If you’re looking for an original gift idea for someone special this Christmas, then why not consider one of our fantastic hot air balloon rides? Leaving form over 100 locations across England, Scotland and Wales, we have some of the best pilots in the business, meaning you can rest assured that you will be in safe hands for the whole hot air balloon experience.

Why Buy a Balloon Flight?

You might be surprised just how many people have a balloon flight on their list of things they want to do. The experience of flying in a hot air balloon is unlike any other – extremely calm with an almost motionless feeling, and offering magnificent views. Nevertheless, this is also an adventure activity – you won’t know exactly where the winds will take you, and the landing may be something of a thrill in itself, although always perfectly safe.

Every balloon flight is different and is completely dependent on the weather. This means it is an experience you can enjoy again and again, and with over 100 starting locations in the UK to choose from, you’ll be able to see some fantastic sights. The British landscape has some fabulous features, with rolling hills and mountains, lakes, stately homes, castles, and quaint villages just some of what you can expect depending on your route.

Why Choose Virgin Balloon Flights?

Our own Sir Richard Branson was a pioneer in hot air ballooning, being the first to fly a balloon across the Atlantic in 1987. In 1991, he returned to record breaking by crossing the Pacific at speeds of up to 245mph. With this history in mind, Virgin Balloon Flights are the natural choice for the best hot air balloon experience days.

As if this wasn’t enough to convince you, we are also the UK’s biggest balloon ride company and third largest in the world, having the largest fleet of balloons and the largest passenger carrying balloon in the UK. We offer more flights than any other UK company, giving you a greater choice of when to book your flight, fly around 30,000 people a year, and all our pilots are highly experienced and licensed with a full UK Commercial Balloon Pilot’s Licence.

With Virgin Balloon Flights you also get the extra touches that make the whole day more enjoyable. You will be invited to help inflate and deflate the balloon, which is an experience many of our customers absolutely love, and on landing you will receive a glass of champagne each to toast the successful voyage and landing. As well as your memories and photographs, you will also receive a wonderful souvenir of the trip – a certificate signed by your pilot and endorsed by Sir Richard Branson.

Our flights run from March to November, so if you’re buying some hot air balloon vouchers for a Christmas gift, be aware that the recipient will have to wait to use them (although we usually schedule flights six to eight weeks in advance anyway).

We look forward to seeing you soon - don’t forget your camera!