Hot air ballooning is a popular activity in the UK, offering stunning aerial views of the beautiful British countryside. Passengers onboard a hot air balloon basket gently float through the air, carried by the wind. Here’s a guide to help you plan your hot air balloon ride in the UK:
Locations:
Several companies offer hot air balloon rides across the UK, with launch sites in various locations including:
- England: The Cotswolds, Bath, Lake District, Bristol, and surrounding areas.
- Scotland: Limited locations, check with the specific hot air balloon ride company for availability.
- Wales: No hot air balloon rides offered at this time (March 2024).
Experience:
- Flight duration: Typically one hour, although some variations might exist based on the chosen package.
- Time of day: Primarily early mornings for optimal weather conditions.
- Activities: The experience usually includes:
- Pre-flight safety briefing.
- Participation in balloon inflation (optional).
- Scenic flight with breathtaking views.
- Post-flight celebratory toast and refreshments (light breakfast or champagne reception depending on the package). www.virgin.comHot air balloon ride basket UK
Prices:
- Expect costs to start from around £169 and can vary depending on the location, duration, and package inclusions.
Popular Hot Air Balloon Ride Companies:
Here are some popular hot air balloon ride companies in the UK to consider:
- Virgin Balloon Flights: The UK’s largest hot air balloon ride operator, offering flights across over 100 locations.
- WonderDays Hot Air Balloon Rides: Soaring Above the UK
- WonderDays is a popular option for experiencing a hot air balloon ride in various locations across the UK. Here’s a breakdown of what they offer:
- Locations:
- WonderDays offers hot air balloon rides in several regions of England, but not currently in Scotland or Wales:
- The Cotswolds – Experience the rolling hills and charming villages of this quintessential English countryside region.
- Bath – Float over the historic city of Bath with its Roman Baths and Georgian architecture.
- Lake District – Take in breathtaking views of England’s largest national park with its stunning lakes and mountains.
- Bristol – Enjoy panoramic views of the vibrant city of Bristol and its surrounding areas.
- The Experience:
- While the specific details might vary slightly depending on the chosen location and package, here’s a general overview:
- Flight Duration: Typically one hour, offering ample time to soak in the scenery.
- Time of Day: Primarily early mornings when wind conditions are most favorable for a smooth flight.
- Activities:
- Pre-flight safety briefing to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Optional participation in balloon inflation, allowing you to be a part of the preparations.
- Scenic flight with breathtaking views of the chosen landscape.
- Post-flight celebratory toast and refreshments (light breakfast or champagne reception depending on the package).
- Price and Booking:
- Prices typically start from around £169 and can vary based on the location, duration, and inclusions (e.g., champagne reception instead of a light breakfast).
- Booking can be done directly on the WonderDays website: https://www.wonderdays.co.uk/vouchers/hot-air-balloon-ride-experience
- Pros and Cons of WonderDays:
- Pros:
- Wide Range of Locations: WonderDays offers rides in several picturesque areas of England, allowing you to choose a location that aligns with your interests.
- Established Operator: WonderDays has experience operating hot air balloon rides, offering a sense of reliability and safety.
- Straightforward Booking: Booking is easily done through their website.
Here’s what you can find regarding special offers on WonderDays:
- Limited-time promotions: WonderDays might offer special promotions or discounts throughout the year. These promotions are often advertised on their website homepage, social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram), or through email marketing campaigns if you’ve subscribed to their newsletter.
- Seasonal Offers: Keep an eye out for seasonal deals, particularly around holidays like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or Christmas. These could be special packages or discounts on specific experiences.
- Combo Offers: WonderDays sometimes bundles experiences together at a discounted price. For instance, they might combine a hot air balloon ride with afternoon tea or another activity in the chosen location.
- Discount Codes: Occasionally, WonderDays partners with other websites or businesses to offer discount codes for their experiences. Look for reputable websites or social media influencers who might promote WonderDays with exclusive discount codes.
Here’s how to find these special offers:
- WonderDays Website: Regularly check the WonderDays website homepage and specific experience pages for any ongoing promotions or special offers. Look for banners, pop-ups, or dedicated sections highlighting current deals.
- Social Media: Follow WonderDays on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. They often announce special offers and promotions through their social media channels.
- Email Marketing: If you’ve subscribed to WonderDays’ email list, keep an eye on their email campaigns for any exclusive deals or discounts sent directly to your inbox.
- Discount Code Websites: Search for reputable websites or social media accounts known for offering discount codes on various experiences. Look for sites specializing in UK experiences or travel deals.
Remember:
- Limited Time: Special offers and discounts are usually valid for a limited time, so act quickly if you find a deal that interests you.
- Read the Fine Print: Before booking with a special offer, ensure you understand the terms and conditions associated with the discount. Some offers might have blackout dates (excluded dates) or other restrictions.
