little too bracing for a dip, but the pub classics and local fish are well worth the visit.
Gloucester (EGBJ)
The Aviator Inn is well named for its airfield location and the warm welcome that greets pilots and passengers alike. With cracking views of the airfield action and general pub classics it’s a popular destination flight.
La Touquet (LFAT)
Not technically in the UK we know, but as it’s rebranding as London-Le Touquet Airport it had to be on the list. At the airfield dine at L’Escale or walk 200m to La Dune Aux Loupe for a classic French bistro with seasonal favourites. Or, with a bit more time, borrow a bicycle from the airfield for a short ride into town to be greeted by an 11km fine sandy beach and choice of sea-side eateries.
Brighton City Airport (EGKA)
On the sunny Sussex coast in Shoreham you’ll find the UK’s oldest licenced aerodrome. It’s Hummingbird Restaurant offers a reliable menu of home-cooked classics which for us is topped off by their delicious lasagne. But do be warned, go early as it get very busy, even on a winter weekday!
Looking for inspiration for any part of your flying and training itinerary just let us know. We’re full of great ideas.
By Henry Digby