Hot Air Ballon Flights

Hot air balloon flights are now widely established as great gift experiences at locations around the uk. Champagne balloon flights in particular are enormously popular, as there are few experiences to compare with partaking of a champagne breakfast in a hot air balloon drifting gracefully across Britain's incredible countryside.

We have a number of merchants offering these balloon flights. All are large reputable firms, and all use much the same balloon flight centres. These are all major players in the gift experience market so we would not recommend any one over the others. However, they all offer variations on the theme so check them all out before booking. Prices are shown below.  

Hot air balloon flights are like any other outdoor activity in that you should dress sensibly and appropriately for the time of year. You should always take a sweater or waterproof as it can be somewhat exposed in the basket of the balloon, and as you will be climbing in and out of the basket and standing during the flight sensible shoes are a must. If it's a hot day then a hat and suncream are also a good idea. Hot air balloons can be windy so trousers are generally preferable to skirts. Don't forget to take a camera and binoculars.  

Restrictions vary, but in general you must be tall enough to see out of the basket and be in good general health. Pregnant women and those with serious medical conditions will not be allowed to fly. Some flight centres will allow children under 16, others will not. As with any form of flying, if you turn up 'under the influence' you are likely to be turned away.  

If the weather is unsuitable the balloon flight will be cancelled. Be aware of this and be sure to check with the flight centre before setting-off. Hot air balloons are very susceptible to weather and require light winds, no rain and good visibility.  

The balloon flying season is from April to September, and flights generally take off either just after dawn or late afternoon when the weather is stillest.  

You may be surprised to learn that the balloons vary greatly in size and can carry anything from two to twenty passengers.  

Don't expect to turn up dressed as if for a day in the Royal Enclosure at Ascot before being gently wafted over the rolling plains of Britain to be gently deposited back where you started. Ballooning is about the whole experience of flying in an amazing 18th Century mode of transport. You'll learn about balloons, will help to inflate the ballon, travel wherever the winds dictate and land goodness knows where. On landing you'll be able to help deflate and pack the balloon while waiting for the support vehicles to arrive and ferry you back where you started from. Great fun, and even better if you're prepared to muck in and help.  

Disclaimer. This page contains general information about Hot Air Balloon flights. Do not assume everything here will hold true for the particular provider you choose to book with. Always check details on the merchant's site before booking.

Hot Air Balloon Experiences