hot air balloon rides over norwich (earlham park)

Whether Norwich is your familiar home or you’re visiting for the very first time, if you want to see this historic city at its best - a Virgin Balloon Flight is your dream ticket.

Launching from the green and pleasant Earlham Park, which is adjacent to Earlham Hall, the University of East Anglia and runs down to the River Yare, you’re sure to enjoy spectacular views of the city centre to the east as you soar skywards.

Then it’s up to the wind whether you’re bound towards the coast, for a closer look at the huge spire and impressive gates of Norwich Cathedral, the ultra modern Forum or even Norwich City FC’s home stadium Carrow Road. If it’s a clear day, the beautiful lakes and rivers of the Norfolk Broads will shimmer in the distance.

Let’s not forget the impressive Norman built castle, where one of the most infamous stories in Norfolk folklore – Kett’s Rebellion – came to an end. In the 16th century Robert Kett and his 15,000 followers briefly took control of Norwich as they revolted against laws about land rights, amongst other things. At one stage they congregated in what is now the city’s market place but were eventually overpowered. Kett was captured, tortured and hung from the castle’s battlements for high treason against King Edward VI.

If instead you drift south west across miles of rolling countryside, interesting towns and villages, you may well still follow the trail of the rebellion to the attractive Wymondham Abbey, where Robert’s brother and accomplice Willam Kett was strung up.

Whichever path you follow, you’ll love the exhilarating bird’s eye views of Norfolk.

directions

Norwich (Earlham Park) launch site:-

Earlham Park
Norwich
NR4 7TJ

From Norwich take the B1108 (Earlham Road) and head out of Norwich towards the BUPA Hospital.

As you approach the Fiveways roundabout the park is signposted ‘University of East Anglia/ Earlham Park’, at the roundabout take the 2nd exit and continue on the Earlham Road (B1108) for approximately 500 metres and then take the turning into the park signposted ‘UEA/ Earlham Park’.

The launch site itself is adjacent to the UEA main entrance. Please look out for the balloon team.

Please use the main university pay and display car park.

Toilet facilities are available at Earlham Sports Park, however please note that there is a small charge to use them.

flight information line