London Elstree Aerodrome - Image 1

London Elstree Aerodrome

Elstree, United Kingdom•4.6(190)•Heritage Site

Explore London's closest 24-hour general aviation airfield with free visitor access, aircraft viewing, and The Aerodrome Cafe serving breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea daily.

London Elstree Aerodrome is a working general aviation airfield uniquely positioned for fast access into central London, just 8 minutes by helicopter from the city centre. As a visitor-friendly venue, it welcomes families to experience the excitement of aviation in an operational airport environment. Visitors can enjoy free entry to the aerodrome and observe aircraft operations, making it ideal for aviation enthusiasts of all ages. The venue offers a family-friendly atmosphere with excellent facilities including The Aerodrome Cafe, open 7 days a week, serving delicious breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea. The cafe's flexible parking scheme (free for up to 1 hour, then £1 per hour with additional free hours for cafe purchases) makes it accessible for families planning a casual visit or extended stay. The aerodrome is located at Hogg Lane in Elstree, Hertfordshire, and is easily accessible by rail (50 minutes including taxi from Thameslink Railway) or car (45 minutes from central London). Opening hours for visitors run from 9am to sunset or 8pm (whichever is earlier), making it suitable for families planning daytime visits. The venue's pushchair-friendly facilities and outdoor setting create a welcoming environment for visitors with young children interested in experiencing working aviation.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor & Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

The Aerodrome Cafe

Family-friendly cafe serving breakfasts, snacks and lunches with views of the airfield and both indoor and outdoor seating available.

Hours: 7 days a week

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Google Reviews

4.6(190 reviews)
J
Judith Cummings

Judith Cummings

4 weeks ago

What a lovely place. Lots of seating indoors and out. Plenty of entertainment with the small planes and helicopters taking off and landing. Our food was excellent - my grown up grandson had a massive full English breakfast and I had the best baked potato I’ve had for a long time with cheese and beans - delicious. Will definitely be visiting again.

G
Geoff Lane

Geoff Lane

a month ago

Great local aerodrome, nice restaurant serving nice meals or just coffee. Watch the planes whilst eating. The only downside is no public transport goes nearby.

M
Matt

Matt

3 months ago

Brought my daughter here for the day to "watch" the planes and helicopters. The viewing area is small but tidy but brilliant to watch the planes take off and land. The cafe , we'll do t be fooled then food here is brilliant, can't fault it. All in all a great way to spend the day, and yo7 can even bring your doggies too!

L
Lilly B

Lilly B

8 months ago

We had an absolutely fantastic experience with our aeroplane instructor, David. He gave my partner a brilliant lesson and was incredibly attentive, patient, and helpful throughout. Everything was explained clearly and made the whole experience both fun and confidence building. David was great – professional, friendly, and clearly passionate about flying. Highly recommended!

J
Jas Virdee

Jas Virdee

a year ago

5 Stars - A Fantastic Experience for All Ages! Elstree Aerodrome is an absolute gem! From the moment we arrived, everything was easy, welcoming, with plenty of parking right near the action. The atmosphere is brilliant, especially for families, as you can get incredibly close to the planes, making it an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike. We loved how you could even sit comfortably in your car, watching the aircraft coming and going — perfect rain or shine. The on-site café was a pleasant surprise too with friendly staff and great food, lovely service and a very accomodating menu for all, a perfect spot to relax while taking in the views. Overall, a five-star experience, highly recommended for a unique day out! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at London Elstree Aerodrome

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about London Elstree Aerodrome

Is London Elstree Aerodrome free to visit?

Entry to London Elstree Aerodrome is completely free — there are no admission charges, making it a great no-cost option for a family day out.

Is London Elstree Aerodrome dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at London Elstree Aerodrome.

Is there parking at London Elstree Aerodrome?

Yes — London Elstree Aerodrome has on-site parking, plus additional parking nearby.

Is there food at London Elstree Aerodrome?

Yes — The Aerodrome Cafe is on site at London Elstree Aerodrome. Family-friendly cafe serving breakfasts, snacks and lunches with views of the airfield and both indoor and outdoor…

Is London Elstree Aerodrome pushchair-friendly?

Yes, London Elstree Aerodrome is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at London Elstree Aerodrome?

London Elstree Aerodrome is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to London Elstree Aerodrome by public transport?

London Elstree Aerodrome is well-served by public transport.
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