Comments (0)

By Kirsty, April 5, 2013 10:57 am

Hot air ballooning is one of the world’s most romantic forms of aviation, especially when you fly over a heart-shaped lake set in beautiful British countryside like Lisa Barnett, of Shadwell, North Leeds, whose airborne adventure was much more than she could have wished for…

Floating up to 3000ft above the Yorkshire landscape with boyfriend of eight months, Greg Armstrong, Lisa looked out over the edge of the basket of the Virgin balloon she was travelling in, hoping Greg was enjoying the flight she’d bought him as a Christmas gift as much as she was. Their sunrise champagne balloon ride from the city’s famous racecourse certainly provided them with some fantastic views including the sea and the Humber Bridge on the horizon. But that was just the beginning…

 Lisa said: “The tranquility of the flight was breath-taking. As I turned around, Greg was on one knee and had secretly asked a fellow passenger to capture the event on camera, how wonderful that the lady agreed and she was herself a photographer; the morning could not have been better! Whilst she was unbeknownst to me snapping away, Greg popped the question. I was so shocked that I cried. I of course wanted to say yes, but I was so overwhelmed, that after composing myself & a few cuddles I said I’d be honoured to marry him.”

With the seal of approval from Lisa’s father a few weeks before 39-year-old Greg, who works in IT solutions, happily put the ‘stand-in’ ring on Lisa’s finger whilst the rest of the passengers congratulated them.

Lisa, a National brand manager, went on to say: “We couldn’t believe we flew over a heart-shaped lake too – I was convinced this was in Greg’s itinerary, but the pilot Dave obviously knows the area well, mother nature was clearly on our side as she blew our balloon in that direction!”

The couple who plan to tie the knot late summer or early autumn this year came back down to solid ground and shared a Champagne toast with the rest of the passengers before the ground crew presented them with a keepsake balloon made from the Champagne cork and clasp.

Following the excitement of their magical hot air balloon ride the couple visited Elements in Hebden Bridge where they began work with master jeweller Dawn on the design of the ‘real’ engagement ring. Later the couple sipped more Champagne with their families at a celebratory party organised by Lisa’s sister.

Lisa, 40, added: “A massive thanks to pilot Dave Sutcliffe and the rest of the team for the kind gift, photos & champagne, plus the amazing passengers on the flight that made our morning so special. Everyone individually congratulated us after the flight, so thank you everyone who made our balloon trip so memorable. We would highly recommend a Virgin Balloon Flight to anyone.”

Looking for a special way to pop the question? You too can take to the skies in a Virgin hot air balloon from as little as £99 per person, simply call 0844 844 8080 or visit our website.

Comments (2)

By Kirsty, February 8, 2013 6:22 pm

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, what better time to announce another one of our brand new Virgin Balloon Flights launch sites for 2013, the renowned village of Gretna Green. Just over the Anglo-Scottish border, Gretna Green has been famous for runaway weddings since 1754 and now loved-up couples can enjoy one of the world’s most romantic forms of aviation there too; a hot air balloon ride with our lovely pilot Peter Philpot.

What better way to enjoy the Scottish countryside with a loved one than gliding through the air in an iconic Virgin red balloon watching the world turn below the basket?! Post flight find out why Gretna Green is so aluring to those in love, touch the famous anvil and see where starry-eyed couples exchange their vows. Maybe it’s your turn to tie the knot? After all a hot air balloon proposal is a the perfect way to pop the question in the clouds.

Give the gift of flight this Valentine’s Day and take to the skies from Gretna Green from as little as £115pp. You can make that romantic moment even more special with a ‘Love is in the air’ balloon in a box too.

Simply visit virginballoonflights.co.uk or call 0844 8448080.

Comments (0)

By Kirsty, February 6, 2013 2:19 pm

For as long as 60-year-old photographer Steve Bramall could remember his wife Julie had wanted to fly in a hot air balloon. Making her dreams a reality, Steve bought Julie a Virgin Balloon Flight as a Christmas gift.

The father of two, known as the ‘Grumps’ to his four ‘Grumpling’ grandchildren, got in touch to tell us about the Nottingham couple’s airborne adventure on a balloon ride over Derbyshire and to share the moments he brilliantly captured on camera. Here is his story…

“I chose Virgin because they are a known brand so I knew we would be safe and due to the choice of launch sites. The website gave me all the information I needed about the various voucher choices and what to expect on the day. The icing on the cake for me was when I booked the tickets they arranged for them to be delivered to my daughter’s house in a plain envelope so not to spoil the surprise.

The flight was only one third of the experience; it starts by helping get the balloon ready to launch which my wife found great fun. The day was perfect, crisp and bright with a low lying mist so right from the moment the pilot gave the OK to stand up the views were stunning. To be truthful I don’t think any of my photographs could do it justice. I don’t know why but it seemed like everyone in the basket felt the need to talk only when strictly necessary, and then in hushed tones. The pilot told us where we were flying over, the height and other snippets of information at intervals throughout the flight. We flew over the Derbyshire countryside from Bakewell, towards Rowsley then out across Darley Moor towards Brockhurst. It was absolutely fantastic, the morning sun rising up and the low lying mist acting as veil over the landscape.

We had expected it to be cold during the flight and had dressed accordingly but once were off and away it was quite warm. The pilot explained that this phenomenon was due to us going at the same speed as the wind and therefore there was no wind chill, guess we all learnt something too. We flew towards the M1 with our pilot looking for a suitable landing place and everyone else hoping he would not find one for another 10 minutes, and then another 10 minutes! Eventually a suitable spot was found and we landing nice and gently, and upright, in the grounds of Hardwick Hall.”

When asked what his favourite part of the experience was Steve explained that simply watching his wife Julie enjoy the day was by far the best. Closely following Julies enjoyment, Steve relished in the stunning views, peace and serenity of the flight.

Steve has been taking photographs, mainly of landscapes, for the last 30 years and is unfortunately considering retirement due to health reasons. All his photographs, including those from the balloon flight with Virgin are available to purchase as prints or publication rights on his website www.bramall.org.uk , if you’d like to contact Steve, feel free to fill out the contact form on his website.

To take to the skies above Derbyshire, simply visit virginballoonflights.co.uk or call us on 0844 8448080 for East Midland Virgin Balloon Flight vouchers from just £79pp.

Comments (0)

By Kirsty, June 9, 2012 11:30 am

Twelve months ago Byron Highfield arrived at our Belton Woods launch site in Grantham, Lincolnshire, with a ring box in his pocket and his girlfriend Nikki in tow. A balloon flight later Nikki became his fiancée, one year on and she’s now his wife.

On the eve of the all-important flight, Byron had done the honourable thing and asked Nikki’s father for his daughter’s hand in marriage in preparation for the sky-high proposal. With his future father-in-law onside, Byron (and Nikki) made their way to Grantham from their home in Newark and headed skywards.

“We flew over Belton House and the golf course and then over lots of countryside. I was a little nervous and don’t think I took too much in from the flight. My favourite part of the flight had to be halfway through when I proposed, but we both also enjoyed the take-off and having to climb into the basket,” said Byron.

Of course delighted by Byron’s question, Nikki said yes and exactly a year later they tied the knot at their local church St Giles Balderton and then partied with friends and family at Rufford Mill, Rufford Park.

Byron added: “We would definitely be looking to fly again in the future, I’m sure it will make a nice present for an anniversary.”

Virgin Balloon Flights offer hot air balloon rides from over 100 launch sites in England, Scotland & Wales from as little as £89 per person. Make someone’s day with a ticket to the sky. Call 0844 844 8080 or visit the Virgin Balloon Flights website.

Comments (0)

By Kirsty, June 7, 2012 3:23 pm

As pilot Chris Oxby flew the Union Jack flag over the Yorkshire countryside to kick-start the jubilee celebrations, 38-year-old passenger Tony Parris settled his nerves before asking girlfriend Mhairi Fitzharris for her hand in marriage.

Just six months ago Tony and Mhairi (33) met over a tipple or two in their home town of Bishopbriggs, Glasgow. With Mhairi’s birthday looming Tony picked a hot air balloon ride with Virgin Balloon Flights as the perfect birthday treat. Little did she know the surprise would be much greater!

Mhairi had dreamed of going up in a balloon for years so it was great for Tony to see her face when they turned up at our York Racecourse launch site and she saw the basket being unloaded.

Tony explained: “Pilot Chris and ground crew Neil chose me to help inflate the balloon so that helped to settle any nerves.  It was very peaceful up there and I felt it was the right time to ask so I took the ring out my pocket and asked.  I was a bit worried in case I dropped it over the side but it all went to plan.”

“Mhairi’s reaction was great as she didn’t suspect a thing.  She said “YES” straight away, which was a relief.  She had a tear in her eye and I had a lump in my throat,” he added.

“We could see for miles and I was impressed with how much detail we could see from that height.  We saw horses galloping and tractors working the fields, we also saw a game of lawn bowls.  It was all very calm and a very worthwhile experience. Thanks to everyone at Virgin for making it such a special day for us both.”

We wish you both the very best for your forthcoming nuptials in the summer next year.

Fly with Virgin Balloon Flights from over 100 launch sites in England, Scotland & Wales from as little as £89pp, simply call 0844 8448080 or visit the Virgin Balloon Flights website.

Comments (0)

By Kirsty, May 22, 2012 2:59 pm

There’s nothing better than letting Dad know just how much you care and Father’s Day is the perfect celebration to strengthen those paternal bonds and thank Dad for just being him.

To say thanks in style, lets steer clear of the sock aisle, leave the ties to someone else and give Dad an experience of a lifetime with Virgin Balloon Flights!

With over 100 launch sites in England, Scotland & Wales, Dad’s adventure is never too far from home and includes a three to four hour experience with around an hour in the air on-board one of our iconic Virgin balloons.

What’s more, he’ll celebrate his voyage with a traditional Champagne toast after landing and will be presented with a certificate signed by the pilot and endorsed by Sir Richard Branson.

Now, for a short time, we’re offering up to a whopping 40% off Virgin Balloon Flight vouchers starting from as little at £89 per person and have luxury extra gifts from just £4.

Go on, make his day and take Dad to the skies!

UP TO 40% OFF BALLOON RIDE VOUCHERS – EXTRA GIFTS FOR DAD – 100+ LOCATIONS

Comments (0)

By Kirsty, May 3, 2012 11:09 am

Another happy couple plan to tie the knot after a romantic airborne proposal on board a Virgin hot air balloon.

For three years 26 year old Lucy Jenkins had wanted to take to the skies in a hot air balloon, little did she know that this year long-term partner Karl Dalgarno,29 would purchase flights and ask the ultimate question at 3000 feet!

After meeting six years ago just before Valentine’s Day in Luton, Karl knew the anticipated proposal would need to be equally romantic, and floating above the Bedfordshire countryside seemed the perfect opportunity. Lucy accepted Karl’s proposal and the couple landed around an hour later in Arlesey and toasted their news with a glass of champagne.

“We really enjoyed the flight and would recommend it to anyone; we’ll definitely do it again! It was a perfect morning and seeing the views and the wildlife from the sky added to our special occasion,” said Karl.

“We had an amazing time and thank you for the fantastic experience; I couldn’t have done it without you!”

Congratulations Karl and Lucy. We hope the wedding you’ve planned for April 2014 is simply perfect.

Planning to pop the question? Fly from over 100 launch sites in England, Scotland and Wales from as little as £89 per person. Call 0844 844 8080 or visit virginballoonflights.co.uk for further details.

Comments (1)

By Kirsty, February 29, 2012 12:41 pm

There’s nothing better than letting Mum know just how much you care and Mother’s Day is the perfect way to celebrate maternal bonds and honour motherhood. For hundreds of years throughout the world, festivals and revelries have taken place to celebrate the influence of mothers in society and give people an excuse to simply spoil their Mum.

Virgin Balloon Flights have a range of gifts for Mother’s Day from less than a fiver and we’re currently offering a whopping 30% off our hot air balloon rides!

So whether you choose luxury Virgin Balloon Flights Champagne truffles at £3.49, a sparkling wine and chocolates hamper reduced from £29.99 to £24.99 or a balloon ride itself from as little as £89 per person, we’ll make sure Mum gets an experience of a lifetime.

Make the gift that little bit extra special this Mother’s Day and present Mum’s luxury hot air balloon ride vouchers in a Balloon in a Box for just £14.99… what more could she want?!

With flights from over 100 launch sites in England, Scotland and Wales, Mum’s adventure is never too far from home.

Call us now on 0844 8448080 or visit virginballoonflights.co.uk

Comments (0)

By Kirsty, February 15, 2012 1:26 pm

We know it was Valentine’s Day yesterday but the love here at Virgin Balloon Flights has spilled into today. We want to tell you a hot air balloon love story ….

After meeting his girlfriend on Match.com, 26-year-old romantic Adam Worbey quite rightly thought a hot air balloon ride over the Bedfordshire countryside would be the perfect setting for a surprise proposal to Rachel Grimmer, also 26.

On the 23^rd of April last year their flight was due to take off from Knebworth Park, Hertfordshire, but due to stormy weather forecasts the flight was moved to Shuttleworth Park in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire.

“We got there at about 5pm, and sat out on the grass in the glorious sunshine on a small picnic blanket. It got to 5:45 when the Virgin Balloon Flights van and balloon basket turned up. Rachel realised that I had possibly led her there under false pretences. Excited, we all helped to inflate the balloon before we all got in, and set off up into the glorious blue sky.”

“The atmosphere in the balloon was something I have never experienced before and it took both of us by surprise because it was so very peaceful up in the air with just the wind directing us where it saw fit. We had amazing views over Bedfordshire, we could see for miles. When we got to around 3500ft, I reached into my camera bag to ‘change the lens on my camera’ but instead pulled out a small box with a ring in it. I then got down on one knee, as much as you can do when confined in the balloon basket and went to propose. It was unfortunate that at that very moment, the pilot needed to put the burners on (they’re LOUD!)…..and so I waited nearly 10 seconds with the ring box open before I could ask her. She of course said yes straight away, followed by much crying and nodding, and then the other passengers in the balloon all congratulated us.”

“We landed just outside Henlow, both buzzing from what had just happened before we phoned our families and enjoyed a Champagne toast to top-off the experience.”

“We were so lucky that on our first attempt to have our balloon flight the weather was not only kind to us, but it was glorious, especially considering we were told by the pilot that ours was the only flight to have gone up in the whole of the south of England. This was due to the pending stormy weather that was experienced over the Easter weekend, with many Met Office weather warnings being issued.”

“We both liked how involved everyone is in everything from unloading the balloon off the trailer and its inflation to its deflation in Henlow. Involving everyone made it more of an experience rather than it being just a ride. The overall experience was brilliant and we would recommend it to anyone who has ever wanted to have a flight, I know my parents want to sign up too following our experience. Hopefully we will be able to repeat the experience on an anniversary or birthday in the future.”

“I would definitely go with Virgin again, as everything was exactly as imagined. The perfect day that couldn’t have been more perfect!”

The happy couple will be tying the knot at St James’ Church, Little Paxton, Cambs, on 4th May 2013. There’ll even be a Virgin Balloon Flights theme!

Fly from one of our 100+ launch sites from as little as £89pp.