Wales is by far our most popular location for helicopter tours in the UK, and it’s clear to see why. Wales not only has ‘The Valleys’ which are famous nationwide for their beautiful landscapes and rolling hills, but is also abundant in quaint seaside towns, rugged coastlines, typically British beaches and friendly cities like Cardiff and Swansea. 

With the past year keeping us all inside, more people than ever are looking to do things out of their comfort zone, and what better way than to say yes to a helicopter tour?

Helicopter tours are known for being on a lot of people’s ‘things to do before I die’ lists, but in the words of Gwen Stefani, what are you waiting for? Without being able to travel, this year has made me realise just how little of the UK I’ve been able to explore in my lifetime, and I’m keen to change that. There are hundreds of cool things to do and breath-taking sights to see right on our doorsteps! 

I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that helicopter tours are an experience like no other. If you’ve been on a commercial airline flight, you may think you know what it’s like to fly, but this is something entirely different. You’ll of course get to experience the famous vertical take-off, known for its adrenaline-inducing effects. 

Next, it’s time to look at the astounding sights of the seemingly endless, microscopic world below you, as you hover and manoeuvre your way around in mid-air. 

We’ve collected a list of our favourite helicopter sightseeing tours from around Wales, so you can take the guesswork out of your bucket list planning. Sit back, read, and enjoy!

Cardiff Helicopter Tour

This Cardiff Helicopter Sightseeing tour from the incredible Heli Adventures is a fantastic sightseeing experience, and one of the best city tours you’ll find in the area, with scenic views of the countryside, coast and city skyscape. 

This is a low-level tour, meaning that you will be as close as possible to the action, and your pilot will be on-hand to point out the exciting landmarks you fly over! 

Highlights include Lavernock Point, Barry Island (for the Gavin & Stacey fans), Cardiff Bay, and all of the noteworthy historic buildings located in Cardiff city centre, including the Cardiff Docks. This tour really does have everything you need and it’s all packed into a neatly organised 20-minute flight time!

Magic and Mountains Snowdonia Helicopter Tour

Snowdonia National Park is famous for its beautiful, mountainous landscapes that border the rugged north west coastline of Wales. 

There are many significant peaks, glacial landforms and valleys within the Snowdonia Park, but Mount Snowdon is the one that most come to see! It is the highest peak in the British Isles outside of the Scottish Highlands, and by far the biggest mountain in Wales. 

This tour will of course fly over the famous mountain, but its aim is to show you how much more Snowdonia has to offer! You can expect to fly past the 13th century Dolwyddelan Castle, the historic mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, the quaint (and extremely Instagramable) village of Portmerion and much more. For a 30-minute flight, I can guarantee you’ll be getting your money's worth! 

Hover Helicopters Sightseeing Tour

The aim of this ‘Undiscovered Wales’ Flight by Hover Helicopters is to show everyone, whether you’re a local or a tourist, around the parts of Wales that most, sadly, don’t know about. 

You’ll depart from Welshpool airport for a 30-minute extensive sightseeing tour, full of hidden gems and once in a lifetime views. Expect to see the magnificent sandstone castle of Powis, passing over the quaint town of Meidof and lake Vyrnwy, with the stunning mountain, Cadair Idris in the distance, famous for bearing resemblance to a chair (this one is well worth seeing from above). 

The tour will open your eyes to the beauty Wales has to offer and hopefully leave you wanting to explore more of it, whether it’s by land or sky!

Shropshire Helicopter Sightseeing Tour

This sightseeing tour is another experience that departs from Welshpool airport in Powys, this 30-minute adventure carries you out of Wales and into the neighbouring county of Shropshire. 

You’ll begin the tour by following the longest river in Britain, the River Severn, out of the Welsh Valley and across the English border to the picturesque fields of Shropshire. You’ll be taken to a unique vantage point, where you’ll be able to see the countryside and hills of Wales, Cannock Chase, The Midlands and Liverpool all around you in the distance. 

You can also expect to spot landmarks such as Breidden Hill, Rodney’s Pillar, Shropshire Hills, Offa’s Dyke and Powys Castle, before returning back to Welshpools Airport after a fascinating and inspiring flight. 

Cardiff Stadium & Castle Helicopter Tour

Similar to their 20-minute Cardiff Sightseeing tour, this 30-minute offering from Heli Adventures will see you take off from Cardiff Airport and enjoy a low-level scenic flight of the area with sightings of Barry Island, Lavernock Point, Cardiff Bay and the intricate architecture of the historic buildings of Cardiff. 

The difference? This tour will put more of an emphasis on the iconic Millennium Stadium (also known as the Principality Stadium), where the successful Welsh National Rugby team play their matches, it’s also host to many of Wales’ national football games too. 

Additionally, the tour will spend longer at the beautiful Cardiff Castle, for you to get the best photos possible, before returning to the airport. 

Buzz Flight Celebration Experience

When anyone is curious about flying in a helicopter, but they’re a little apprehensive or scared to dive straight in, this is the experience we will always suggest. 

Not only is it perfect for anyone looking to tick helicopter flights off from their bucket list, it’s also a great way to celebrate a special occasion! If you aren’t familiar with the concept of a helicopter buzz flight, they consist of the famous vertical take-off, followed by a short 5-minute flight around the surrounding area before landing. 

This particular experience even offers guests bubbly and chocolates on landing to congratulate them on their bravery, and to make the short experience something a little more special. 

One Hour Gyrocopter Flight Experience at Caernarfon Airport

Gyrocopters offer a thrilling and stable flying experience. They are known for their manoeuvrability, allowing them to fly at lower altitudes and in tight spaces. This gives passengers incredible views and a sense of freedom as they explore the skies. With this gyrocopter flight, you can experience the wonders of Snowdonia from the skies in a one-hour tour. With dual controls, you can pilot the aircraft as much or as little as you desire.

Take off from Caernarfon Airport and let your expert instructor guide you through an incredible journey over Snowdonia or the scenic coast of Caernarfon Bay and Menai Strait. Fly at lower altitudes and soak in the breathtaking views of Caernarfon Bay, Menai Strait, and the Snowdonia mountains.

After landing, make the most of your day at Caernarfon Airport, where you'll find a charming café, Air-Sea Rescue Helicopters, a Flying School, Helicopter Air-Experience Flights, and an intriguing Museum. This Gyrocopter Flight Experience is an ideal gift for thrill-seekers and aspiring pilots

Helicopter Trial Lessons

Whizzard Helicopters now offer a range of trial flight lessons to the public, meaning that you can enjoy the exhilarating experience of flying in a helicopter, while learning all about what makes them tick. 

This experience also includes the chance to take the controls yourself a little later in the lesson! If you’re interested in more than sightseeing and would love to get a feel for the pilot life in one of these unique aircrafts, this is your chance! 

This experience is the ideal way to learn the ins and outs of the complex controls that manoeuvre the double propellers, unlike any other aircraft. Whizzard’s packages come in all shapes and sizes, from 30-minute lessons to full day introductory courses. 

These are luckily available in both Cardiff and Welshpool, for everyone to enjoy!  

We hope that you’ve enjoyed reading through our recommendations and that you’ve found the best flight to suit your needs. If you’re still looking, you can find all our Wales flying experiences here, and our entire flying experience range here.

Check out other regions for the best helicopter flights:

The Best Helicopter Rides in North West England

The Best Helicopter Flights in the South East of England

The Best Helicopter Flights in the Midlands

The Best Helicopter Flights in Yorkshire & Humberside