Ah the joys of autumn! A chill in the air, woolly jumpers, crunchy leaves, hot chocolate, pumpkins…. What better way to take on the new season than with a magical autumn hot air balloon ride?
Enjoy the stunning autumn colours as you drift serenely across the sky, the hardest part will be deciding on which of our 100+ launch sites you’d like to fly from! All of our launch sites are carefully chosen to offer spectacular views at any time of year however once the leaves start to change the views they offer are not to be missed.
Here are a few launch sites to consider:
Milton Keynes, Willen Lake
“I’m so glad to live in a world where there are Octobers” – L.M Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables.
Launching from the south end of the lake and surrounded by parkland and wildlife, you are sure to be treated to a stunning autumn display.
Using a traditional approach to woodland management, the Parks Trust has created a healthy landscape, resulting in glorious views to enjoy as you set off on your balloon ride. Click here for more information.
Guildford
Recommended by our pilot Steve Richards (and seconded by pilot Chris Aindow) as his favorite for autumn views, and we find it hard to disagree with him!
The rolling landscape of Surrey is a true gem to see from the sky, especially in autumn. Between the North Downs, the Surrey Hills, and Winkworth Arboretum, you’ll be spoilt with colours of gold, orange, and crimson. Click here for more information.
Leeds, Temple Newsam Country Park
This magnificent 18th-century estate set in over 1,500 acres of parkland and woodland becomes a treat for the eyes as the seasons change. Click here for more information.
The Peak District (Bakewell, Buxton, Tissington)
An autumn hot air balloon ride over this National Park will give you the chance to truly embrace the season, and with 3 launch sites to choose from, there’s sure to be a balloon ride with your name on it! Click here for more information.
Northampton (Hanging Houghton)
This really is the perfect spot to enjoy the autumn spectacle and is a favourite of our pilot Pete Philpott.
With Cottesbrooke Estate, Lamport Hall, Kelmarsh Hall, and The Brampton Valley Way nearby, these stately homes and the surrounding rolling hills will offer glorious views and memories to last a lifetime. Click here for more information about the site.
Biggleswade
The top choice of pilot is Kerry Coate-Bond for its stunning autumn scenery. As our balloon launches from the grounds of The Mansion House, keep an eye out for the wall of ivy that covers the building, changing to a deep red colour from its lush green hue of summer.
It’s a great contrast to the natural colour of the stone behind it. The trees around the park will also be changing into their winter colours offering a glorious sight as you drift skywards. Click here for more information about the site.
Shaftesbury
Recommended by our pilot, Steve Vining, as “a treat not to be missed!” From the launch site at Henstridge Airfield, you fly over the beautiful Blackmore Vale, described by Thomas Hardy as “Vale of little dairies” due to its rural nature and numerous dairy farms.
As autumn sets in, the seemingly endless landscape of trees and hedgerows turns to vibrant reds, golds and oranges to delight in as you enjoy your hot air balloon ride. Click here for more information about the site.
If you’ve been tempted to book an autumn hot air balloon ride for yourself or to treat someone special, you can find all of our launch sites on our Locations Map here.