Make your voucher an even more thoughtful personalised birthday gift by adding your own personalised gift message, included with every voucher purchase.
Treat them to the ultimate birthday experience gift with a spectacular hot air balloon ride adventure.
Rising majestically into the air before drifting through the skies with the world at their feet, only the sounds of nature and the occasional blast of the burners to break the silence, there is no better way to celebrate than with our unforgettable flights.
Giving them a story to tell with an airborne birthday gift experience they will still be talking about for years to come.
With more than 100 launch sites across England, Scotland and Wales, Virgin Balloon Flights is the only nationwide operator of passenger balloon rides, so this spectacular flying experience is never too far away.
Looking for birthday gift ideas for those special milestone years? From their 18th to their 60th, 70th or beyond, we’ve got you covered with our fabulous flight vouchers for the perfect adventure birthday gift.
The UK’s No.1 passenger balloon operator, at Virgin Balloon Flights we’ve been taking life higher with you since 1994.
For an amazing birthday experience, whenever or wherever they hop on board with us, a hot air balloon ride truly is the perfect present.
A perfect mix of peaceful, thrilling, and stunning, a hot air balloon experience ticks off one of the world’s most famous bucket list items.
Book at over 100 launch sites Nationwide. That's not all, you can change to any launch site at any time, giving you plenty of options to fit your plans.
Take life higher on the spectacular sky high experience of a lifetime and see the world from a completely new perspective. Soak in the view as you watch the scenery float on by.
Our expert pilots are selected for their word-class skill and love of ballooning, ensuring a safe and comfortable flight, always lightened with a well-timed joke for good measure.
Witness the full process of preparing a hot air balloon for flight. Prefer hands-on action? Join the pilot and crew to help inflate the balloon and get it ready for take-off.
Our balloons come with onboard photography gear to snap some epic shots of your adventure, but don’t forget your phone—because the best selfies always happen in the basket!
Once you touch down, you’re officially part of an exclusive club, having ticked another incredible adventure off your bucket list, complete with your flight certificate endorsed by Sir Richard Branson.
Our hot air balloon experience is a very popular birthday gift whether they're turning 18 or 80. Here are some of the moments passengers have shared after celebrating in the skies, so you'll know you're choosing the right birthday gift for them.
“My partner purchased this experience for my 30th birthday. We were able to fly first time, with no cancellations, and had a wonderful trip. Ben and the team went above and beyond and we really enjoyed the whole experience.”
Natasha B.
Review Date: November 19, 2024
“What a lovely experience. Very peaceful and fascinating to see the countryside from a different angle. Friendly and knowledgeable pilot. It was a birthday gift that I won’t forget.”
M. Chadwick
Review Date: October 30, 2024
“Hot air balloon AM experience was brilliant. The weather was on our side, the skies were clear, the ride was smooth and the navigator was friendly. Even a glass of orange juice or prosecco at the end and a certificate. Great birthday present.”
Paige
Review Date: August 16, 2024
You've got the questions, we've got the answers.
Your hot air balloon ride lasts around 60 minutes, depending on weather and landing conditions. With arrival, setup, and pack down, the full experience takes about four hours, so plan accordingly for a fantastic adventure.
Book your flights online or through our call center - The UK’s hot air balloon season runs from March to October each year. Your flight vouchers never expire, as long as you rebook within any six-month extension, even after multiple cancellations. Book weekday mornings, evenings or weekends depending on the tier of voucher you have purchased.
You will need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point for your flight.
There are several launch sites located around the outskirts of London, offering amazing views of the countryside as well as the city of London itself.
Not only that, but you can choose to fly from over 100 launch sites nationwide at any point, giving you plenty of flexibility.
The sensation of your first take-off is beyond words. The burners roar above, radiating heat you can feel, making it unlike any other flying experience. Every moment is so tactile—the warmth from the burners, the cool wind as your rise higher in the sky, the sounds all around you, and the incredible views unfolding beneath you.
Hot air ballooning relies entirely on the weather, so there’s a chance your flight may be cancelled if conditions aren’t safe. But don’t worry! If that happens, you’ll get at least another six months to rebook, and your vouchers never expire as long as you rebook within any six-month extension, even after multiple cancellations. New dates to fly are added to our system regularly, so you'll have plenty of options to choose from.
Many passengers are lucky and fly on their first attempt, and in the case of those that takes more than a few bookings, it is always described as 'Well worth the wait' (Just see our reviews!)
Sorry, but we can’t fly you if you’ve recently had major surgery.
We also can’t fly you if you’re pregnant, but we will extend your voucher so you can fly with us after baby arrives.
Please check with a medical professional before buying or booking if you have a pre-existing condition that might affect your experience. Due to space and weight limitations of the balloons and baskets, a weight supplement may apply if you are over 18 stone, so please get in touch to discuss this
Our vouchers are often given as gifts, but we get it—sometimes it’s not quite the right fit. That’s why every one of our vouchers comes with a 90-day exchange window, as long as they haven’t been activated. You’ll receive a Virgin Experience Days gift card of equal value, which can be used towards any of their exciting experiences.
| Voucher | Morning | Evening | Mon-Fri | Weekend | Refundable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday Morning | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Weekday Morning or Evening | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Any Day Morning or Evening | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Any Day Morning or Evening Plus (Refundable) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Milestone birthdays are a time to reflect, celebrate, and embrace life. These occasions deserve more than an ordinary birthday gift—they call for something unforgettable. A hot air balloon ride offers stunning views and a unique thrill. It's the perfect way to celebrate and create lasting memories.
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