See the replica Waterbird take flight from Windermere on 4th and 5th September 2026
Following the historic previous public flights of Waterbird, the team are delighted to announce another opportunity for you to see this award-winning replica seaplane take to the air.
In accordance with Permissions applied for to the Civil Aviation Authority and the Lake District National Park Authority, our flying displays will take place on Windermere, Waterbird’s home, on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th September from 6:45 pm.
Spectators will also enjoy a flying display by a second, more modern seaplane, the Aviat Husky, showing the long legacy that Waterbird inspired.
The viewing area will be at Low Wood Bay, framing the seaplanes against the magnificent Langdale Pikes. There is no entry fee.
If you’d like to join us and share this amazing aviation experience, here is everything you need to know:
What is Waterbird?
Waterbird is the only airworthy replica seaplane of its era anywhere in the world. Apart from the modern engine/propeller, it faithfully recreates the detail of the original Waterbird from 1911, when it was the first seaplane to successfully fly in the UK. It was commissioned by Edward Wakefield from A. V. Roe & Co (‘Avro’) as a landplane and converted to a seaplane at Windermere, where the pilot was Herbert Stanley Adams.
Why is Waterbird significant?
Waterbird is one of a kind. The oldest original seaplanes still flying are a 1929 Hamilton Metalplane H-47 floatplane in the USA and a 1935 Caproni Ca.100 floatplane in Italy. Also, there is a 1930 Sikorsky S-39 restoration in the USA. There is no other airworthy original, restoration or replica seaplane anywhere in the world that dates from within the era of 25 years from 1911.
When is Waterbird flying?
The flight window opens at 6:45 pm on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th September. It’s a sight not to be missed!
What can I expect?
As with previous flights, the Waterbird demonstrations will be brief but breath-taking. Please remember that this is a delicate, historic aeroplane, and that this is a demonstration of its remarkable capabilities, not an aerobatic flying display. During each sequence, Waterbird will take off from the water, fly at up to 100 feet in a straight line along the lake, then land on the water, showing the remarkable capabilities of this early seaplane.
Click map to enlarge
Map Data 2023 © Google
Information for Spectators
Where are the best vantage points?
For these demonstration flights, there will be viewing available from the Lawns at Low Wood Bay Resort, Ambleside Road, Windermere LA23 1LP.
What facilities will be available?
Beverages and food will be available to buy.
There is free parking. Cars are parked at the owner’s own risk.
For those with mobility issues, the area is level and seating will be available.
The spectator area and car parking are shown on the image below.
How to get there
By Train or Bus:
Low Wood Bay Resort is four miles from Windermere Railway Station, where bus connections are available. Stagecoach bus services 555 and 599 stop outside the Resort – a single journey is capped at £3.
By Car:
Low Wood Bay Resort lies on the A591, between Windermere to the south and Ambleside to the north.
Travelling from the south, leave the M6 at Junction 36 and follow signs for Windermere. From the north, leave the M6 at Junction 37.
Advice for Brockhole Spectators
DON’Ts:
- BBQ’s/fires /cookers
- Amplified music
- Drones.
DO’s:
- Arrive by Stagecoach bus to reduce vehicle traffic
- If by car, arrive early since parking spaces are not guaranteed
- Keep your dog on a short lead and pick up afterwards
- Take your rubbish home or use a bin.
Information for Lake Users
If you wish to transit the area as a lake user after 6:15 pm, please make contact with one of the marshal boats which will be flying a red flag, or with any authorised officer, and use the transit corridor on the western side of the lake as shown on the Map above.
Cancellation
While we will make every effort to conduct the Waterbird demonstration flights as scheduled, please understand that this is a delicate aeroplane. For example, if there is a significant wind, or the wind is westerly or easterly, this will prevent the aeroplane operating safely and we will have to delay or cancel for that day.
Please check this website before you travel for the latest flight updates.