Best Locations for Tandem Paragliding in the UK
The United Kingdom, with its diverse landscapes and dramatic coastlines, offers a variety of exceptional paragliding spots. From the rolling hills of the South Downs to the rugged peaks of the Lake District, the UK’s paragliding sites provide breathtaking views and thrilling experiences.
Not only is tandem paragliding a brilliant way to see new destinations from new perspectives, but it’s also a great adrenaline rush. Soaring through the air hundreds of metres above lakes, valleys, dunes, or mountains – depending on where you choose to take your flight, is a thrill like no other. The UK, from the stunning Scottish Highlands all the way down to the beautiful beaches of the south coast of England, has some incredible spots to try this exhilarating aerial sport. Have a look at our picks of the best locations for tandem paragliding, in the UK.
Pembrokeshire, Wales
This beautiful county in southwest Wales is known for its award-winning beaches, picture-postcard fishing villages and also, surprisingly to some, fantastic tandem paragliding opportunities. Head just outside of the quaint town of Cardigan, across the River Teifi from Pembrokeshire, to get some great perspectives of the stunning beaches and villages of this peaceful region.
Soar over this area of stunning natural beauty, including over the northern parts of the extensive and scenic Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. This park is one of three of Wales’s National Parks and consists exclusively of the region’s coastal areas. Take advantage of the tranquillity of paragliding in Pembrokeshire.
Yorkshire Dales National Park, England
Home to a number of fantastic tandem paragliding spots, head to the outskirts of this National Park in the heart of Northern England, for some exhilarating tandem paragliding flights. The best take-off points can be found near the quaint stony cottage-filled towns of Settle, on the southwestern edge of the Dales, and Hawes, in the centre. Fly along mountain ridges, and over the green landscape of this beautiful national park. Take a short flight over the fabulous landscape, great for holiday-makers, thrill-seekers and solo adventurers alike!
Get ready to test out some paragliding in Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Lake District National Park, England
This beloved national park in the northwest of England is the largest in England and the second largest in the UK as well as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This incredible rugged, mountainous landscape is, as its name suggests, filled with beautiful lakes, such as the world-famous Windermere, as well as the stunning lakes of Ullswater and Derwentwater. Tandem paragliding in the Lake District National Park is an unforgettable experience, offering both amazing thrills and a peaceful semi-solo adventure, over the vast tranquil landscape.
At the heart of this national park is where the best tandem paragliding experiences can be found. For great views of one of this national park’s bigger lakes, Derwentwater, head to take-off points near the Blencathra peak. For stunning views of seemingly never-ending expanses of rolling hills and lakes, the Lake District National Park is an incredible choice of destination for tandem paragliding adventures.
Newhaven Cliffs, East Sussex, England
The town of Newhaven, midway between the larger south coast holiday destinations of Brighton and Eastbourne, has a lot to offer and especially good quality tandem paragliding adventures. Head to the cliffs along the coastline of this quaint little port town and take to the skies along this part of the south coast’s white chalk cliffs. See the English Channel from above and get fantastic views of this world-famous coastline on a tandem paragliding adventure in this location.
Paragliding in Newheaven Cliffs will get you above the coast, on a 20 kilometers run and you will stop over the small charming coastal towns.
Cotswolds, England
Paragliding in Cotswolds is one of the best activities to do in the UK. You can choose from 2 option : a full length tandem paragliding flight or a short top to bottom flight which suits everyone who wants to discover the sport.
You will have the chance to discover historic castles from the skies!
Covering six west-central counties and covering an area of almost 800 square miles (2,000 square km), the region is only 90 minutes away from London. Why not spicing up your city trip to London differently?
North Devon, England
Paragliding in North Devon, adjacent to the stunning Exmoor National Park, offers an exhilarating and unique adventure for both seasoned pilots and beginners. In this region you will find dramatic cliffs, rolling hills, and expansive coastlines where you will soar at mesmerizing aerial views.
The FlyLikeABird school will welcome you and offer you tandem paragliding flights as well as tandem hang gliding air experiences... There are two types of launching and landing zones that are available: coastal or hill launching. In addition to the newest in flight mapping technology, which will provide the enthusiast with information on their track, height, speed, and many other aspects of their flight, customised video and imagery footage is also available.
Go towards new heights and adventures...
For more information about this fantastic aerial sport, check out our complete guide to tandem paragliding.
Have a read of our article on the differences between hang gliding and paragliding or see what other fantastic adventure activities can be done in the UK!