See the replica Waterbird take flight on Windermere on 22nd and 23rd September
After years of painstaking work from our dedicated team, the replica Waterbird will take to the air for two demonstrations in September, and you can be there for this historic moment of magic!
It’s a thrilling opportunity to step back in history to the very earliest days of aviation, when pioneers pushed the boundaries of what was possible through innovation and imagination. Waterbird has a lasting legacy that transformed seaplane designs, and now you can see how it all began.
Here is all you need to know to take part in this aviation experience…
What is Waterbird?
Waterbird is the only replica seaplane of its era anywhere in the world. Apart from the modern engine, it faithfully recreates the detail of the original Waterbird from 1911, when it was the first seaplane to successfully fly in the UK. She 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 the 1929 Hamilton Metalplane H-47 floatplane in the USA and the 1935 Caproni Ca.100 floatplane in Italy. There are no replicas or restorations anywhere in the world that date back to before 1936.
When is Waterbird flying?
There will be demonstration flights taking place in the window from 3:00pm on Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd September. It has been 111 years since Waterbird flew for the first time, and 28 years since any seaplane flew at Windermere, so you won’t want to miss this occasion.
What can I expect?
The Waterbird demonstration flights will be brief but breath-taking. 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, demonstrating the remarkable capabilities of this early aeroplane.
Where are the best vantage points?
You’ll get a view of the aeroplane in action from Rawlinson Nab and the public footpaths either side.
What facilities will be available?
Drinks and snacks can be purchased on the day and there will be toilet facilities available including an accessible toilet.
How to get here
From the North from Far Sawrey via High Cunsey, to the Car Park at Low Cunsey Farm, LA22 0LU.
From the South from Newby Bridge turning right at Graythwaite signed to Cunsey and ‘Wings Over Windermere’, with 2 repeater signs along the road to the Car Park at Low Cunsey Farm, LA22 0LU.
Car parking is available at £5 per car or £3 per motorcycle. Card payment only. The Car Park is not suitable for vehicles with a low ground clearance.
There is also car parking at Ferry Nab LA23 3BF where you can access the ferry on foot or with a bicycle. It is then a 20-minute walk from Ferry House to the public footpath. Car parking costs £4.20 for 2-3 hours, with the ferry £1 per foot passenger and £2 per bicycle.
It is a 5-minute walk from the Car Park to the public footpaths.
Please note that neither the Trustees of MEM Sandys 1956 Settlement nor The Lakes Flying Company Limited, nor any person acting on their behalf, shall be in any way responsible for any loss or damage to vehicles and their contents while using the car park at Low Cunsey Farm.
Lake Users
If a lake user wishes to transit the area during the time of Waterbird’s operation, would they please make contact with one of the marshal boats which will be flying blue flags, or with any authorised officer? FURTHER DETAILS ARE IN A SEPARATE SECTION.
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.