A hot air balloon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Going up in the air and seeing the world from above is an incredibly cool feeling. If you’ve ever wanted to try it but didn’t know where to start, well, you’re in luck. There are hot air balloon ride locations all over the UK, so there should be one near you to experience. So, this article will provide you with a starting point. While not an extensive list, here are 20 of the best hot air balloon ride locations in the UK.
Many of these venues are part of Balloons Over Britain or Virgin Balloon Flights, that specialise in UK hot air balloon rides. This means there are standard prices throughout – £169 per person for a weekday morning (Monday-Friday, 5am-8:30am), £189 per person for a weekday morning or evening (Monday to Friday, 4pm-6:30pm) and £209 per person for any day, any time, including weekends.
1. Oakedge Shooting Ground
The Oakedge Shooting Ground is located just outside Stafford, on the edge of Cannock Chase. Cannock Chase, also known as the Jewel of the West Midlands, is known for its beautiful farmland and forest landscape. This provides you with an excellent view as you’re floating in your balloon.
Address: Staffordshire, ST17 0XS
2. Blackwool Farm
Located in the small market town of Petworth, Blackwool Farm is set in the beautiful Sussex countryside. That means that not only will you get stunning views on your journey, but you will also have an exciting little village to explore pre or post-flight.
Address: West Sussex, GU28 9LD
3. Wetherby Racecourse
About halfway in between Leeds and York is the small town of Wetherby. You’ll launch up into the air from Wetherby Racecourse, which allows you to discover Yorkshire from a bird’s eye view. There are many historical landmarks to look out for, including Wetherby Castle, St James Church and Lacey Grove.
Address: York Road, West Yorkshire, LS22 5EJ
4. York Racecourse
Not too far from the Wetherby Racecourse launch site is the York Racecourse, just outside of York’s city centre. Launching from this launch site is essentially a two-in-one. Not only do you get to see all the beauty of the city of York itself, but you can also enjoy the views of the Yorkshire countryside, or even the Yorkshire Dales if you fly on a good day.
Address: York, YO23 1EX
5. Clover Fields
You can find Clover Fields Caravan Park a short drive from the village of Buxton. Flights from this launch site typically follow the River Dove southwards. If you’re lucky, that may mean you get to see Arbor Low, aka the Stonehenge of the Peak District, during your flight. How cool!
Address: Clover Fields Caravan Park, Derbyshire, SK17 9PU
6. Glastonbury
That’s right. In addition to the festival, Glastonbury is also home to one of the best hot air balloon ride locations in the UK. Your ride will begin at Glastonbury Tor, the town’s most famous landmark. Witness the rich history of the town as you glide through the sky.
Address: Tor Rugby Club, Somerset, BA6 9BH
7. Bath
Bath is one of the most historic cities in the UK, so your hot air balloon ride will feature some interesting historical landmarks. Launching from Royal Victoria Park to the northwest of the city centre, you can admire the city’s ancient Roman ruins and historic panoramic views.
Address: Royal Victoria Park, Bath, BA1 2LZ
8. Hollingbourne
Kent is known as the “Garden of England” for a reason. Launching from here, the Mercure Maidstone Hotel, you can enjoy the stunning orchards, vineyards and oast houses that form the rolling Kent countryside. If you’re lucky, you may see Leeds Castle or Maidstone, the county town of Kent.
Address: Mercure Maidstone Hotel, Kent, ME17 1RE
9. Rutland Water
Rutland Water is one of the largest reservoirs in the country, located just east of Oakham. It is man-made, dating back to the 1970s, but has since become a large tourist attraction. So, that means before or after your flight, you can explore the surrounding area or take part in many outdoor activities like sailing, fishing or cycling.
Address: Oakham, Leicestershire, LE15 8RN
10. Nottingham
Just to the east of the city centre, you will find Nottingham Racecourse. While primarily the site of horse racing and a car boot sale at the weekends, it is also the launch site for hot air balloons. You can enjoy the beautiful countryside that surrounds the largest city in the East Midlands.
Address: Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick Park, NG2 4BH
11. Cullompton
To the northeast of Cullompton, a town about 30 minutes outside of Exeter, you will find Verbeer Manor. After you launch up into the air, there are miles upon miles of rolling Devonshire countryside for you to marvel at.
Address: Verbeer Manor, Exeter, EX15 2PE
12. Perth
If you’re in Scotland, this may be the one for you. Perth is a city in Central Scotland with a rich history. During your flight, you can experience stunning views of various parks and castles, including North Inch Park, Balhousie Castle, and others.
Address: North Inch, Perth, PH1 5HS
13. Macclesfield
Just to the south of Manchester, you’ll find the town of Macclesfield, one of the best hot air balloon ride locations in the UK. If you’re lucky with the winds, you can catch a glimpse of the bustling Manchester skyline to the north or the stunning Peak District to the east.
Address: Four Oakes, Long Shoot Road, SK11 9DX
14. Bishop Auckland
Bishop Auckland is a small market town in the north of England. It’s the perfect site for a hot air balloon adventure, with stunning views in every direction. The North Sea coast, Durham Cathedral, Raby Castle, North York Moors, the Yorkshire Dales and more. It provides for a truly unique experience.
Address: Witton Castle Country Park, County Durham, DL14 0DE
15. Biggar
Another one for the Scots. Biggar is a small market town roughly halfway in between Glasgow and Edinburgh, making it easily accessible. The town’s history dates back to the 16th century, which you can still see in its architecture. There are many independent shops and cafes too, giving you somewhere to explore pre or post-flight.
Address: Bowmuir Farm, South Lanarkshire, ML11 8LX
16. Llanarth Village Hall
Just outside of Abergavenny, you will find the small Welsh village of Llanarth. After launching up into the air from the village hall, there are picturesque views from every direction. The Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons to the North and the West, as well as Newport or Cardiff to the South. It just depends on what direction the wind takes you.
Address: Groesonen Road, Monmouthshire, NP15 AU
17. Anstey Park
Hampshire is one of the most beautiful, picturesque counties in England, making for a stunning landscape for your hot air balloon ride. You’ll start off at Anstey Park, before continuing on to New Forest National Park or even getting a glimpse of Winchester, if the wind is in your favour.
Address: Anstey Road, Hampshire, GU34 1SJ
18. Willen Lake
Willen Lake is a park on the outskirts of Milton Keynes. To the north and east, you will witness the beautiful open countryside. If the wind takes you to the south, you may be able to see Bletchley, the site of the WW2 codebreakers and the world’s first computer.
Address: Brickhill Street, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DS
19. Hatfield House
This is probably the best option for the Londoners out there. A 25-minute train ride from Kings Cross, Hatfield House is the site of Queen Elizabeth I’s childhood home. So, you could ride over a historical monument, enjoy the extensive grounds of Hatfield Park (or even have a view of the London skyline if you’re lucky).
Address: Hatfield Park, Hertfordshire, AL9 5HX
20. The Brentwood Centre
This is another good option for Londoners. 25 minutes on the train from Liverpool Street and a stop on the Elizabeth line away, you will find The Brentwood Centre. There, you can catch a breathtaking view of London as the sun rises. What more could you want?
Address: Doddinghurst Road, Brentwood, CM15 9NN
There are actually over 100 hot air balloon ride locations in the UK to choose from, but our list features 20 of the best. There’s iconic landmarks like Hatfield House to picturesque countryside and city skylines. The price of a balloon ride in the UK is a lot for student budgets, but the experience should make up for it.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly, we’ve got a list of the best activities for a cheap day out.
Last Updated on September 11, 2024
Published on August 31, 2023
A student from University of Nottingham.
