Local Airfields and Experiences

Come fly with us on a quick tour of our local airfields and flight-related experiences.

This article was written on 20 July 2023
and is a 4 minute read

Several local airfields, which you can still see today, played important roles in WWII. Visitors to the area can explore them – and even take to the air – while on holiday.

"Dunkeswell 80"

Dunkeswell Aerodrome, located in East Devon near Honiton, has a rich aviation history. It was originally constructed between 1942-43 to act as a Royal Air Force station during World War II, but it was occupied by the USAAF 479th Anti Submarine Squadron and then by the US Navy and was the only US Naval Airbase in Europe. Marking the 80^th anniversary of its opening, “Dunkeswell 80” takes place on 5^th and 6^th August 2023 and tickets are available on their website. Find out more about the narrative of Dunkeswell and other local airfields from South West Air Fields Heritage Trust, which aims to preserve aviation history for future generations and runs the Dunkeswell Heritage Museum.

After the war, Dunkeswell Aerodrome transitioned to civilian use and became a popular destination for private flying and recreational aviation. Today, it’s primarily used as a general aviation airfield, accommodating private aircraft, flight training schools, and recreational flying. Various flying experiences are available and, if you’re feeling really brave, you can even book “wing-walking” with IntoTheBlue: 10 minutes standing on the wing of an authentic Boeing Stearman Biplane, travelling at speeds of up to 135 mph!

The Dunkeswell Aviator Coffee Bar & Restaurant, with views across the airfield, is a great place to watch aeroplanes. There’s seating inside and out, with tasty coffee and homemade cake.

Skydiving

Skydive Buzz at Dunkeswell is a well-known skydiving centre. Experience the adrenalin rush and take in panoramic views of the Devon countryside during your descent. They offer tandem skydives from either 15,000 feet with a freefall for around 60 seconds, or from 7,000 feet with 15 seconds of freefall.

Other Historic Airfields Nearby

Upottery Airfield (also known as Smeatharpe) is another former WWII airfield. Opened in 1944, it was used by the Royal Air Force, United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) and United States Navy. The Nissen Hut Heritage Centre at Smeatharpe is home to a unique original photographic archive documenting the major role this airfield played during the night of June 5^th 1944 and D-Day operation on June 6th, all housed within part of the original HQ Officers’ complex and Nissen Hut.

Aerial image of RAF Upottery reproduced with permission from South West Air Fields Heritage Trust: https://www.southwestairfields.co.uk/page17.html

The airfield was returned to agriculture after the military left but all three runways are still mostly intact. Upottery Airfield appeared in the first episode of the television mini-series Band of Brothers in 2001. Regular stock car racing also takes place on a purpose built oval.

History buffs might also be interested in RAF Culmhead, which operated as a Polish air base during the War. Its story is told in-depth, along with some wonderful photographs and maps, on the South West Air Fields website.

RAF Culmhead reproduced with permission from South West Air Fields Heritage Trust https://www.southwestairfields.co.uk/page18.html

Gliding

When staying with us, you’ll often see gliders overhead that have either been towed up by a small plane or launched by winch – from Sheldon Gliding Club. For a truly memorable adventure, book a trial lesson and glide over the local countryside with an instructor. You can elect to take the controls yourself, or just sit back and enjoy the experience, soaring on the thermals. The gliding club also operates a cafe on site, so family members can watch, with coffee in hand, as you take off.