If you are planning to make a fish-and-chips run by air, then this guide is just for you. Here are the top 7 coastal lunch spots within 90 minutes of Sherburn that you can enjoy by yourself or with friends.
For most people, getting their fix of chippies is sacred, but what happens when you crave your favourite dish but realise that you need to travel a relatively great distance by road to get the best?
Well, private pilots can afford this luxury and simply hop into their aircraft and go to any location nearby to not only try the region’s best fish and chips but also indulge in the various versions of this beloved dish found in diverse locations.
If you are planning to make a fish-and-chips run by air, then this guide is just for you. Here are the top 7 coastal lunch spots within 90 minutes of Sherburn that you can enjoy by yourself or with friends.
Next-Level Leisure Flying
A Private Pilot Licence or PPL is considered to be the best for various reasons. The topmost being that it enables pilots to fly for fun.
If you want to unlock the highest level of recreational flying, then we highly recommend that you try a fish and chips run with your friends – the only difference is that you will be touring the skies and landing in new spots to try various takes on this iconic dish!
Private pilots use their licence to fly as a hobby. They train at flight schools and go through a strict flight training programme that enables them to not only enjoy the skies but also the additional perks that come with obtaining a pilot licence.
Many pilots conduct various types of runs. Some might go for scenic views, others might fly to socialise, and others, well, they just want to tick off all the top locations that serve the best fish and chips.
As ridiculous as it may sound, with a private licence, you really do get to enjoy the best that every region has to offer. If you are also a foodie, then you might have just hit the jackpot because it means that you can try various types of foods and come back all within a few hours!
Fish-and-Chips Runs by Air: Top 7 Coastal Lunch Spots Within 90 Minutes of Sherburn
Get the freshest catch via the skies! Here is our top 7 list for the best coastal lunch spots, all located within 90 minutes of Sherburn:
Whitby
Located in North Yorkshire, the iconic East Coast town has a diverse range of fish and chips shops located across the scenic coastline. While Whitby itself does not have an airport or general aviation airfield, you can access the town using Durham Tees Valley Airport. This means you get the best of both worlds, a scenic trip by air and by road!
With just under 90 minutes from Sherburn, we recommend that you try Trenchers, Magpie Café, Hadley’s, and Royal Fisheries.
The area truly provides several options for seafood lovers and is perhaps one of the best lunch spots due to its deep coastal scenery with cliffs and rivers.
Scarborough
Similarly located in North Yorkshire, Scarborough is home to one of Yorkshire’s most visited seaside resorts with numerous excellent seafood shops.
We recommend flying into Beverley (Linley Hill) airfield for the best experience if you are looking for a quick bite. If you are looking to have lunch and network, then we suggest you try the Humberside airport, which is located 90 minutes away from Scarborough.
Scarborough offers beautiful coastal backdrops, colourful and charming manmade structures and a great range of chippies.
Chippies like North Bay Fisheries and Lifeboat Fish Bar are just a few of the fish and chip shops in the area. We recommend this lunch spot for people looking for broad bay views and a majestic coastline.
Bridlington
Situated in East Yorkshire, Bridlington is a traditional seaside town with a deep-rooted and rich seafood tradition. Known for its coastal charm and great people, the town is famous for its numerous local pubs and fish and chips shops.
You can access the area via Eddsfield Airfield, which is famously known as the “best kept secret of East Yorkshire” due to its access to beautiful and memorable scenic routes.
The town features a large harbour and coastline, which makes it one of the easiest places to visit under VFR conditions.
Flamborough and Hornsea
If you are looking for a small and personal location, then we can’t recommend Flamborough enough.
Both have significant links in aviation history, particularly Hornsea Mere being associated with early flying and Flamborough Head being a notable landmark for numerous iconic flights. You can access the region via Humberside Airport and enjoy mesmerising flights along with mostly clear weather!
Known for its small coastal villages and award-nominated fish and chip shops, it is by far the best lunch spot for people who want to experience the best chippies in the region.
You get a classical seaside experience with fresh local fish and a scenic cliffside view that will keep you enamoured.
Filey
Known for its casual seaside lunch spots, Filey is located within North Yorkshire and is a great option for private pilots who enjoy a quieter and more personal location.
Perhaps the best thing about Filey is its diverse entry points. For the best experience, we recommend that you access the region via Eddsfield Airfield or Beverley Airfield. Not only do these airfields offer visiting pilots an excellent choice for networking, but you can also grab a quick bite nearby!
Filey offers excellent fish and chip options, and since it is located between Scarborough and Bridlington on the coast, it is ideal for shorter legs and quick lunches.
Whitley Bay, South Shields
Want an ideal Northeast coast destination with seaside chippies? Then this is the place to go! Accessible via Newcastle International Airport, this region is known for its national award-winning fish and chip shops. It is also home to Colman’s, which makes South Shields the best lunch spot for foodies in the region.
Even though it is further north, it is often reachable within 90 minutes in a light aircraft from Sherburn. Regardless, the quality of chippies and their location make up for the slightly longer distance.
Tynemouth
Located in Northeast England, Tynemouth is ranked among Britain’s top chippie destinations. Celebrated for its seaside quality, community, and fish and chip shops, this location offers a classic seaside lunch option for both aviators and foodies.
Tynemouth also boasts an impressive role in early aviation, especially during wartime, since it was used as the landing ground and marine operations base for the Royal Flying Corps/RAF.
The region is accessible via Newcastle International Airport and offers a bit of everything! Not only do you get to eat next to the beachside and historic castle ruins, but the area also offers a great visual approach over the Tyne.
Tips For the Best Fish and Chip Runs Via Air
Here is how you can make the most out of your chippie run with your friends:
Timing
If you want to cover multiple destinations and construct a serious run, then we recommend that you aim for late morning departures so that you hit the early fish and chip lunch window, which typically begins between 12:30 and 2 PM.
There is no need to rush your trip either; we suggest that you take it easy and leave a bit early. Enjoy the skies and the scenic views, and when the hunger hits, simply land and visit your favourite shop by lunch time.
Weather Considerations
Coastal weather is fickle, so you should always keep an eye on the forecast if you want the most out of your fish and chip run.
For the best experience, always have alternate inland options, so even if you don’t get to eat by the coastline, you can still enjoy a hot plate of fish and chips inland.
Booking in Advance
Make sure that you account for parking fees, refuelling, and possibly lodging. Keep in mind that you may have to travel from the airfield to the coastline chippies by road. You will need to account for the added time, taxi charges, and the lunch budget as well.
We recommend that you pick suitable airfields in the region and call them in advance to book your spot. This way, you can guarantee a smooth ride and a hassle-free fish and chip run with your mates.
Share your Plan
If you want the most out of your trip, then we suggest that you share your flight plan with your friends and veteran instructors at your flight club.
Trust us that you are not the first to attempt a fish and chip run in the UK. It is almost a rite of passage for many pilots, which is why you can depend on the experience of others to create a highly successful and memorable trip.
Ask for the best locations, tips, and things to look out for when travelling in new regions. This will help you maintain your expectations and enjoy your trip even more.
Aircraft Type
For shorter legs, we recommend that you pick a fixed-wing light aircraft, especially if you plan to fly with friends or cargo.
Fixed wings provide plenty of space compared to flex wings and are a great way to save on fuel and quickly reach your destination on time.
Flight Training
Being a private pilot enables you to fully realise your dreams of flying, and there is no better way to learn how to fly than at a comprehensive flight school.
Flight schools are your one-stop shop for learning how to fly, fulfilling all the licence requirements and obtaining your pilot licence.
These schools are equipped to train pilots using a set curriculum. Every flight school has a curriculum that is created in accordance with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
The curriculum covers everything from navigation, meteorology, aircraft operations, communications, and much more. The goal is to provide pilots with theoretical and practical training which work together to make them highly capable aviators.
The complexity of training depends on the type of pilot programme. Commercial Pilot Licence or CPL candidates will be required to learn more complex subjects in detail, like aerodynamics, navigation, meteorology, aircraft systems, aircraft and human limitations, etc.
On the other hand, Private Pilot Licence or PPL candidates will have a relatively relaxed curriculum. However, their training is just as strict since PPL candidates are expected to learn more or less the same subjects, but not with the same depth and coverage as a CPL programme.
CPL candidates must fulfil the minimum requirement of 200 hours of flight time, while PPL candidates are required to complete a minimum of 45 hours. But the total flight time requirements may vary depending on the school and curriculum structure.
Many people prefer to begin their journey as a PPL pilot and then gain experience and accumulate flight hours. These hours can then be transferred or carried forward to their CPL training whenever they choose to upgrade their PPL to a CPL.
Types of Aircraft For Short Legs and Flight Training Fees
For most people, when flying short legs, any general aviation aircraft will be a good choice since these aircraft provide a great balance between performance and fuel economy.
Pilots working towards a PPL will usually train on single-engine piston aircraft that are lightweight and extremely well-suited for basic flight training. PPL candidates may also train on smaller aircraft called microlights, but the type of aircraft will vary depending on the fleet available at your flight school.
On the other hand, CPL candidates train on multi-engine aircraft. These aircraft are more complex and are crucial for training since they provide a feel for larger commercial aircraft that these pilots will eventually fly.
CPL programmes also extensively cover simulation training as a part of their curriculum. Simulators are a great and safe way to master the art of flying. They are also particularly excellent for putting pilots in various situations.
Flight training also requires extensive investment. Aviation in general is costly, which is why pilot training is so expensive. This is why we recommend that you assess your budget and find a flight school that offers the best value as per your requirements.
A commercial flight school that offers CPL and a wide coverage of facilities can cost anywhere from £60,000 to £100,000 or more!
You can also opt for hybrid schools like Sherburn Aero Club, which offer both CPL and PPL training via their own fleet. Hybrid schools are often more approachable and offer great pricing compared to the competition.
You can also look for schools that frequently offer scholarships, grants, and even deals or discounts. These monetary incentives make flight training more affordable and allow young people with fewer resources to achieve their goal of flying.
Another thing to keep in mind is the number of amenities provided by the club. Some flight schools offer very basic features, while others may offer extensive networking opportunities in the form of events, seminars, and gatherings.
Whichever flight school you choose, just keep in mind that you have to persevere and keep your focus on obtaining your licence as quickly as possible. Not giving it your 100% can not only lead to more expenses but can also turn training into a burden.
Why Choose Sherburn Aero Club?
If you don’t know where to start, then you need a flight school like Sherburn to guide you through the entire process of any type of flight programme.
With us, you can begin your aviation career or even take to the skies as a hobby. Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals, to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, Sherburn caters to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran.
The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
Sherburn also offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running on the first Sunday of every month.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us at 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on learning how to fly a plane!
