A spectacular evening display by the historic Waterbird seaplane replica over Windermere has captured the internet’s attention, generating over 66,000 views on social media since its flight on Saturday, 5th September 2026.
Taking off from the waters at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, the meticulously crafted replica demonstrated the pioneering “stepped” float design that originally made British aviation history in 1911. Flown by Lieutenant Commander Chris Gotke, a serving Royal Navy pilot, the delicate aircraft glided in a straight line at heights up to 100 feet in front of thrilled crowds gathered on the lawns.
Watch the viral footage of the display below:
The Saturday evening event, part of the “Wings Over Windermere” showcase, also featured a flypast by a modern Aviat Husky seaplane to highlight the century of aviation legacy that the original Waterbird inspired. The successful showcase was heavily supported by English Lakes Hotels, who hosted the aircraft and flight crew, continuing a long-standing historical association between the Low Wood Bay venue and seaplane aviation.
The Lakes Flying Company Ltd, the charity behind the project, expressed their excitement over the successful flights. Thanks to the viral success of the weekend’s video, the legacy of Windermere’s aviation pioneers—including Captain Edward Wakefield, who built the first hangars on the lake and patented the float design—continues to reach a whole new global audience.