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A flight simulator that flips you upside-down is heading to Manchester Airport

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 22nd February 2022

A new 360-degree flight simulator is opening at Manchester Airport, giving people the chance to have a go at flying a virtual plane.

The state-of-the-art Fly360 attraction will open at the Runway Visitor Park, where retired aircraft like Concorde are based.

Priced from just £6 per person, the simulator spins guests around in a pod that rotates 360 degrees on both vertical and horizontal axes.

It’s said to be the most realistic flying experience imaginable – beyond climbing into a P-38 Lightning fighter aircraft and taking to the actual skies.

Fly360 flight simulator at Manchester Airport. Credit: Supplied

The two-person machine is fully interactive, with safety harnesses and joystick control.

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Also at the Runway Visitor Park at Manchester Airport is a shop, a cafe, a children’s play area and an observation deck with views of the airfield.

Robert Hassard, Runway Visitor Park manager, said: “The Runway Visitor Park is already one of the most popular family visitor attractions in the North West, and this adds another string to its bow.

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The new flight simulator is one of only three in the UK. Credit: Supplied

“For many years, guests have been able to see aircraft such as the Airbus A380 at close quarters and tour retired aircraft, but this is our most immersive visitor experience yet and we hope it will really capture the imaginations of our guests.”

Fly360 has been installed in partnership with Metropolis Entertainment.

Read more: Iconic Manchester song lyrics to be displayed across city in new cancer research campaign

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Ghislaine Walls, Metropolis’ operations director, said: “I am delighted with this new partnership with RVP. The Fly 360° simulator is absolutely unique providing visitors with a truly dynamic flying experience.

“This installation is one of only three in the UK…the other two being in the London Science Museum.”

Guests can book tours and experiences online via the Runway Visitor Park’s website.

Featured image: Supplied

What's On

Local Olympian Keely Hodgkinson named as official starter of the 2025 Great Manchester Run

Danny Jones Danny Jones Keely Hodgkinson Great Manchester Run official starter 2025

One of our very own is getting ready to get thousands of racers underway as local Olympian, Keely Hodgkinson MBE, has been named as the official starter for the 2025 Great Manchester Run.

Atherton’s very own generational trackstar, who picked up gold at Paris 2024 and has earned several other medals, not to mention smashing multiple British records, will be leading the hordes of runners taking on the annual AJ Bell challenge through central Manchester next month.

Still just 23, last year’s BBC Sports Personality winner hasn’t been resting on her laurels since her Olympic success either, having set up her own ‘Keely Classic’ running event and is now setting her sights on a world-record attempt later this year.

We couldn’t think of anyone better suited to fly the flag for Greater Manchester.

Hyping up the news on social media, the Great Run company went on to add: “A true hometown hero, an Olympic champion, and now, kicking off Manchester’s best running party of the year – the BIGGEST in a decade! We’re proper BUZZZZZING! Let’s have it, Manchester!”

Safe to say they’re pretty ecstatic with the news, and so are we, as Keely Hodgkinson becomes the latest Team GB member to bring their pedigree to the event, following in the very fast footsteps of Sir Mo Farah, Kelly Holmes, Amir Khan and many more.

Although the 800m specialist is yet to comment on the announcement directly, the magic of getting to put the hard yards in front of a home crowd won’t be lost on her, and it goes without saying that she’ll get an unreal reception from the Manc spectators – of which there are expected to be more than 100,000.

Better yet, over 35,000 participants are set to take on the Great Manchester Run this year, therefore teeing potentially record-breaking crowds for the event.

2025 marks the 22nd edition of the event, and the atmosphere throughout the city centre, as well as out into East Manchester and Trafford, is always spectacular. There are still places left if you’re tempted…

Undoubtedly one of the very best athletes to ever come out of the underdog borough that is Wigan, whether you argue the case for old Lancashire or not, surely we can all be proud to call her a Greater Mancunian this spring, just as we did back in the summer?

Once again, it isn’t long before the annual race day kicks off as the Great Manchester Run arrives on Sunday, 18 May, with Keely Hodgkinson beckoning everyone towards their own hero moments.

There are still places left for both the 10k and half marathon distances, and now we’ve seen the medal design for this year, we might just have to sign up again ourselves.

You can find out more and decide for yourself HERE.

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Erik van Leeuwen (via Wikimedia Commons)/Supplied

What's On

Two new immersive installations are coming to Dunham Massey

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia Dunham Massey immersive ORIGIN exhibition

National Trust park Dunham Massey is receiving two all-new immersive installations in May that are set to create some magical memories.

These art pieces are coming to the famed National Trust site this spring, with the aim of encouraging visitors to reflect on all things nature.

Both of the new installations will cover two very different aspects of the park while utilising soundscapes that help create a moment of calm for guests.

‘ORIGIN’ is one of the immersive installations coming to Dunham Massey, and it’s branded as a deep listening experience combining both art and wellbeing to help explore humans’ connection to nature.

An insight into the immersive installation ORIGIN.
An insight into the immersive installation ORIGIN.
Just a quick glance at the new immersive installation inside Dunham Massey. (Credit: Publicity Pictures)

Each guest will join a small, timed group of people to walk around the exhibition, where they will hear lots of different harmonies and soothing sounds – you’re even encouraged to sit or lie on the ground.

Amongst this relaxing audio experience, there will be dialogue from Young Identity, a Manchester-based literature and performing arts charity, who have created spoken poetry for the soundscape.

This bespoke creation is the genius of internationally-acclaimed artists Colin Nightingale and Stephen Dobbie, who have teamed up with a wonderful creative team to bring this experience to life.

‘A Field Hospital for Eco-Anxiety’ is the title of Dunham Massey’s second brand-new immersive installation, and frequent visitors to the park will recognise its location as it takes place in The Orangery.

This building will be filled with some lush plants, and just like its name – the ‘Field Hospital’ – it’s set to be a place of sanctuary and comfort for any guests who decide to take part.

dunham massey walks
Visitors enjoying the gardens at Dunham Massey, Cheshire
dunham massey prices
Visitors walking their dogs in the park at Dunham Massey, Cheshire
It really is a National Trust gem. (Credit: Supplied)

There will be an activity sheet on hand for visitors as you walk around, so you can write down some positive steps people can take for the environment and reflect on our natural world.

The latter immersive installation is the brainchild of The Edible Bus Stop and ‘Not here to be liked’, two companies that design and create culturally relevant experiences, typically environment-oriented.

These two brand new immersive installations at Dunham Massey are multi-sensory and are a great chance for little ones and grown-ups alike to take a moment of solace to consider environmental impacts.

Liam Geary Baulch from Not here to be liked explained: “Right now a majority of people are worried about the climate crisis, with so many young people impacted. The Field Hospital is a place for them to feel cared for, take a breath, and build resilience.”

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The two brand new exhibitions, ORIGIN and A Field Hospital For Eco-Anxiety, are officially launching to the public on 3 May at Dunham Massey.

If you’re interested in giving it a try, you can find out more information HERE. It’s also worth noting that the experience is not suitable for under 12s; under 18s must also be accompanied by an adult.

ORIGIN is included in the general admission Park and Garden ticket, which is available from £10 for an adult and just a fiver for children. This ticket also includes access to the garden, deer park, parking, shop, cafe, restaurant and all other facilities – though entry to the site doesn’t guarantee ORIGIN admission

Lastly, as is customary, the experience is FREE for National Trust members, so if you’re looking for activities this spring, a trip out to Cheshire might be on the cards.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Publicity Pictures (supplied)

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