Fly a Spitfire Why Fly a Spitfire Biggin Hill

When customers are considering where to book their Spitfire experience, one of the questions we are most frequently asked is:

“Why should I choose Fly a Spitfire Biggin Hill?”

The answer lies in the airfield’s unparalleled history. There is no location more synonymous with the Supermarine Spitfire and the Battle of Britain than RAF Biggin Hill. Fly a Spitfire Biggin Hill from this iconic airfield is far more than simply experiencing flight in a historic aircraft—it’s an opportunity to take off from one of Britain’s most significant wartime fighter stations and follow in the footsteps of the men who defended the nation during its darkest hour.

The Birthplace of Battle of Britain Legends

RAF Biggin Hill is one of the most famous fighter stations of the Second World War. Situated just 17 miles south-east of central London, it became one of the RAF’s principal fighter bases, protecting the capital throughout the Battle of Britain.

Even today, London’s skyline is clearly visible from the airfield, serving as a powerful reminder of the city that countless young fighter pilots risked their lives to defend.

During the war, Biggin Hill was home to numerous renowned Spitfire and Hurricane squadrons, including No. 72, No. 74, No. 92 and No. 610 Squadrons. From here, pilots scrambled daily to intercept incoming Luftwaffe raids over south-east England.

Its strategic importance also made Biggin Hill one of the Luftwaffe’s primary targets.

Between 18 August 1940 and 7 January 1941, the station endured twelve major bombing raids. One of the most devastating occurred on 30 August 1940, when low-level attacks with 1,000 lb bombs destroyed workshops, stores and accommodation blocks, claiming the lives of 39 RAF personnel. A further raid the following day demolished the Operations Block.

Despite the relentless attacks, Biggin Hill continued operating throughout the war, launching Spitfires on operational sorties until the conflict ended in 1945.

A Living Heritage Airfield

Today, Biggin Hill remains one of Britain’s premier aviation centres.

Alongside its thriving business aviation community, it is home to FlyaSpitfire.com and our sister company, The Spitfire Company, which restores, maintains and operates one of the world’s largest collections of airworthy Supermarine Spitfires and historic military aircraft.

Unlike many former RAF stations, Biggin Hill has retained much of its original wartime character. Many historic RAF buildings remain, including the Officers’ Mess, while surviving Pickett-Hamilton Forts and original “E-Pens” continue to stand as reminders of the airfield’s wartime role.

Remarkably, the overall layout of the airfield remains largely unchanged from over 80 years ago, allowing visitors to experience an authentic Battle of Britain station much as it would have appeared during the 1940s.

More Than a Flight Experience

Flying a Spitfire from Biggin Hill is far more than simply climbing into the cockpit—it is an immersive historical experience.

Every guest enjoys a guided tour of our restoration hangars, where you’ll see Spitfires and other historic aircraft undergoing maintenance and restoration while learning about their remarkable histories from our experienced team.

Before your flight, you’ll relax in our guest lounge, carefully designed to recreate the atmosphere of a wartime dispersal hut. The lounge features period photographs, original artefacts and displays dedicated to RAF Biggin Hill and the Battle of Britain.

A particular highlight is our Operations Board, displaying the squadrons and pilots who flew from Biggin Hill during the war—many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice.

Just a short walk from our headquarters is the Biggin Hill Memorial Museum, located on the site of the former RAF chapel. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the station’s wartime history through original artefacts, personal accounts and interactive exhibits.

Many visitors also choose to explore nearby historic locations, including The White Hart at Brasted, the village pub frequented by RAF fighter pilots during the war, and Chartwell, the former home of Sir Winston Churchill, situated just six miles from the airfield.

Fly a Spitfire Dispersal Lounge

Tailor Your Spitfire Adventure

Every Spitfire experience is designed to be as individual as the person flying it.

Although our flights include suggested routes and destinations, these are entirely flexible. Within your chosen flight duration and subject to operational requirements, your pilot will be delighted to tailor the route to your interests.

Perhaps you’d like to fly over your hometown, visit a favourite landmark, or simply explore the spectacular Kent countryside and coastline from the cockpit of one of history’s most iconic aircraft.

Our experience flights can include breathtaking views of:

Leeds Castle
The White Cliffs of Dover
Beachy Head
The historic Battle of Britain flight routes
The spectacular South East coastline

And no Spitfire experience would be complete without discovering exactly what the aircraft was built to do. If conditions allow and you’re feeling adventurous, simply ask your pilot about experiencing the famous Victory Roll—the perfect conclusion to an unforgettable flight.

Share the Experience

Friends and family are welcome to enjoy the day alongside you.

For an even more memorable occasion, they can accompany your flight aboard our Piper Saratoga chase aircraft, providing spectacular aerial views of your Spitfire and allowing them to share in your experience from the skies.

Guests travelling from further afield can also stay at The Landing Hotel, conveniently located on the airport and only a short walk from FlyaSpitfire HQ.

The Ultimate Place to Fly a Spitfire

There are many places to fly in a Spitfire, but nowhere offers the same combination of authenticity, history and atmosphere as Biggin Hill.

From the moment you arrive, you are surrounded by the legacy of the Battle of Britain. The original airfield, the historic buildings, the restoration hangars and, of course, the unmistakable sound of the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine all combine to create an experience unlike any other.

A Spitfire flight from Biggin Hill is not simply a flying experience—it’s an opportunity to become part of one of Britain’s greatest aviation stories. Whether you’re fulfilling a lifelong ambition, marking a special occasion or purchasing an unforgettable gift, there is no finer place to fly this legendary aircraft.