SPITFIRE FLIGHT EXPERIENCES AT Goodwood Aerodrome, WEST SUSSEX

experience the ultimate spitfire adventure at goodwood.
whY CHOOSE GOODWOOD FOR YOUR SPITFIRE FLIGHT?

Take to the skies from Goodwood Aerodrome, the historic RAF Westhampnett, and experience the thrill of flying in a Supermarine Spitfire. Feel the power of this legendary aircraft as you soar over the breathtaking South Downs and the English Channel. Goodwood Aerodrome offers a truly authentic experience, allowing you to fly from an original Battle of Britain airfield steeped in rich aviation heritage. As you take to the skies, you'll soar over historic wartime landscapes, including the South Coast and the English Channel – routes once patrolled by Spitfire pilots during World War II. Enjoy the unique thrill of an original authentic grass runway, just as RAF pilots did during the war. In fact, Goodwood is home to the last all-grass Battle of Britain runway on the South Coast, adding to the authenticity of your flight experience. Conveniently located near Chichester, Portsmouth, and within easy reach of London, Goodwood is the perfect setting for an unforgettable aviation adventure. Every flight is expertly piloted in a genuine WWII Spitfire, offering an unmatched opportunity to relive history in the skies.

ABOUT & HISTORY

Goodwood Aerodrome airfield was created on Goodwood Estate land which was donated by Freddie March, the 9th Duke of Richmond, the renowned amateur racer and aircraft engineer to assist the war effort. As RAF Westhampnett, it was active from July 1940 to May 1946 as a Battle of Britain station, and later home to over 46 squadrons, operating Hawker Hurricanes, Hawker Typhoons, and many of the various marks of Supermarine Spitfires. Most of the Squadrons who flew at Goodwood operated the Spitfire including Polish, New Zealand, Canadian, American, Free French and Belgian Squadrons as well as British. The charismatic Douglas Bader flew his last wartime flight from Westhampnett during which he had to abandon his stricken Spitfire over Northern France. Today a full-size bronze statue stands as a tribute to Bader at Goodwood. It was also from RAF Westhampnett that the first operational sorties by the Fighter Groups of the US 8th Air Force flew in combat with the allies, one of the first sorties being the infamous Dieppe raid. Many pilots from the war commented on how they felt that Westhampnett was home from home. Indeed many waxed lyrical about the beautiful local countryside which helped them relax after sorties. From the South downs to Chichester harbour, the pilots enjoyed the many local benefits.

Driving out to pubs at Bosham Harbour or heading into historic Chichester for entertainment. Goodwood, much the same today, it is well placed for access to great scenery, horse racing, motor racing, sailing, theatre or just soaking up the historic landmarks. Not only is it a great place to fly, your straight into the skies that were under threat from Daily Luftwaffe raids during the battle of Britain, but also the scene of many furious combats between Spitfires, Hurricanes and Me 109s. Spitfires chasing Ju87 Stuka dive bombers out across the coast, after attacking nearby RAF Tangmere. If you want Battle of Britain skies and scenery then fly in one of our Spitfires from a grass Battle of Britain airfield, time travel back to 1940!

BOOK YOUR SPITFIRE FLIGHTS AT GOODWOOD

This is your chance to experience the thrill of flying in a legendary Supermarine Spitfire, covering some of the most iconic landscapes in the UK. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an aviation lover, or looking for the ultimate gift, a thrilling Spitfire flight experience from Goodwood is an unforgettable adventure.