RIAT 2025 Accommodation – Where to Stay Near the Air Tattoo

The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will return for another exciting year in 2025. It’s always a popular event with the public, prompting us to share useful information and a list of accommodation options for those planning to visit.

This year visitors can experience the new enclosure (additional tickets required) Altitude, be able to step back in time at the Take Off Zone, meet the team and crews at the RAF Experience as well as shop at the trade and food stands – there’s so much to do you’ll have to take care not to miss the airplanes!

This year RIAT’s 2025’s themes will be championing “Eyes in the Skies”, highlighting the vital role that modern aviation plays in aerial surveying, airborne early warning, reconnaissance and more.

We’ve also listed some local accommodation if you’re looking to stay nearby during the Air Tattoo, anything from campsites and pubs with rooms to our very own Cotswold Lakes holiday cottages!

What Dates are RIAT 2025?

RIAT is an annual date and dates for this year from 18^th to 20th July 2025 being held at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, so get yourselves ready for some fun packed days of aerial adventure!

When do Tickets go on Sale for RIAT 2025?

Early Bird Standard Admission airshow tickets are available from £45 per person (as of January 2025), granting access to all static aircraft and flying displays. Additionally, under 18’s enter free with a paying adult, easing costs for families.

Please note as at the 11th March 2025, all Early Bird tickets for Saturday have sold out.

How much are RIAT General Admission Tickets

Current pricing – which is subject to change – is as follows:

• £45 per person Friday 18^th July entry
• £79.50 per person Saturday 19^th July entry
• £74.50 per person Sunday 20^th  July entry

Friday is a practice day for the aerial displays which may lead to less aircraft flying, so this is the reason it costs less to gain entry than the Saturday or Sunday.

What time does RIAT open and close?

The car parks open at 6.00am for those keen to avoid the rush and the airshow gates open at 7.30am. RIAT’s gates close at 7.30pm and visitors will be expected to leave the site in good time.

There’s usually a rush to leave the moment the flying displays come to an end so we find if you hang around for an hour or so the queues go right down and it’s a clearer drive home.

How many people typically attend RIAT?

In any given year, 200,000 or so people attend RIAT making it a very busy place, certainly in the morning gaining entry and in the early evening when people leave the air show, it can clog up the nearby road network at times despite the organiser’s best efforts.

How to get to RIAT

There are a number of different routes into RIAT, dependent on which direction you head in from so unless you arrive really early it pays to be patient whilst queuing (you do get to admire some of the very beautiful Cotswold villages you’ll pass through so it’s not all bad).

For specific details of routes into RIAT please take a look at the following website:

https://www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/plan-your-visit/how-to-get-here/

If you do drive and don’t know the area well then we suggest using the following postcode in your Sat Nav – GL7 4EG – to bring you closer to the airfield. Best to then switch off your Sat Nav and use the coloured road signs you’ll see towards the end of your journey.

RIAT Shuttles Buses from Swindon and Cheltenham

To make life easier RIAT offer a Concessionary Admission Ticket bus scheme into the airshow. If you head into Swindon, heading for the bus station (a 5-minute walk from the train station) you can grab a free bus to the airshow if you prefer not to drive, there’s one every 20 minutes.

Typically, the bus avoids the worst of the queues getting into Fairford via the “Yellow” route dropping you off much closer to the entrance than if you were to drive in. Do note some of the car parks are off base and can be a lengthy walk in for some.

There is also a Park and Ride bus service in from Cheltenham racecourse too.

RIAT Car Parking

We always think it’s a better idea to get the bus in but if you really want to drive we understand but be prepared for long queues and potentially a long walk to the airfield from your car park!

The car parks open from 6am so you can get in early and park closer to the entrance gates, beating the rush.

Note which Car Park you will be allocated to, Red and Green are a mix of hard-standing and grass whilst the Blue Car Park is grass so it may be difficult for those with limited mobility.

You will likely find most of the parking at RIAT is off the airfield and on grass, with the entrance gates being within walking distance, however if you arrive late you may find yourself walking approximately ¾ of a mile to reach them.

If you’re lucky enough to buy your way into one of the top two enclosures you will be given on-base parking so you won’t have to park too far away from the action!

RIAT Disabled Parking

The show organisers do their best to enable designated disabled parking on a hard standing, but it is allocated on a first come first serve basis and fairly limited. To book a space, you’ll need to be a blue badge holder, in receipt of mobility PIP or have hired a mobility scooter from RIAT’s Event Mobility team. Give RIAT’s Customer Services a call on 01285 713856 to secure your spot.

RIAT 2025 Accommodation

Where to stay for the RIAT 2025 airshow is always a question we get asked by people looking to stay during the Tattoo.

You’ll find plenty of options round and about, local pubs, BnB’s, campsites etc. but they can book up early, so you’ll have to be quick!

Thankfully, here at the Cotswold Water Park there’s typically a wider choice if you’re looking for RIAT 2025 accommodation, from small 2 beds to holiday homes that can cater for groups. You may even be able to grab something at very late short notice, so it’s worth giving our team a call if you’re looking for somewhere to stay.

Some of our most popular accommodation tends to be used by families and large groups – take a look at some of our selection below (call us to secure today):

Isis Lakes 79 – Reflections

This New England style lakeside lodge accommodates 6 people across 3 bedrooms on the Isis and Windrush Lakes development. Properties here are positioned around three, reed edged, lakes and with a games room, tennis courts, onsite fishing and a children’s play area, it’s an ideal retreat for all the family after a day at RIAT. Nearby dining options are available, or you can enjoy a home-cooked meal on your private sun deck overlooking the water.

https://www.orionholidays.com/property/isis-lakes-79-reflections-p/ 

Spring Lake 52 – Eider Lodge

This beautiful south facing lodge always proves a popular choice! Sleeping 6 in comfort with views as well as an onsite brasserie for those who want to go for a meal/drink in the evening and relax from all the aircraft spotting!

https://www.orionholidays.com/property/spring-lake-52-eider-lodge-p/

Howells Mere 47 – Robin Lodge

A stunning 4-bedroom property sleeping 8, perfect for a larger family group and offering great value as well as lots of activities for the evening.

https://www.orionholidays.com/property/howells-mere-47-robin-lodge/

RIAT 2025 Confirmed Aircraft

The current list of aircraft confirmed to perform air displays or be at RIAT 2024 is as follows:

Aircraft Currently on the Flying Display:

Alongside the aerial displays, there’s a good number of aircraft on static display, some offering the chance to interact with the crews.

There are regular updates of planes coming to visit on RIAT’s Confirmed Aircraft page but as it updates we’ll keep you posted here!

RIAT 2025 Weather Forecast

At present it’s hard to provide a forecast for RIAT’s weather in July however it’s the UK, it can either be beautiful wall to wall sunshine OR chucking it down, cats, dogs and all!

Keep a close eye on RIAT’s weather closer to the date here:

BBC Weather for RIAT 2025

Previous RIAT events were canceled due to severe weather at times, prompting refunds. However, to receive a refund, you’ll need to file a claim as it’s not automatically processed.

RIAT Enclosures

RIAT’s enclosures are extremely popular and sell out fast! Offering food and drinks together with an unrivalled view, they are loved by many of the show’s visitors.

In some cases, you’ll need to first purchase your Air Show ticket and then register your details to sort and pay for a separate enclosure pass. Other enclosures include the cost of the ticket so do take note when purchasing.

RIAT offers the following enclosures though some are quite prestigious and pricey with 1 or 2 on an invite basis only:

• Lightning Pavilion
• Family Enclosure
• Viewing Village Garden
• Viewing Village Grandstand
• Flight Deck
• Cotswold Club
• Aviation Club
• First Class Lounge
• Altitude

Where are the best places to view RIAT for free?

If you prefer a free view of RIAT, here are some of the best locations to do so:

• Masons Arms, Meysey Hampton Pub
• The George Pub, Kempsford
• The village of Quenington
• Farm fields near Fairford and surrounding the airfield, usually taken up by locals in the know
• The village of South Cerney

If you park along the roads near the airfield, police might ask you to move. Leaving your car unattended could lead to a parking ticket from Gloucestershire’s traffic wardens, so it’s safer to stay close to your vehicle.

We do strongly recommend paying for an admission ticket for the best airshow experience, that really is the best option.