London Hot Air Balloon Rides

Views of the capital's iconic skyline

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.

London Hot Air Balloon Rides

Why Choose A London Hot Air Balloon Ride

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. 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 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!

Central London's skyline with the Shard visible

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a hot air balloon flight directly over London?

Due to various restrictions and regulations we do not offer flights directly over the city itself.

What can I expect to see on a hot air balloon flight over London?

While Virgin Balloon Flights doesn't offer rides directly over central London due to air traffic control, you'll still experience a breathtaking panorama of the city, London's outskirts and the charming English countryside.

Depending on your launch location, you might spot iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace (from a distance) or the Shard, all while drifting over historic estates, quaint villages, and scenic areas of natural beauty. The wind may even carry you towards rolling hills, verdant fields, or even a glimpse of the coast! Prepare to be surprised and delighted by the unique perspective a London hot air balloon ride offers.

What specific landmarks can I expect to see from each launch site?

Soar from our Brentwood & Guildford launch sites and discover a tapestry of history and beauty. Spot Ingatestone Hall, a 16th-century mansion, near Brentwood, and imagine the inspiration it offered to John Constable. At Guildford, witness the North Downs, charming villages, and even a hint of London's skyline on a clear day. Explore other launch site options below.

London Launch Sites

Let Virgin Balloon Flights whisk you away on an unforgettable adventure; choose from multiple launch sites surrounding London.

Each location offers a unique perspective, showcasing Hertfordshire's charming villages, Oxfordshire's rolling hills, Surrey's dramatic North Downs, Kent's verdant ‘Garden of England’, or Essex's historic estates. Soar above picturesque towns and endless rolling green landscapes. On a clear day, you will catch sight of London's iconic skyline in all its glory.

Welwyn Garden City (Hatfield House)

The stunning Hatfield House is the setting for a glorious Hertfordshire hot air balloon ride. Experience the skies and enjoy unforgettable panoramic views on the airborne adventure of a lifetime with Virgin Balloon Flights. Our closest to London hot air balloon rides, on a clear day with the right wind direction you could very well enjoy views of the capital's iconic skyline as far as Canary Wharf in the distance. No other flying experience comes close to the magic of a hot air balloon ride, as you go up, up and away… read more

Henley-On-Thames

Go up, up and away and experience a truly unforgettable Henley-On-Thames hot air balloon ride. The glorious Oxfordshire landscape stretches out in every direction as you drift gently skyward on an unparalleled airborne experience. Most famous for its rowing heritage and the Henley Royal Regatta, this picturesque town is the perfect spot to start your hot air ballooning adventure. Whichever way the wind takes you, breath-taking views of… read more

Guildford

Take the experience of a lifetime and go up, up and away on a magnificent Surrey hot air balloon ride. Breath-taking panoramic views await as you launch into seemingly endless blue skies on board our iconic big red Virgin balloon from Guildford. From the dramatic landscapes of the North Downs to pretty villages and wide swathes of woodland and rolling fields, the sights you enjoy on your flight will never be forgotten. Keep an eye… read more

Tunbridge Wells

Sky high views across the stunning ‘Garden of England’ await when you go up, up and away on an unforgettable Kent hot air balloon ride. Whichever way the wind takes you, breath-taking views across some of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes await. Our iconic big red balloon launches from The Hop Farm, a few miles from Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, where you will enjoy seemingly endless countryside stretching out in every direction. Keep an… read more

Brentwood

Enjoy the experience of a lifetime when you take to the skies for an unforgettable Essex hot air balloon ride from Brentwood. Appreciate the beauty of eastern England on your flight as you take in the sights and sounds of the Home Counties and the outskirts of London. One of the prettiest regions in Essex, you will find yourself drifting over beautiful country parks. Keep an eye out for stunning historic sites like Ingatestone Hall,… read more

Knebworth

Take life higher on an unforgettable Hertfordshire hot air balloon ride and enjoy the experience of a lifetime. Our iconic big red balloon launches from Knebworth Park, just outside the town of Stevenage, with gorgeous countryside views stretching out in almost every direction. Go up, up and away on an airborne adventure unlike any other from the stunning grounds of this stately home. Once in the air, admire the beautiful landscapes… read more

Berkhamsted

An unforgettable Hertfordshire hot air balloon ride adventure awaits when you go up, up and away from our beautiful Berkhamsted launch site. Take life higher on the flying experience of a lifetime when you hop on board our iconic big red balloon. Enjoy panoramic views of stunning rolling Hertfordshire countryside stretching as far as the eye can see as you drift majestically wherever the wind takes you. Keep an eye out for the Ashbridge Estate, a magnificent National Trust property and parkland along the main ridge of… read more

East Sussex (Wadhurst)

An unforgettable experience awaits when you go up, up and away on our spectacular East Sussex hot air balloon ride. Launching from the pretty market town of Wadhurst, enjoy stunning views in every direction as you drift almost silently across beautiful countryside. On a clear day, enjoy views as far as Bewl Water and the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the east. Or the wind might you north towards the historic and… read more

Hickstead (West Sussex)

Take flight on a West Sussex balloon ride for an experience day you will never forget. Our beautiful big red balloon in West Sussex takes you up, up and away from the iconic Hickstead Showground, home of the All England Jumping Course and one of the world's most famous equestrian venues. First opened in 1960, in 2021 it celebrated hosting the famous Al Shira'aa Derby for the 60th time. Our closest launch site for those looking for Brighton hot air balloon… read more

Chelmsford

Beautiful Essex landscapes await when you take to the skies for a stunning Chelmsford hot air balloon ride adventure. Go up, up and away on the airborne experience of a lifetime and enjoy glorious views of eastern England from on high. No other experience compares to the unique combination of tranquillity and exhilaration of a balloon flight. Hop on board our big red balloon and go wherever the wind takes you for a sky-high adventure you will never forget. Our Chelmsford hot air balloon ride offers gorgeous… read more

Hollingbourne (nr Leeds Castle)

Take flight for an unforgettable adventure with a Hollingbourne, near Leeds Castle hot air balloon ride. Admire the stunning ‘Garden of England’ from on high as you drift serenely wherever the wind takes you. Unforgettable views of glorious Kent countryside await you, spanning miles in every direction and dotted with orchards, oast houses and vineyards. Often called ‘the loveliest castle in the world’, Leeds Castle is likely to be… read more

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