HEADCORN AERODROME Kent

Headcorn Aerodrome is the last grass wartime airfield left in Kent from which you can experience iconic WW2 aircraft. We have operated from Headcorn Aerodrome since 2014 with World War II aircraft. Its location in the heart of Kent allows us to fly through the same airspace in which the Battle of Britain was fought over 80 years ago.

Headcorn Aerodrome is one of the most popular locations in the world for Fly a Spitfire Experiences as a result of its proximity to the Kent coast. As a result this location provides unbeatable value for overflying the Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel Le Ferne and the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. Equally popular landmarks include Leeds Castle as well as Dover Castle, Dover Harbour and Beachy Head. Each landmark serving as a key feature during the Battle of Britain and the relentless attacks by the Luftwaffe.

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HEADCORN AERODROME FACILITIES

Headcorn Aerodrome is the last grass wartime airfield left in Kent coupled with an unspoilt Weald of Kent backdrop, which provides an authentic experience in iconic WW2 aircraft. Use of the grass runway is seasonal, hence flights are only available from March to October of each year. Our customer reception building is a genuine WW2 Dispersal Hut which we have relocated from RAF Bridgnorth.

Aerodrome Cafe and Pub available to guests
WW2 Grass Runway
Private Dispersal Hut lounge and facilities for customers and their guests
Panoramic views of a genuine WW2 advanced landing ground
No limits or restrictions on numbers of guests
Located in the heart of Kent providing unbeatable value for overflying key landmarks
Perform aerobatics above the aerodrome for your friends and family to see
Local area free from restrictive airspace and commercial air traffic

HEADCORN AERODROME HISTORY

Headcorn Aerodrome, formerly known as RAF Lashenden, was a prototype for the temporary Advanced Landing Ground airfields that were built in France after D-Day. The need for advanced landing fields was becoming urgent as a result of the Allied forces moving east across France and Germany.

While Headcorn Aerodrome was officially introduced in 1943 it was in fact requisitioned by the Airfields Board in 1942. The RAF named the aerodrome ‘Lashenden’ as an attempt to confuse the enemy. Lashenden is actually several miles to the southwest of the aerodrome. On the 6th August 1943, 127 Wing Royal Canadian Air Force moved in comprising of 403 and 421 Squadrons. Both Squadrons equipped with Spitfire IXb’s and under the command of ‘Johnnie’ Johnson.

The airfield was then passed to the United States 9th Air Force before being upgraded by the construction organisation. On 13th April 1944 the airfield was taken over by the 100th Fighter Wing, 19th Tactical Air Command, 9th Air Force using Shenley House as its headquarters. On 17th April, 354th (Pioneer Mustang) Fighter Group comprising 353rd, 355th and 356th Fighter Squadrons arrived operating the North American P51D Mustang.

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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 468 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   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👌 👏
  
 
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   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.
  
 
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   Alan Martin 
 September 21, 2026
 
 
  I was lucky enough to experience the 55-minute Isle of Wight flight in a Spitfire out of Compton Abbas Airfield. It was incredible! The pilot was amazing, as was the whole team. Everyone was so friendly and approachable. The video package was added to the flight, and I'm so glad because my family and friends can see the smile on my face for the entire trip. I can say I got to fly a Spitfire! The barrel rolls and loops (not compulsory, but why not?) were awesome (I'm running out of superlatives!). Like millions of people, I have "flown" home computer flight simulators since the dawn of gaming. Imagine the best simulator you can, then add all your senses being excited simultaneously and multiply the total by 100. If you can do that, then you'll start to understand just what the experience provides. Breathtaking. Exhilarating. The views across the English countryside, out to sea. It's impossible for me to overstate the day. Compton Abbas has plenty of parking and viewing for family and friends. There's a restaurant. Make a day of it because it'll be a day you'll always remember.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Chris Davis 
 September 15, 2026
 
 
  I flew the Mach loop with ‘Berty’ Brett on September9th. An unbelievable flight after a very professional training session on the ejector seat. Berty showed exceptional communication and training skills during the flight and made it fun.  The ground support staff were not only very warm and welcoming but highly competent.  This is a phenomenal experience never to be forgotten.

“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