A check valve comprises a valve housing defining a valve opening; and a flapper element. The flapper element has a proximal end, and is pivotally mounted to the valve housing adjacent the periphery of the valve opening at its proximal end for pivotal movement between a closed position, in which it blocks the flow of fluid through the valve opening and a fully open position in which it permits the flow of fluid through the valve opening. At least one spring damping element is located between the flapper element and the valve housing for providing a damping force resisting the pivotal movement of the flapper element towards its open position. The at least one spring damping element being operable to produce a damping force only over a final range of the pivotal movement of the flapper element as it approaches its fully open position.