COMPTON ABBAS AIRFIELD Dorset

It is with great pleasure that we inform you that Aero Legends are expanding operations to Compton Abbas Airfield, Dorset. Seated atop a hill in the heart of Dorset countryside, this location provides a breathtaking backdrop for flying training and experiences.

The airfield is an important part of the local area and has been at the heart of the local flying community for many years. Mr Guy Ritchie, Ashcombe Estates has recently purchased the airfield and will be running the airfield in the spirit that has been curated over the years by the previous owner.

View all available 2024 Compton Abbas Airfield, North Dorset flight experiences now – Click Here

Compton Abbas Facilities

Compton Abbas History

Compton Abbas Find Us

COMPTON ABBAS FACILITIES

Compton Abbas is seated atop a hill in the heart of Dorset countryside and provides a breathtaking backdrop for flying training and experiences. The airfield is an important part of the local area and has been at the heart of the local flying community for many years. Use of the grass runway is seasonal, hence experience flights are only available from March to October of each year. Our bespoke customer reception facilities provide unrivalled viewing of both the flying and stunning Dorset countryside backdrop

Aerodrome Cafe and local Pubs available to guests
Grass Runway
Private lounge and facilities for customers and their guests
Panoramic views of the stunning Dorset Countryside
No limits or restrictions on numbers of guests
Located in the heart of Dorset providing unbeatable value for overflying key landmarks
Perform aerobatics above the airfield for your friends and family to see
Local area free from restrictive airspace and commercial air traffic

COMPTON ABBAS HISTORY

Compton Abbas Airfield is one of those airfields that attracts many new visitors and which has a loyal selection of aviators who frequently drop in. It is arguably one of the most picturesque airfields in the South of England. The airfield is on top of a hill about 3 miles south of the Dorset town of Shaftesbury. The hill is one of the chalk hills known as Cranborne Chase. The nearby village of Compton Abbas dates back to Saxon times and the literal meaning of the name is ‘village in a narrow valley’ near the ‘abbey’ in Shaftesbury.

This grass airfield is known for its warm welcome, social and aviation events, and of course, flying in various forms. It’s a popular meeting point for widely dispersed pilots who want to meet up before exploring the south coast. In October 2022 it was announced that the film director Guy Ritchie, Ashcombe Estates had bought Compton Abbas Airfield. Mr Ritchie owns an estate and a brewery that borders the airfield.

Aero Legends are excited to support Ashcombe Estates in maintaining flying training at the airfield. Alongside flying training we are introducing a broad range of premium vintage flying experiences, including flights in the Spitfire. This expansion provides a convenient new location for customers based in the South-West.

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WHAT DO OUR CUSTOMERS THINK?

We pride ourselves on our personal approach to customer service, we ensure your family and friends are included in the experience. We do not limit or restrict our guests and as a result we achieve fantastic online reviews. For many our flights are the experience of a lifetime. The ultimate bucket list experience.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 458 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   John Clarke 
 September 7, 2026
 
 
  The experience of a lifetime ,made possible by very friendly and professional people who obviously love what they do.
  
 
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   James Evans 
 August 28, 2026
 
 
  Absolutely remarkable!
  
 
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   steven Taylor 
 August 27, 2026
 
 
  Had  a 40 minute Beachy Head Spitfire flight on 20 August 2026. The crew at Headcorn were very friendly and knowledgeable. Had a fantastic flight with Parky. We did a loop and victory roll over Beachy Head. Parky let me take control for part of the way back. He then took control and did a couple of victory rolls over the airfield before landing. One of the best experiences I have ever had and would highly recommend.
  
 
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   Charles Austen 
 August 27, 2026
 
 
  Absolutely fabulous day the whole experience was handled very professionaly and all the staff were very helpful and friendly. I have always wanted to fly in a Spitfire and choosing the formation option with the Harvard was perfect. The Pilots Charlie and Patrick were true professionals and gave us a fantastic flight. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed the day, looking forward and saving hard for the next one ! 😎
  
 
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   Alan Bensted-Smith 
 August 20, 2026
 
 
  I recently flew the iconic Mach loop in the Strikemaster. It was fantastic! If you have a chance to do any formation flying I would highly recommend it! My thanks to Sean and all the ground crew for a fantastic adventure! Alan

“A Dream Come True!”

Quite literally a dream come true so the expectations were very high and with so much potential for disappointment but the team absolutely nailed it

Tim Maw – Fly in a Spitfire