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Helicopter rides: Newport, Gwent in South Wales

If you've wanted to see much of Gwent in South Wales from the air; you can do so by booking a helicopter ride; Newport being your departure destination.

When taking a helicopter flight in or away from Newport in Wales, know that all flights will depart from the beautiful West Usk Lighthouse on the Bristol channel coastline. Short flights will allow you to see Newport, while longer heli rides will let you fly to the capital or nearby towns and cities.

Anyone who is interested in seeing much of Gwent and areas of South Wales via an exciting helicopter ride, can do so from Newport.

All flights will depart from the scenic West Usk Lighthouse with the ground used as the helicopter landing pad.

Once in flight you could head a minute north to fly in or around Newport itself, with only a cheaper 10 minute or 6 miles ride needed.

If you wish to see what else the south coast as to offer; you can do so with a longer, 50 mile trip or make use of a 40 to 60 minute flight.

During your helicopter sightseeing tour, you'll see all major cities, towns and the smaller villages in the countryside - along with the coast with beaches and marinas.

When you book a flight out of Newport, the helicopter model you fly in usually takes part in a 5 seater Bell JetRanger helicopter. Well on occasions, you may fly in a smaller 4 seater Robinson R44 chopper.

The West Usk Lighthouse departure

When taking a Newport helicopter ride; know that all flights depart from the unique, yet incredibly beautiful West Usk Lighthouse, just on the outskirts of the busy city.

The location has no heliport or landing pad; but more so a open green space where the helicopter lands and takes off... just how amazing is that.

When at the West Usk Lighthouse, you can enjoy the helicopter experience if the booking includes a bite to eat; but there's nothing stopping you eating a meal here if you wished too - especially if you're looking for a romantic helicopter ride for two.

Its not a restaurant so food is not priority for walk-in's, so as a bed and breakfast and a luxury wedding venue, the B&B may only accommodate guests.

Once you've arrived at the location, you can enter the building to register your arrival, along with your identification or flight number and helicopter ride details to the staff.

The West Usk Lighthouse is located out of the city; its within easy reach as you head south towards the Bristol channel on the coast.

As you approach the building, it can be seen from a far due to it being on high grounds; a tall, rounded lighthouse won't be hard to miss.

Flight time needed to see Newport

When flying out of Newport's West Usk Lighthouse; all that you need to see over and around the city could be achieved under 10 minutes.

So if you wish to see Newport from the air exclusively, you can do so in this time or less.

If you're only using Newport as your flight departure, then its quite possible you want to see as much as South Wales during a helicopter ride as possible.

So again, if you wish to see Newport only; only book a 10 minute flight.

A 10 minute helicopter ride will allow you to see Newport at its finest; and well ten minutes will allow you to circle or head directly over the city, it should leave you more time than you need - well saving you money on more time or miles you would need.

However, as Newport helicopter rides can be promoted in miles - as oppose to minutes - its difficult to suss how long this flight will be.

So if you need 10 minutes to see Newport, then that should translate to 18 miles or so.

Extended flight in South Wales

Newport is a beautiful city surrounding in amazing Welsh countryside; so the need to want to explore more of Gwent is within your grasp.

You therefore will have no choice but to pay more for a longer helicopter flight to see Newport and nearby cities and towns that are within the flight path of the helicopter ride.

An extended flight relates to anything from 30, 50 or 60 minutes. A time that will allow you to go as far has Swansea to view from the air.

Cities or town you can expect to see on an extended flight:

  • Cardiff: only a mile west, you will always be given the opportunity to see the capital as its only a mile or two away.
  • Barry: farther on the helicopter ride could explore the seaside town with its amazing coast.
  • Bridgend: following the coast due west before heading inland, Bridgend is within reach.
  • Porthcawl: then its back out to the coast to see the seaside town before you divert North/West.
  • Port Talbot: no need to circle or change heading while flying over the lengthy stretch of Port Talbot on the coast, before arriving at...
  • Swansea: Once you've arrived at the busy coastal city of Swansea, its quite possible this is where your ride will terminate, before heading back to Newport.

All cities and towns mentioned are a guide only as your extended 30 or 50 minute flight could head north or elsewhere.

There's also no guarantee the flight path will include these destinations; but should be within reach while taking a longer flight.

Remember, seeing as many towns and busy cities from the air will allow for more photo opportunities, all while spotting famous landmarks and tourist spots.

You'll be able to see boats and ships on the water, beaches and marinas while flying near the coast, which only a Newport departure flight will allow.

Head to Cardiff, the Welsh capital

As far as I can tell more flights to see the capital of Wales head out of Newport more then they do the Welsh capital itself.

Though I can see why this could be; The West Usk Lighthouse is located in a quieter, not so busy area while moving more traffic and people away from a busy capital city.

Its not a inconvenient location either, as Newport is within easy reach by car or train with only a short 5 or 10 minute travel time.

Flying out of Newport will offer passengers a view not often available while flying city helicopter rides around the would...

That's because you'd get to see part of the Welsh countryside and coast while on route to Cardiff.

Once over Cardiff, helicopter flights will focus on skimming the outskirts of the city rather than over it - all while staying out of the Cardiff Airport flight path.

Football ground sightseeing tour

Taking a flight out of Newport can be a theme flight with a focus on a special football stadium helicopter tour.

Which is just as well as the location makes for easy pickings when it comes to lots of football grounds to spot.

While Cardiff or Swansea City would be the primary stadiums to view; the flight could have a great deal of non-league football grounds to spot.

Of those, that could include Newport and Swansea; along with Cardiff who are currently playing their trade in the English Championship with Swansea.

Heading west you could see Welsh league or English non-league teams of Barry, Bridgend, Porthcawl and Port Talbot Town FC.

50 plus helicopter ride opportunities

I know you're wondering where and when can you fly out of Newport, while thinking about prices, minutes and flights on offer are available.

Don't worry, I have you covered as I've explored all possible helicopter rides in Newport you can take.

Amazingly, I've discovered up to 50 or so helicopter pleasure flights; that's right fifty helicopter rides you can take as one, two or as a group.

Though its worth noting that flights are not all year round; so you'll be given the chance to fly now, or book now and fly months later.

So many opportunities, I have no choice but to put all flights - via Hover Helicopters mostly - via the experience day you can sign up with to register your ride.

All helicopter rides depart from The West Usk Lighthouse, regardless of the experience day service or booking directly via Hover Helicopters:

Buy A Gift:

If you're not familiar with Buy A Gift; they're a long standing experience day service who hook you up with helicopter ride companies around the UK.

Experience: PP: Min: Price:
15 Minute Sightseeing Helicopter Tour for One 1 15 £89
15 Minute Extended Helicopter Flight for Two 2 15 £269
10 Minute Helicopter Flight for One 1 10 £69
15 Minute UK City Sightseeing Helicopter Tour for Two 2 15 £159
20 Minute Football Stadium Helicopter Tour with Bubbly for Two 2 20 £195
5 Minute Helicopter Flight For Two 2 5 £74
20 Minute Football Stadium Helicopter Tour for One 1 20 £99
5 Minute Helicopter Flight For Two 2 5 £74
5 Minute Helicopter Tour with Bubbly for One 1 5 £39
25 Minute Extended Helicopter Flight with Bubbly for One 1 25 £139
10 Minute Helicopter Tour with Bubbly for One 1 10 £139
15 Minute Helicopter Tour with Bubbly for One 1 15 £79
15 Minute Helicopter Tour with Bubbly for Two 2 15 £159

Activity Superstore:

Activity Superstore are also a well known activity day company; all while the service is available via well known stores, including: Debenhams, Next, Sainsbury's and Argos.

Experience: PP: Mile: Price:
12 Mile Helicopter Flight with a Glass of Bubbly & Chocolates 1 12 £49
55 Mile Helicopter Flight for Two 2 55 £299

Into The Blue

Established in 1996, you can always rely on Into The Blue to book your helicopter flight with little fuss on the day.

Experience: PP: Min/Miles: Price:
UK Cities from the Air 1 15 £79
Helicopter Pleasure Flight 1 15 £135
Helicopter Lighthouse Tour with Cream Tea 1 6 Miles £59
Heli Buzz Nationwide 1 6 Miles £69
All Stars Football Stadium Helicopter Tour 1 20 £99
Adventure Helicopter Pleasure Flights 1 12 Miles £59

Red Letter Days:

If you know about activity experience days; then you'll notice Red Letter Days name cropping up amongst the small group of companies offering helicopter flying days.

Experience: PP: Min: Price:
10 Minute Helicopter Tour for Two with Bubbly 2 10 119
5 Minute Helicopter Tour for Two with Bubbly 2 5 79
12 Mile Helicopter Pleasure Flight for Two 2 12 Miles 130
15 Minute Helicopter Tour for Two with Bubbly 2 15 159
15 Minute Helicopter Tour for One with Bubbly 1 15 75
Six Mile Helicopter Buzz Flight for Two 2 6 Miles 84
12 Mile Helicopter Pleasure Flight 1 12 Miles 65
10 Minute Helicopter Tour for One with Bubbly 1 10 59

Virgin Experience Days:

Richard Branston's Virgin company have delved into the experience days service since 1988, so you can be sure they will make your day go without a hitch.

Experience: PP: Min/Miles: Price:
Football Stadium Helicopter Tour 1 30 Miles £99
Helicopter Buzz Flight for One 1 5 £39
15 mile Helicopter Pleasure Flight for Two 2 15 Miles £138
15 mile Helicopter Pleasure Flight 1 15 Miles £69
Helicopter Buzz Flight for Two 2 5 £75
12 Mile Themed Helicopter Flight for Two 2 12 Miles £118
12 Mile Themed Helicopter Flight for One 1 12 Miles £59
Historic City Sightseeing Helicopter Tour 1 12 Miles £79
Historic City Sightseeing Helicopter Tour for Two 2 25 Miles £158
Themed Helicopter Pleasure Flight for One, 15 minutes 1 15 £119
Themed Helicopter Pleasure Flight for Two, 15 minutes 2 15 £229
Themed Helicopter Pleasure Flight for Two, 30 minutes 2 30 £349
Themed Helicopter Pleasure Flight for One, 30 minutes 1 30 £179

Summary

So there you've had it, I've guided you through all that Newport based helicopter rides have to offer, with neighbouring towns, cities and villages within range.

Well helicopter flights depart from Newport, the flight path would normally take you out of Newport, mostly heading west towards Cardiff and beyond.

Flights can stay within Newport and its magnificent countryside; with only a short 10 minute or 10 miles flight needed - which could end up being within your budget.

Hover Helicopters is the company that will take care of all flights, with use of their highly experience pilots taking off from the nearby West Usk Lighthouse.

All heli rides can be booked via Hover Helicopters or with use of experience day services.

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