Balloon Trips in and near Cheltenham

Bristol Balloons

Fly over unsullied, steep, pastures with their neat hedges surrounding traditional stone farm buildings and we'll transport you effortlessly back into the countryside of Laurie Lee, over the hills and vales of the Stroud Valleys and Gloucestershire. ... more

Imagine floating above England's breathtakingly beautiful countryside, suspended from a wicker basket beneath a large, brightly coloured balloon, as you silently drift above treetops and gaze down at the miniature world beneath you. Balloon trips in England are a magical experience.

Hot air ballooning was one of the first forms of flight, with the earliest recorded balloon flight taking place in 1783. There's something romantic and captivating about flying in this way; with no thrumming motors, and only the wind as a steering mechanism, it's a tranquil and wonderful experience. Without compromising on this old world charm, modern balloons are are very safe and comfortable to fly in. The padded interior and high sides of the wicker basket ensure you're protected as the pilot flies and lands the vessel.

Most hot air balloon trips start just after dawn, to take advantage of the calmer weather. The exact time depends on the season, and some flights also leave at dusk. You'll soon forget any early morning sleepiness, though, as you take flight over a beautiful and peaceful dawn landscape. Many hot air balloon operators include a champagne breakfast, on or off the balloon, which adds to the romance and luxury of the baloon trip.

Before you climb in the basket, the balloon has to be inflated and this can be one of the most exciting parts of the ballooning experience, as the sight of the brightly coloured material filling and expanding with air is spectacular. Then all you've got to do is admire the view as the balloon, powered by only by hot air released by gas burners, gently rises into the sky.

The balloon drifts with the wind, but no matter where it goes, you're bound to have an amazing view, and the expert ground crew will easily be able to predict where you will land. The pilot can control the height of the balloon, though, and sometimes you'll be skimming the treetops, and at other times soaring high above, gazing down on the stunning English scenery, while cars, people and buildings begin to look like toys in a model village.

You eventually return to earth, and champagne glass in hand, you can toast an amazing and uplifting experience.

The Cotswolds, in the Heart of England, is the largest designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK, encompassing an extensive area of peaceful and pristine countryside. This is the ideal place for a hot air balloon experience, with its rolling hills, distinctive stonewalls, lush river valleys and pretty towns. The area's quaint stone buildings and beautiful gardens add to its attractive scenery, and there's no better way to view the Cotswolds than from a wonderful hot air balloon.

Balloon trips are available in several locations in the Cotswolds. Trips depart from Cirencester, a historic town in the southern Cotswolds close to Cheltenham that was capital of Roman Britain in 49AD, and also has a beautiful park and medieval church. On a balloon flight from Cirencester, you can easily see the remains of the Roman wall and Ampitheatre, testament to the town's ancient past. Balloon rides also start in Bourton-on-the-Water, in the heart of the rural North Cotswolds, which is regularly voted one of the prettiest villages in England. Balloon trips head east over Oxfordshire, where you look down on charming Costwolds villages such as Burford and Chipping Norton. You can also take a hot air balloon trip from the stunning Cotswold Water Park, where old gravel pits have been restored into a flourishing wildlife area. From the unique perspective of the balloon, you can admire the thriving woods, and sparkling lakes of the park.

The historic and scenic county of Yorkshire is the ideal venue for an exciting balloon ride, with several fantastic departure points and sight seeing opportunities. The beautiful city of York, with its magnificent Cathedral and fascinating Viking past, offers a balloon ride that departs from the Knavesmere racecourse, and drifts over the medieval city walls before following the lovely River Ouse and flying beyond over the Vale of York's farmsteads, the Howardian Hills and the White Horse at Sutton Bank, an enormous chalk figure that was cut out of the turn from the hillside in 1857 by residents of Kilburn village.

The historic market town of Beverley near Kingston upon Hull provides a stunning hot air balloon launch site. As the balloon ascends from the town, you can see the ancient Westwood, Beverley's largest common pasture, with the Black Mill windmill just below and Beverley Racecourse to the north. You might even drift above the impressive Gothic Minster, and on a clear day you can even see the Humber Bridge and the City of Hull in the distance. For a wonderful view of a 12th century fortress, you can launch from Conisbrough Castle near Sheffield, which is sure to provide you with many brilliant photographic opportunities.

Don't miss other wonderful hot air balloon locations at Leeds Castle in Royal Tunbridge Wells, and from the elegant town of Bath. Ballooning will be a relaxing and romantic outing, and there's no better way to admire England's natural splendour.