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Visiting United Kingdom

Where to find out how flying works in United Kingdom, who helps visiting pilots on the ground, and who runs tours here. The sources hold the details, so it's worth checking with them before you fly.

Sites on the map

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Sites in United Kingdom on a map

Before you fly

National body: British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA) (opens in a new tab)

  • Visitors need proof of suitable third-party insurance and should be ready to show an IPPI card proving they are qualified for a site.
  • Sites are run by local BHPA clubs with their own rules. Some are members-only, which requires BHPA membership (short-term options exist).

A short summary, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the current requirements with British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA) before you fly. Summary checked 13 Oct 2026.

British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (BHPA): current rules for visiting pilots (opens in a new tab)

Finding local knowledge

  • UK sites are looked after by local BHPA clubs, so visiting pilots should contact the club for the area first; it can brief them on sites and local rules. Overseas pilots need proof of third-party insurance and an IPPI card.
  • In the Lake District, Cumbria Soaring Club sites are open to visiting pilots without membership, as long as they follow the club's online sites guide.

Checked 13 Oct 2026. Sources: source 1 (opens in a new tab) · source 2 (opens in a new tab) · source 3 (opens in a new tab) · source 4 (opens in a new tab) · source 5 (opens in a new tab)

Europe

  • Rules for visiting pilots are set by each country, so licence and insurance requirements differ from one country to the next.
  • Many countries let visitors fly with an IPPI card plus a current national licence. The IPPI card gives no insurance cover.

A short summary, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the current requirements with the national body of the country you're visiting. Summary checked 13 Oct 2026.

Current rules for visiting pilots (opens in a new tab)

Checked 13 Oct 2026. Sources: source 1 (opens in a new tab) · source 2 (opens in a new tab) · source 3 (opens in a new tab) · source 4 (opens in a new tab) · source 5 (opens in a new tab) · source 6 (opens in a new tab)

Help on the ground

Businesses whose own websites say they help visiting pilots. It's worth contacting them before you go. These lists are indicative, not complete. We add more as we find them, so there are likely others not listed here.

On offer here: Guiding (2) · Tandem flights (4) · Courses (5)

Flying tours here

Organised trips for qualified pilots, as each operator describes them. These lists are indicative, not complete. We add more as we find them, so there are likely others not listed here.

We haven't found tour operators with trips here yet.

Sites and contacts

Information only. Forecast direction is compared with each site's published wind range; speeds are shown but not judged. Always check the official site guide, the administering club and conditions on the day. You are responsible for your decision to fly.