Whether you’re an aircraft enthusiast or just looking for fun things to do with the kids, don’t miss out on some of the best UK airshows! Incredible aerial displays will be taking place from Blackpool to Southport and beyond this summer, featuring military aircraft and famous planes including the Red Arrows. Whichever UK air show you’re visiting, our great value hotels will get you off to a flying start thanks to our central locations, super-comfy beds, free Wi-Fi and mouth-watering meals – what’s not to love?
Airshows in the UK
UK Air Shows
Southport Air Show, 29th – 30th August
Thanks to its setting by Southport Beach – which is right next door to our Southport Central hotel – you can combine a family days out by the seaside with unforgettable aerial displays at the popular Southport Air Show this summer. Check out our handy Southport Air Show guide.
Hotels near Southport Air Show:
If you’re looking for great places to stay in Southport near the air festival this summer, look no further than our Southport Central hotel, our Southport (Ormskirk) hotel, our Liverpool North hotel and our Wigan North (M6 Jct 27) hotel.
Blackpool Air Show, 8th - 9th August
From the Red Arrows and Spitfires to Eurofighter Typhoons, book weekend breaks in Blackpool this summer and watch all kinds of incredible aircraft take to the skies. There’s plenty of family activities taking place along the promenade too, so don’t miss out on the Blackpool Air Show! Check out our handy Blackpool Air Show guide.
Hotels near Blackpool Air Show:
We’ve got you covered if you’re searching for great hotels near Blackpool Promenade this August. Book great value rooms at our Blackpool (North Pier) hotel, our Blackpool Bispham hotel, our Blackpool (Beach) hotel and our Blackpool Airport hotel.
Goodwood Airshows, Festival of Speed 9th-12th July, Revival 18th-20th September
Two Goodwood events means double the fun! Motoring fans won’t want to miss the exciting Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, or step back in time at the Goodwood Revival, an iconic race featuring cars from the 50s and 60s where visitors dress in period fashion! Check out our handy Goodwood Airshow guide.
Hotels near the Goodwood Festivals:
When you’re looking for places to stay near the Goodwood Motor Circuit this year, check out our Chichester South (Gate Leisure Park) hotel, our Bognor Regis hotel, our Portsmouth Havant South (Langstone/A27) hotel and our Arundel hotel.
Royal International Air Tattoo Airshow, 17th - 19th July
If you're staying near Fairford, The Royal International Air Tattoo or RIAT at RAF Fairford is more than just one of the biggest airshows in the world – it’s a celebration of aircraft and aviation that supports RAF charities. This unforgettable event is a treat for the whole family, and a must-visit for your next weekend break in Gloucestershire. Enjoy incredible aerial displays and impressive aircraft up close and personal near the Cotswolds.
Hotels near RIAT Fairford Airshow:
If you’re searching for places to stay near the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) show this summer, book great value rooms at our Swindon North hotel, our Cirencester hotel, our Witney hotel and our Swindon Central hotel.
Bournemouth Air Festival
Looking for free things to do with the kids in summer? Book family breaks in Bournemouth and take the little ones to Bournemouth Air Festival! Check out our handy Bournemouth Air Festival guide.
Be sure to check back in for updates on exciting displays between Bournemouth Pier and Boscombe Pier.
More Air Shows in the UK
Eastbourne Airbourne Airshow
Nearest Eastbourne hotels – our Eastbourne Town Centre hotel, our Eastbourne hotel and our Eastbourne Polegate hotel. Take a look at our handy Eastbourne Airshow guide.
Dates: 13th - 16th August
Abingdon Air & Country Show
If you’re planning on visiting Oxfordshire, don’t miss out on experiencing the Abingdon Air & Country Show. This exciting event features incredible aircraft and exhibitions as well as fun activities for the kids. Closest hotels to the Oxfordshire air show include our Abingdon (A34) hotel, our Oxford South Didcot hotel, our Oxford Botley hotel and our Oxford Cowley hotel – book now!
Dates: 13th June
Farnborough International Airshow
Farnborough is a town with strong links to aviation, and it doesn’t get much better than the Farnborough International Airshow. The FIA features exhibitions on all the latest aerospace innovations, plus flying displays! Though it’s mostly for trade visitors and industry insiders, the Pioneers of Tomorrow event is open to the public. Book rooms at our Farnborough West (Southwood) hotel, our Farnborough Town Centre hotel and our Aldershot hotel.
Dates: 20th - 24th July
Battle of Britain Airshow
History enthusiasts and aircraft lovers alike won’t want to miss the Battle of Britain Airshow at Headcorn Aerodrome. Watch bombers, bi-planes, Spitfires and more take to the skies as they put on aerial displays and re-enactments to entertain the whole family just a 20-minute drive from Leeds Castle. If you’re looking for places to stay near Headcorn, our Ashford North hotel, our Ashford (Eureka Leisure Park) hotel and our Ashford Central hotel are closest to the airfield.
Dates: 27th - 28th June
Teignmouth Airshow
Looking for free things to do with the kids in Devon? Look no further than Teignmouth Airshow! Featuring unforgettable displays from famous aircraft including the Red Arrows and RAF Typhoons, it’s easy to see why Teignmouth Airshow is one of the biggest family events in Devon. Stay close to the action at our Newton Abbot hotel, our Torquay Harbour hotel and our Torquay Seafront hotel.
Dates: 6th - 7th June
Old Buckenham Airshow
With an exciting funfair and food village to visit, there’s as much to enjoy on the ground as there is in the air at Old Buckenham Airshow! Don’t miss out when you’re searching for family events near Norwich, as Spitfires, Falcons, Typhoons and more will be wowing the crowd each summer. Why not book a room at our Thetford hotel, our Norwich West (Showground/A47) hotel, our Premier Inn Norwich City Centre (Duke Street) hotel or our Premier Inn Norwich Nelson City Centre hotel and make a weekend out of it?
Dates: 25th - 26th June
Wales Airshow
If you’re visiting Swansea with the kids in July, the Wales Airshow is unmissable. Think aerial displays by famous aircraft, nail-biting parachute demonstrations and family activities on the ground to enjoy. Plus, what better place to watch one of the biggest summer events in Wales than on scenic Swansea Bay? Book rooms at our Swansea Waterfront hotel, our Swansea City Centre hotel and our Port Talbot hotel to stay close to the action.
Dates: 25th - 26th July
Clacton Airshow
Nearest Clacton hotels – our Clacton-On-Sea (Seafront) hotel, our Clacton-on-Sea (North/Colchester Road) hotel and our Colchester Town Centre (Castle) hotel.
Dates: 27th - 28th August
Shuttleworth Air Shows, Festival of Flight
Looking to attend an Airshow at Shuttleworth? All kinds of exciting Shuttleworth airshows take place from May to October each year – themes include Best of British, Military Weekend, Family Weekend, Festival of Flight and more at the Old Warden Airfield. Whenever you visit though, you can look forward to incredible aircraft displays, craft workshops and even a tour of Shuttleworth House itself! Book a stay at our Bedford South (A421) hotel, our Bedford (Priory Marina) hotel, our Bedford Town Centre (Riverside) hotel or our Premier Inn St. Neots (A1/Wyboston) hotel to stay close to the event.
Dates: 29th - 28th June
English Riviera Airshow in Torbay
Locals and tourists alike love this exciting summer event in Torquay! Since 2016, the Torbay Airshow – otherwise known as the English Riviera Airshow – has hosted thrilling flying displays and family fun right on Paignton’s seafront. Best of all, it doesn’t cost a penny! So if you’re searching for free family activities in Torquay, don’t miss out on one of the first of many UK airshows to take place each year. Book summer breaks at our Paignton Seafront (Goodrington Sands) hotel, our Paignton South (Brixham Road) hotel and our Torquay Seafront hotel.
Dates: 29th - 31st May
Midlands Air Festival
Fireworks, air displays and hot air balloon flights – the Midlands Air Festival has it all when you’re looking for family days out near Warwickshire! Hosted in the grounds of Ragley Hall in Alcester, the Midlands Air Show is ideal for families and aircraft enthusiasts. Book great-value rooms at our Evesham hotel, our Stratford Upon Avon Waterways hotel and our Stratford Upon Avon Central hotel to get the most out of your weekend in Warwickshire.
Dates: 29th - 31st May
Ways to stay for UK Air Shows
Premier Inn
Our Premier Inn hotels are an ideal base if you’re planning on visiting some of the best air shows in the UK. Our great value rooms feature free Wi-Fi and our famously comfy beds for you to enjoy throughout your stay. You’ll find a family friendly restaurants nearby wherever you’re staying, so you can always look forward to mouth-watering meals after watching the Red Arrows. Plus, when an adult orders a full Premier Inn Breakfast or Meal Deal, up to two kids eat breakfast for free!
Premier Plus rooms
Why not get even more out of your UK airshow trip by booking one of our Premier Plus rooms? Our enhanced rooms let you enjoy all the comfort you know and love, plus added perks like Ultimate Wi-Fi, a mini-fridge and snacks, a rainfall shower with luxury toiletries and more.
UK air show FAQs
What is the biggest UK airshow
The Royal International Air Tattoo – or RIAT as it’s often known – is considered the biggest air show in the UK, and one of the largest military air shows in the world! With around 250 aircraft and all kinds of exciting displays, it’s no surprise that this Gloucestershire event welcomes over a hundred thousand visitors each year!
Is it free to go to an airshow?
It depends on the event! Some air shows in Britain are free to attend like Teignmouth Airshow and Bournemouth Air Festival. Other UK airshows you’ll need to buy tickets for, like RIAT and Southport, so try and book in advance to get the best prices.