London Helicopter Experiences
Helicopter sightseeing tours departing from Battersea Heliport — aerial views of the Thames, the Shard and Parliament from London's only licensed helipad
Helicopter sightseeing tours departing from Battersea Heliport — aerial views of the Thames, the Shard and Parliament from London's only licensed helipad
London Heliport in Battersea is the only CAA-licensed helicopter facility within the capital, operating continuously since 1959. From a compact riverside site between Wandsworth Bridge and Battersea Railway Bridge, sightseeing flights lift off over the Thames and reach the Houses of Parliament within seconds of departure.
Several operators run tours ranging from a brisk twelve-minute central London circuit to a forty-minute extended flight taking in Greenwich, Canary Wharf and the Thames Barrier. Aircraft seat up to seven passengers, and the elevated position over the river provides unobstructed views of landmarks that look entirely different from above.
London Heliport occupies a narrow riverside site in Battersea, tucked between Wandsworth Bridge and Battersea Railway Bridge on the south bank of the Thames. Built in 1959 by W. & C. French, it was originally known as Battersea Heliport and has operated continuously for over six decades. The facility changed hands several times — Westland Aircraft, then Harrods, then Weston Homes — before the Reuben Brothers acquired it in 2012 for thirty-five million pounds.
The heliport's position three and a half nautical miles southwest of Westminster Bridge means sightseeing flights reach central London landmarks within moments of take-off. A jetty extending into the Thames serves as the main helipad, with onshore parking for three to four aircraft depending on size. Despite its compact footprint, the heliport handles thousands of commercial and private movements each year.
The standard sightseeing circuit follows the Thames eastward from Battersea. Within the first two minutes, passengers fly over Battersea Power Station and the Chelsea riverfront before the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben come into view. The route continues past the London Eye, Waterloo Bridge and the cluster of South Bank cultural buildings.
Further east, the flight passes over St Paul's Cathedral, the Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe before reaching Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Extended routes continue to Canary Wharf, the Millennium Dome and the Royal Observatory at Greenwich. Pilots typically provide commentary, pointing out features that are invisible from street level — the geometric patterns of the City's financial district, the hidden gardens of the Inns of Court and the full curve of the Thames as it winds through Docklands.
Several operators run sightseeing tours from Battersea Heliport, including Thunder Aviation, The London Helicopter and various charter companies bookable through platforms like GetHeli and Viator. Shared flights start from around one hundred and fifty pounds per person for a twelve-minute circuit, while private charters for up to seven passengers begin at roughly two thousand seven hundred and fifty pounds.
Passengers should arrive at least fifteen minutes before departure for check-in and the mandatory safety briefing. The heliport has a small passenger lounge but no cafe or shop, so plan accordingly. Photography is permitted during the flight and window seats offer unobstructed views thanks to the large cabin windows fitted on most touring helicopters. Morning flights on weekdays tend to offer the clearest visibility and the lowest prices, as heliport fees are higher at weekends.
Prices vary by operator, day and season — weekday flights are typically cheaper than weekends due to lower heliport fees
Heliport fees are lower on weekdays, which reduces the ticket price. Morning light also gives the clearest views and the sharpest photographs.
Check-in and the safety briefing take a few minutes. Late arrivals may lose their slot entirely, with no refund offered by most operators.
The standard route heads east along the Thames. The right-hand seats face north towards Parliament and the City skyline for the best photo angles.
Helicopter windows can create glare. A polarising filter helps, and a fast shutter speed of at least 1/500th freezes motion and vibration blur.
The heliport is a short walk from Battersea Park and the Power Station development. Plan a riverside lunch before or after your flight.
London Travel Writer · 12+ years covering UK attractions and tourism
Last reviewed: March 9, 2026
