All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
Ever watched a graceful blimp drift across the sky and thought, “I want one of those”? You’re not alone. Remote control airships — or RC blimps — combine slow, mesmerizing flight with easy handling, making them perfect for beginners, kids, and hobbyists who want something different from fast-paced drones and model planes. They’re like the gentle cruise ship of the sky: stable, forgiving, and oddly calming. Whether you’re after an indoor foamie to float above the living room or a helium-filled advertising-style airship for outdoor fun, the RC market in the UK now offers plenty of choices.
Looking for a place to buy an RC airship? You’ll find options across general retailers and specialist hobby shops. Big marketplaces often stock a wide range, while dedicated hobby retailers can offer better technical support and spare parts. Popular places to check include Amazon UK, eBay UK, Smyths Toys, Argos, and specialist sellers such as HobbyKing and RC Geeks. Each has different advantages: marketplaces for variety and reviews, high-street chains for quick returns and familiarity, and specialist shops for performance parts and upgrades.
Amazon UK is a go-to if you want choice and quick delivery. It hosts everything from toy-grade indoor blimps to more sophisticated helium models with onboard cameras. The review system helps you spot reliable sellers, while Amazon’s product pages often include spec sheets so you can compare flight time, control range, and size in inches or feet.
eBay is perfect if you like hunting for deals or hard-to-find models. You’ll see new and used airships, spare parts, and upgrade kits. Just check seller ratings and ask about the condition and any missing components before buying — it’s the classic flea market of the internet, but online.
Retailers like Smyths Toys and Argos often stock toy-grade RC blimps aimed at children and casual flyers. These are usually ready-to-fly, inexpensive, and durable enough to survive bumps and indoor play. They’re great starter options if you’re buying a first RC airship for a younger family member.
If you want a more technical machine with upgrade paths, specialist suppliers such as HobbyKing and RC Geeks are worth visiting. These stores cater to hobbyists, stocking helium-compatible envelopes, stronger motors, better control systems, and spare parts measured in ounces and inches. You’ll also find detailed specs and community advice that help you choose a model with the range and flight time you want.
Not all blimps are created equal. There are toy-grade foam or plastic models, air-filled radio-controlled craft, and helium-based blimps that float and rely on propulsion for direction. Some are tiny, measuring under 12 inches and perfect for indoor use, while outdoor helium airships can stretch several feet and carry small cameras. Think of the options like bicycles: a balance bike for kids, a commuter for practical use, and a performance bike for enthusiasts — each suits a different rider.
These are light, compact, and usually powered by small electric motors or even tethered controls. They’re often under 20 inches long and are ideal for indoor flight. They’re forgiving, slow, and usually inexpensive — great first buys or rainy-day entertainment.
Helium blimps float naturally and use motors for steering. They’re larger — often 3 to 6 feet long — and can fly for longer periods. Because they carry lift from helium, they can be stable even in light winds, but they’re also more delicate and can be affected by stronger gusts. These models appeal to hobbyists who want scenic nighttime flights or FPV (first-person view) camera setups.
When shopping, compare size (in inches or feet), flight time (usually shown in minutes), control range (in feet or yards), weight (ounces or pounds), and whether the envelope is helium-ready. Also look at the type of controller — 2.4 GHz systems are standard now because they reduce interference. Don’t forget battery specs and whether spare batteries are available; a blimp that flies 10 minutes may feel limiting without extra packs.
Smaller indoor models at 10–20 inches are easy to manage and store, while larger helium blimps of 3–6 feet offer better stability and payload capacity. Weight matters too — the heavier the payload, measured in ounces or pounds, the more powerful the motors need to be. Choose based on where you plan to fly and how much gear you want to carry, like a tiny camera or LED lights.
Typical flight times range from about 8 to 30 minutes depending on size and battery capacity. If you plan longer flights, look for models that support hot-swappable batteries or invest in spare packs. Charging time can vary, so check the charger specs and whether fast chargers are supported.
Basic toy blimps may have a short range of under 100 feet, while hobbyist-grade systems can offer several hundred feet of control. For outdoor flying, especially with cameras, a longer control range (in feet) is essential. Also check for adjustable throttle and dual-axis control so you can fine-tune maneuvers.
Are you buying for a child who wants a gentle, low-risk toy? Or are you an adult hobbyist seeking custom upgrades and FPV capability? For kids, pick lightweight indoor models with durable materials and simple controllers. For adults, look at helium-compatible envelopes, modular systems that accept cameras, and retailers that sell spare motors and repair kits in case a tail fin gets damaged.
The UK’s weather can be temperamental, so think about wind and rain. RC airships are best flown on calm days, ideally when winds are under 10–15 mph. For safety and legal reasons, follow basic rules: keep the blimp within visual line of sight, avoid flying near airports or aerodromes, and respect other people’s privacy when using cameras. If you’re unsure about local rules for model aircraft, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) offers guidance — a quick check can prevent surprises.
Indoor flights are calmer and safer — think living rooms, gym halls, or large atriums. Outdoors, choose open parks away from trees and power lines. Wind is the enemy; a gust can turn your peaceful float into an uncontrolled drift. If you do fly outdoors, stay low and steady, and measure your control range in feet to avoid losing signal.
As a rule of thumb, avoid flying in winds above 10–15 mph. Light breezes under 8–10 mph are usually manageable for larger helium blimps, but smaller models will struggle. If the forecast calls for gusts, it’s best to postpone — blimps behave like leaves in high gusts and can drift into hazards.
Keeping an RC airship in top shape is simpler than maintaining a high-performance drone, but you do need to patch tears, replace batteries, and occasionally swap motors or servos. Many specialist UK suppliers sell patch kits, replacement envelopes measured in inches, and stronger motors if you want to carry extra gear. Regularly inspect the envelope for pinholes and ensure the gondola and propellers are free from hair, dust, and damage.
Tears, valve leaks, and electronic failures are the most common issues. A small puncture can often be repaired with a vinyl patch kit. For electronics, make sure you have basic soldering skills or a friendly local hobbyist shop that can handle quick fixes. Buying from retailers that provide spare parts is a huge time-saver.
Think about spare batteries, a better controller, LED kits for night flights, and a compact helium tank for outdoor helium blimps. If you’re into photography, a lightweight action camera that fits the payload limits in ounces is a fun upgrade. A protective travel bag is also useful for blimps that measure several feet when packed — it keeps everything organized and prevents unwanted dings.
If you’re on a budget, toy-grade indoor blimps under £30 are great fun and low commitment. Mid-range models from hobby shops often sit between £50 and £150 and offer better materials, longer flight times, and more reliable controllers. Premium helium blimps with larger envelopes and camera mounts can run higher, but they also provide the most satisfying flights. Think of it like buying headphones: a cheap pair will play music, mid-range gives better clarity, and premium is for the audiophile who wants detail and durability.
Used RC airships can be bargains, but inspect carefully. Ask about flight hours, whether the envelope has been patched, how many battery cycles have been used, and whether spare parts are included. Request close-up photos showing seams and valves in inches scale if possible. If buying locally, try to see a short flight test to confirm performance. Buying used is like adopting a bike — a quick test ride tells you a lot.
Measure your available indoor space in feet. For example, a narrow hallway isn't ideal for a 4-foot helium blimp; you'll want a gym or conservatory instead. Outdoor parks give you room in miles of open sky, but remember to stay well below the CAA’s recommended maximum altitude of 400 feet. Planning where you’ll fly will save frustration and let you choose the right size blimp from the start.
Ask yourself three simple questions: Where will I fly (indoors or outdoors)? Who will use it (child, beginner, enthusiast)? What features matter most (camera, flight time, durability)? Answer these and you’ll narrow the field fast. Look for retailers that advertise clear specs in inches, feet, and minutes so you can compare models side-by-side.
With a little preparation and the right shop, owning an RC airship is an easy way to add calm, cinematic flight to your hobby list. Ready to float into the sky?
Remote control airships offer a unique, gentle flying experience that’s perfect for beginners and hobbyists seeking something different from fast drones and aerobatic planes. In the UK you can find options from big marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, family-friendly retailers such as Smyths Toys and Argos, and specialist suppliers like HobbyKing and RC Geeks. Consider size in inches or feet, flight time in minutes, control range in feet, and whether helium is required. With the right choice and a little practice, you’ll be piloting your own mini blimp like a pro — slow, steady, and utterly satisfying.
