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 470 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tara Williams 
 October 12, 2026
 
 
  Purchased a Spitfire flight for my husband's significant birthday - was a fantastic experience for him and all of the family that came to watch. Was a great atmosphere watching all of the hustle and bustle of the airfield before, during and after his flight - wing walkers, sky divers and of course the legendary spitfire Elizabeth, Harvard etc. The team at Aero Legends were great - made you feel welcome and at ease. A truly once in a lifetime experience.
Special thanks to Philip - pilot of the Harvard and the infamous Parky - pilot of the spitfire for giving us such a wonderful experience and memories. Truly, highly recommended.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Simon Lee 
 October 12, 2026
 
 
  What a fantastic experience, from start to finish all the team from pilot to ground crew made the day something that I will remember forever. Would definitely recommend. Book directly with aero legends….
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Danny Trant 
 September 27, 2026
 
 
  The most unbelievable day of my life, hands down, from start to finish the lads at aero legends went above and beyond to make my experience the best day they could, flying the jet and getting to perform a few barrell rolls and loop the loops really made the day like a dream come true. Top marks and thanks to you all👌 👏
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   LINDSEY CARPENTER 
 September 25, 2026
 
 
  Ross and I had the most spectacular day with your amazing pilots Parky and Richard and the team at Headcorn. We are struggling to let go of the "Spitfire Grin"  having experienced a loop the loop and several victory rolls in both the Spitfire and the Havard. Also, being given the opportunity to take the controls and fly these priceless, vintage machines was well and truly beyond our expectations. What an experience of a lifetime...a dream come true!
Thank you all so much.
Ross & Lindsey
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Peter Humphreys 
 September 25, 2026
 
 
  An amazing experience. I've no comparison for the Mach loop, just stunning.

“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