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If you love the idea of a bright sail cutting through an open sky, a kite is one of the cheapest and most joyful ways to spend an afternoon. Whether you want a playful, easy-to-fly kite for kids, a dramatic 3D eagle that turns heads, or a precision stunt kite to master tricks, the UK has plenty of shops — from high-street names to specialist retailers — that stock the perfect flyer. This guide walks you through the best stores, the types of kites, buying tips, and how to get the most from every gust, using plain, friendly language so you can pick the right kite and actually enjoy flying it.
Kite flying blends cheap fun with a surprising amount of skill and creativity. It’s social, healthy, and perfect for beaches, parks, and festivals. You don’t need much kit to start — often a single-line kite, a spool of line, and an open patch of sky — but the variety is huge. From novelty 3D models that add theatre to family outings to performance stunt kites that respond like surfing in the air, there’s a kite for every mood and wind speed.
When shopping for kites, your choice of retailer affects price, warranty, and whether you get expert advice. High-street chains are great for convenience and value, specialist kite shops offer deeper expertise and parts, and online marketplaces bring the widest selection. Here are the stores worth checking out.
Menkind is known for novelty and gift-style kites that are visually striking — think oversized 3D animals like the popular 3D Eagle Kite. These models often have a wingspan of around 6 feet and dramatic tails, making them excellent for beaches and big parks. If you want something that looks impressive on Instagram and is easy to fly on moderate wind days (roughly 8 to 18 mph), Menkind’s range is a fun place to start.
John Lewis carries a curated selection of family- and quality-focused kites, often from reputable brands. Expect reliable single-line designs, well-made materials, and decent customer service. For buyers who want a balance between style and durability — and would rather pay slightly more for a product that lasts — John Lewis is a solid option.
Argos is the go-to for straightforward value buys. If you want a quick starter kite, a kids’ pack, or a seasonal special for a couple of pounds, Argos stocks a lot of budget-friendly single-line kites and combo sets. They are convenient and widely available across the UK, perfect if you want something cheap for a one-off day at the beach.
Hobbycraft appeals to makers and families who enjoy putting things together. It offers build-your-own kite kits and materials for repair or customisation. If you enjoy tinkering, or want to teach kids how a kite is made, Hobbycraft is a creative stop — they often sell materials like ripstop fabric and spars in lengths you can customise to the size you want.
Decathlon offers a good range of sports-oriented and entry-level stunt kites, plus durable single-line models for daily family use. Their gear tends to lean practical: straightforward instructions, robust materials, and good value. Decathlon is ideal if you’re starting to take kite flying more seriously but don’t want to spend a small fortune on specialist equipment.
Online and independent kite specialists (such as kites.co.uk and other UK kite boutiques) are where you find performance kites, replacement parts, and expert advice. These stores stock two-line and four-line stunt kites, parafoils, and large display kites, and will advise on line length in feet, wind conditions in mph, and spare spars. If you want to learn tricks, buy pro-grade gear, or source rare models, a specialist is worth the click or trip.
Not all kites are created equal. Choosing the right style depends on who will fly it, where you’ll fly, and how much wind you expect. Here’s a quick breakdown of popular types and their best uses.
Single-line kites are the classic, plug-and-play type. You launch, let out line in feet, and watch. They’re perfect for kids and casual flyers, very forgiving, and usually great in winds from 5 to 20 mph. Sizes vary from compact 2-foot children’s kites to giant 8-foot show kites for family outings.
Stunt kites (two-line or four-line) give you control like steering a boat. They respond to pulls and tugs, letting you swoop, dive, and hover. They need higher winds and a bit of practice — typically best from 10 to 25 mph — and are popular with hobbyists who enjoy performance flying and tricks.
Parafoils have no rigid spars; they inflate with wind and generate significant pull. These are used for traction sports such as kite buggying or kiteboarding, and require strong winds — often 15 mph and up. Don’t mistake them for casual kids’ kites; they can pull hard and need experienced handling.
Indoor kites are ultra-lightweight and fly in very gentle air, while foil kites (a subtype of parafoil) are soft but can also be used at beaches. Indoor kites are tiny and delicate; foil kites are practical for low-cost storage and travel.
Picking a kite is easier when you know the basics. Think about size, materials, wind range, and replacement parts. Here’s a plain-language checklist to shop smarter.
Size matters. Small kites (2 to 3 feet wingspan) suit light winds and kids. Medium kites (4 to 6 feet) are versatile for family days. Large display kites (6 to 10 feet or more) are best on beaches and need stronger wind. Always check the wingspan in feet and pick a kite that matches the space and wind you expect.
Ripstop nylon and polyester are common for kite fabric — they resist tears and dry quickly. Fibreglass and carbon spars provide light stiffness; carbon is lighter and stronger but costs more. If you plan to fly a lot, invest in better materials to avoid repairing every season.
Every kite lists a recommended wind range in mph. A small child’s kite might fly at 4 to 10 mph, while a large parafoil can demand 15 mph or more. Beaches usually offer steady wind, while parks can be gusty and variable. Match the kite’s wind range to where you plan to fly.
Line length often ranges from 50 to 300 feet. For single-line family kites, 100 to 150 feet is typical. Stronger kites need higher-grade line and comfortable handles. If you’re buying a stunt kite, check the line strength in pounds and prefer brand-name lines designed for trick flying.
Choosing the right spot makes the difference between a blissful afternoon and a tangled disaster. Here are sensible places to fly and safety reminders to keep things fun and lawful.
Beaches are kite-flying gold: open space, reliable winds, and plenty of room for big kites. Popular UK beaches attract families, so give space to others and keep away from swimmers and crowded areas. A 6-foot kite needs several dozen feet of clear space and a steady breeze to shine.
Parks are great when you can find an open field. Avoid flying near trees, lamp posts, sports pitches, or buildings. Check local bylaws — some parks restrict large kites or powered kites due to other visitors.
Kite festivals are brilliant for inspiration and learning. You’ll see everything from tiny indoor gliders to 50-foot displays. Festivals are also good places to buy from specialist vendors and pick up tips on local wind patterns measured in mph.
A little care goes a long way. Proper storage, quick repairs, and sensible handling will keep your kite flying for seasons.
After a day at the beach, dry your kite before you store it. Roll fabric loosely rather than folding it sharply to protect the ripstop. Keep spars in a tube or hang them if possible. Store line wound on a spool to prevent tangles and knots.
Small tears patch easily with ripstop tape or repair patches sold in kits. If a spar breaks, many specialist shops sell replacement rods in feet and inches you can cut to size. For serious damage, a kite shop can re-rig or replace sections professionally.
Your ideal kite depends on who will fly it and how they’ll use it. Here are quick recommendations by user type.
Choose a bright single-line kite about 2 to 4 feet wide with a long tail for stability. Look for easy assembly and a recommended wind range from 6 to 14 mph. Cheap sets from Argos or John Lewis can give kids confidence without breaking the bank.
Families often choose medium single-line or novelty 3D kites (like the Menkind 3D Eagle Kite at about 6 feet wingspan). These are showy and forgiving, ideal for group outings and beach days.
If you want to perform or compete, two-line stunt kites and parafoils from specialist kite shops are the way to go. Expect to invest in quality lines, carbon spars, and perhaps lessons. The reward is precision — the kite becomes an extension of your hands.
Price ranges vary widely. Expect to pay under £20 for basic kids’ kites, around £30–£80 for durable family kites, and £100+ for high-performance stunt or parafoil models. If you want an eye-catching single-line kite that looks expensive without the cost, novelty models from Menkind often deliver great visual impact for a mid-range price.
Start simple, learn by doing, and upgrade as you go. A couple of lessons or a local kite club can shave months off your learning curve and add new friends to your hobby. Think of your first kite like training wheels: it gets you into the sky, and once you’re comfortable, you can try faster, trickier models that let you carve the air like a snowboarder on a windy slope.
So grab a spool, pick a kite that matches your wind and space, and head outside. The UK sky is waiting.
Conclusion: Kites are a timeless, affordable way to enjoy fresh air and open space. From Menkind dramatic 3D options to specialist online shops offering pro-grade gear, the UK market covers every level of interest and budget. Match the kite to your wind, learn a few basics, and you’ll find kite flying is as relaxing or as thrilling as you want it to be.
| Kites | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Brookite Grey Owl Kite | £ 12,79 |
