Virgin Balloon Flights offers a variety of launch locations surrounding the city, each showcasing stunning scenery. Soar above bustling streets and admire the breathtaking patchwork of fields, parks, and charming towns that fringe the urban sprawl. This unforgettable experience promises unparalleled perspectives and memories that will last a lifetime.
Soar above the iconic landmarks of London on a unforgettable hot air balloon flight with Virgin Balloon Flights. Witness panoramic vistas of the city's rich history and verdant landscapes.
See if you can spot Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, or the unmistakable silhouette of the Shard against a clear blue sky. Every London hot air balloon ride is a unique adventure, shaped by the gentle whims of the wind, offering a fresh perspective on London's most remarkable sights.
Virgin Balloon Flights offers a variety of launch locations surrounding London, ensuring a unique experience for every explorer, whether a solo flier or on a hot air balloon ride for two. Head north and marvel at the rolling hills of Essex and Hertfordshire. Journey west and discover the picturesque landscapes of Oxfordshire and Surrey. Venture south and soar over the Kent Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. No matter the direction, breathtaking views and unforgettable memories await.
Give the gift of an extraordinary experience! Surprise your adventure-loving family and friends with a Official Virgin Balloon Flights gift voucher. Let them choose their perfect launch location for a thrilling hot air balloon experience, or browse our suggested sites below to spark their wanderlust. This bucket-list experience is guaranteed to create memories that will last a lifetime!
We offer several launch sites around the outskirts of the city, each providing a stunning aerial view of the iconic skyline and picturesque countryside. Whether you choose to embark on your adventure from the rolling hills of the North Downs or the tranquil expanses near the Chiltern Hills, each location promises an unforgettable experience. Our London launch sites are within an approximate 30-mile radius of Central London.
9 featured launch sites near London
Location shown shouldn't be used for route planning.
The London Balloon Regatta is an annual event that sees a spectacular display of hot air balloons floating over the city's skyline. Typically held in the summer months, the regatta gathers balloon enthusiasts and pilots from around the world to participate in a series of balloon flights and competitions. The event often includes activities such as mass ascents, where numerous balloons take off together, as well as competitions like target drops and hare and hound races, adding an element of excitement and competition to the festivities. Spectators can enjoy the vibrant colours and graceful movements of the balloons as they drift across the London skies, creating a memorable and picturesque sight for all involved.
We don't offer commercial flights from the London Balloon Regatta at the moment, though you can check out other hot air balloon festivals we fly from in our Ultimate Guide to Hot Air Balloon Festivals in the UK.
Due to various restrictions and regulations we do not offer flights directly over the city itself.
All nine of our London launch sites sit within an approximate 30-mile radius of Central London, making each one a manageable journey whether you're travelling by car or train.
Yes, our London hot air balloon ride vouchers are flexible across the London region, so you can choose to fly from whichever of the nine launch sites suits you best at the time of booking.
London hot air balloon flights typically launch in the early morning or early evening, when winds are calmest and conditions are most favourable for flying. This also tends to offer the softest light for taking in the views over the city's outskirts and surrounding countryside.
Most of our launch sites offer parking for passengers, though exact facilities can vary by location. Full details, including meeting point and parking information, are provided ahead of your flight once it's booked.
While flight time in the air typically lasts around an hour, the full experience, including setup, inflation and landing, usually takes around three to four hours from start to finish.
Guildford offers a view of London's skyline on a clear day alongside views of the North Downs and surrounding villages. Other sites, such as Brentwood, are better suited to spotting historic landmarks like Ingatestone Hall rather than the skyline itself, so Guildford is generally your best bet if catching a glimpse of the city is a priority.
Hot air ballooning is entirely weather-dependent, and safety always comes first. If conditions aren't suitable on the day, your voucher will be extended automatically at no extra cost, so you can simply rebook for the next available date that suits you.
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