Dragon Rapide Flights

A Dragon Rapide flight allows you to see the spectacular sights of London as never before from a height of 1,500 ft, you can also experience the sights of Cambridge, Ely, Newmarket and Madingley. Included in the price of your Dragon Rapide flight is admission to the Imperial War Museum, Duxford.

Sightseeing London for one person Save 5% off this experience using the code DRAGONITB5

Sightseeing London for two people Save 5% off this experience using the code DRAGONITB5

Sightseeing Cambridge, Ely & Newmarket for one person Save 5% off this experience using the code DRAGONITB5

Sightseeing Cambridge, Ely & Newmarket for two people Save 5% off this experience using the code DRAGONITB5

Sightseeing Cambridge & Madingley for one person Save 5% off this experience using the code DRAGONITB5

Sightseeing Cambridge & Madingley for two people Save 5% off this experience using the code DRAGONITB5

The de Havilland Dragon Rapide is now offering vintage aircraft sightseeing flights heading out of Duxford in Cambridgeshire to fly over London or Cambridge. In its heyday it was one of the most luxurious compact airliners flying, offering a comfort and style in the skies for the rich and famous, with illustrious owners including King Edward VIII. Now you can sample some of the flavour of the golden age of flying for yourself in this meticulously restored example of this vintage British aeroplane.

Each of the eight seats in the passenger cabin has its own window on the world and you can look forward to superb views as the aircraft flies at just 1500 feet and at a gentle 90 knots. The three different flight itineraries give you the option to view some of Britain's finest landscapes.There's sightseeing flights to the ancient university city of Cambridge, the sweeping landscape of the fens or a journey across London with its panorama of historic sites and modern landmarks.

With its distinctive biplane styling and period ambience in the cabin, the Dragon Rapide is a true evocation of 1930's air travel. At the same time the aircraft fully complies with all today's performance and safety requirements. All passengers will be given a flight briefing before boarding the vintage aircraft.

At the end of your flight, there will be an opportunity to buy souvenirs of your journey. Duxford is also the home of the Imperial War Museum's superb collection of vintage and historic aircraft, so why not build time into your visit to enjoy a tour of the exhibition (admission is included in flight package for the voucher holder). Companions wishing to spectate have to buy an entry ticket, which is available at a reduced rate.


Vintage aircraft flight over London - 70 minutes
After take-off from Duxford, the Dragon Rapide will turn South and follow the course of the Lea Valley towards London. It won't be long before the world famous landmarks appear on the horizon, the vision gives a true period feel as you look out through the struts and double silver wings of your aircraft. Approaching the city from the east, you will first recognise modern structures, such as the Millennium Dome and the towers of Canary Wharf. Up the River Thames, historic London reveals itself with Tower Bridge, St Paul's and, with permission from air traffic control, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. With the gentle speed of the aircraft, there is plenty of time to enjoy the bird's eye perspective.

Vintage aircraft flight over Cambridge, Ely and Newmarket - 40 minutes
Shortly after take-off in the Dragon Rapide, you'll be flying over the centre of Cambridge, enjoying a truly privileged view of its historic colleges and their hidden courtyards and gardens. Follow the course of the River Cam, and it should be easy to pick out the stately architecture of the world-famous King's College Chapel. Moving on across the fens, the city of Ely can be easily identified with the lofty tower of its 12th Century cathedral dominating the surrounding countryside. From there it is a scenic flight over the fenlands to Newmarket, the heart of British horse racing. The famous racecourse is a clear landmark, just south-west of the town centre.

Vintage aircraft flight over Cambridge & Madingley - 25 minutes
This is a flight of contrasts. Moving on from Cambridge, the Dragon Rapide flight takes you over the American Cemetery and Memorial at Madingley. Here is the final resting place of more than 3800 American servicemen from World War 2 and a memorial to more than 5000 who gave their lives in the conflict.