Searching for fun summer events to enjoy with the kids? Book weekend breaks in Gloucestershire and experience the world-famous Royal International Air Tattoo! It’s the biggest airshow in the UK, and RIAT promises to entertain all ages with incredible aircrafts, unforgettable aerial displays and even a chance to meet the pilots. Best of all, we’ve got you covered when you’re looking for places to stay near the Royal International Air Tattoo thanks to our hotels near the Cotswolds – book great value rooms with us this summer for a weekend to remember.
Royal International Air Tattoo Airshow
Hotels near Royal International Air Tattoo Airshow
Royal International Air Tattoo Airshow
Best places to stay for RIAT
Our top hotels near the RIAT Fairford Airshow include our Swindon North hotel, our Cirencester hotel, our Witney hotel and our Swindon Central hotel. All offer the great value rooms, super-comfy beds and free Wi-Fi you know and love, so you’ll have plenty of choice when you’re looking for the best places to stay near the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) show this July. Thanks to the RIAT Fairford’s location, there’s all kinds of fun places to visit in Gloucestershire throughout your stay too, like the Cotswolds and Lydiard Park.
You can look forward to delicious dishes throughout your stay with us thanks to our great restaurants in Gloucester. Mouth-watering meals at great value prices for the whole family to enjoy – what’s not to love? Wake up feeling well rested and load up your plate with our famous unlimited Premier Inn Breakfast – don’t forget, up to two under 16s eat breakfast for free with a full paying adult!
Royal International Air Tattoo Airshow
History of Royal International Air Tattoo Airshow
Fun fact – the first RIAT airshow actually took place in Essex in 1971! Back then, the event was known simply as the Air Tattoo, and was started by Timothy Prince, Paul Bowen and Sir Denis Crowley-Milling.
The airshow grew in size and popularity over the years, moving to RAF Fairford in 1985 and officially becoming the Royal International Air Tattoo in 1996 – with the blessing of Queen Elizabeth II.
Nowadays, the event welcomes upwards of 150,000 visitors and hosts hundreds of different aircraft from around the world – impressive considering the first ever RIAT hosted only 100!
Four things to know about Royal International Air Tattoo Airshow
Air Tattoo dates & duration
RIAT dates: The Royal Air Tattoo will be held from 17th – 19th July 2026.
Duration of RIAT: The Air Tattoo Airshow is a thrilling three-day event, and visitors can look forward to a weekend packed full of aerial displays and activities on the showground from 7.30am to 6.00pm on Friday, and from 7:30am to 7:30pm on Saturday and Sunday.
What’s on at Royal International Air Tattoo Airshow
You can expect an unforgettable weekend at the Air Tattoo Airshow this summer! Think incredible aerial displays in the sky, impressive aircraft to explore on the ground, plus interactive exhibitions at areas like the RAF Experience, Take Off Zone and Techno Zone®. With all this and more to look forward to, it’s easy to see why this is one of the world’s favourite airshows – and one of the biggest events in the Cotswolds!
Getting to the RIAT Air Tattoo
Wondering how to get to the RIAT Air Festival? The good news is that you’ll have plenty of options! There’s a park and ride service that runs from Cheltenham Racecourse, as well as a shuttle bus from Swindon bus station. Swindon is the closest station if you’re thinking of getting to RIAT by train, or why not book a coach ride? Plus, with Gloucestershire hotels like our Swindon North hotel, our Cirencester hotel, our Witney hotel and our Swindon Central hotel nearby, you won’t be too far away from a cosy bed and tasty meals after the airshow.
Royal Air Tattoo tips
The Royal International Air Tattoo is the UK’s biggest airshow and welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, so make sure plan ahead and arrive on time to avoid as many queues as possible! As RIAT takes place in July, remember to pack summer essentials like water, hats and sun cream, and don’t miss out on other great things to do near the Cotswolds during your stay too!
Royal International Air Tattoo FAQs
Where is the Royal International Air Tattoo located?
The RIAT Airshow takes place at the RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire each summer. This famous airfield is just a 20-minute drive from Stanton Country Park and the Cotswolds, so there’s more than the Royal Air Tattoo to enjoy on Gloucestershire breaks – check out some of the best things to do in Gloucester and top attractions in Cheltenham.
Is RIAT the biggest airshow?
The Royal International Air Tattoo is the UK’s largest airshow, and the biggest military airshow in the world. The title of the world’s largest airshow in general goes to the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin!
Why is RIAT called a tattoo?
Way back in the 17th century, a song would be played near inns at closing time to warn soldiers that it was time to return to camp. This signal was called a ‘tap-toe’ from the original Dutch phrase, and over the years it evolved into ‘taptoo’ and eventually ‘tattoo’. Nowadays, a military tattoo can be everything from a musical performance by drummers to exciting live shows and air festivals like RIAT!
Can you take your own food to RIAT?
Yes! You can bring everything from food and drink to blankets and chairs to RIAT – there’s even a free Drop Zone where you can store your goodies until you need them. Don’t worry – you’ll find plenty of food to buy on-site at the showground, as well as RIAT merchandise.
How much do Royal International Air Tattoo tickets cost?
RIAT ticket prices depend on which event day you’d like to attend. Friday tickets cost £45, Saturday tickets are £79.50 and Sunday tickets are £74.50. You’ll also find ticket packages for different areas like the Viewing Village, Flight Deck and Altitude. Good news for families – Air Tattoo Airshow tickets are free for under 18s!