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The Perfect Big Birthday Experience Gift

The Birthday Experience They'll Never Forget

  • Treat them to a once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable, flying experience.
  • Give them the thrill of floating on air. They'll enjoy breathtaking views of the stunning UK landscapes. They'll talk about it for years to come.
  • Give them something timeless, full of stories and cherished adventures.
  • Bonus points: gift them the biggest birthday balloon they'll ever receive.

Lasting Birthday Memories

  • 3-4 hour experience with about an hour in the air
  • Fly from any of 100+ locations nationwide
  • Open voucher – choose your own flight date
  • 18-24 months to book

Make It Personal, Make it Special

Add a free gift card with your own personalised gift message to any voucher purchase or add a little something from our range of super gift extras, such as a Celebration Gift Hamper or a Birthday Balloon-in-a-box.

Happy Cake And Balloons Day!

To Chris

Sometimes size really does matter, so this year I've made it a big one!
I can't wait to go up, up and away with you.

All My Love

Mia
xxx

Give Them A Story To Tell When They Unwrap An Adventure

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.
 

The Perfect Birthday Experience

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.

London Hot Air Balloon Launch Sites

Choose Your Own Launch Site

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.

Views of Henley-on-Thames from a hot air balloon

Beautiful Views

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.

A hot air balloon pilot firing the burner

World Class Pilots

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.

A man helping to inflate a hot air balloon

Immersive Experience

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.

A hot air balloon photographed mid flight

Memories To Take Home

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!

A group of people packing away a hot air balloon

Welcome To The Club

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.

Don't Take Our Word For It

Our hot air balloon experience is a very popular birthday gift and has over 4700+ verified reviews with a 4.7 average rating.

"Great Team!"

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, we had a great little group and really enjoyed the whole experience. Thank you for a great day.

Natasha B.

November 19, 2024

"Amazing Experience"

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

October 30, 2024

"Hot air balloon - A MUST do."

Hot air balloon AM experience was brilliant. The weather was on our side. Beautiful clear skies. Smooth ride, friendly navigator. Safety instructions given. Even a glass of orange or prosecco at the end and a certificate. Great birthday present 🎁

Paige

August 16, 2024

See All Reviews →

Add Your Birthday Gift Vouchers

Weekday Morning

Monday - Friday

  • 3-4 hour experience with about an hour in the air
  • Open voucher – choose your own flight date
  • Fly from any of our locations nationwide
  • 18 months to book
  • Non-refundable
Non-refundable

*Within 90 days of purchase. See paragraph 8.4 of our T&Cs

£169 £154

per person

How many passengers?

Weekday Morning Or Evening

Monday - Friday

  • 3-4 hour experience with about an hour in the air
  • Open voucher – choose your own flight date
  • Fly from any of our locations nationwide
  • 18 months to book
  • Non-refundable
Non-refundable

*Within 90 days of purchase. See paragraph 8.4 of our T&Cs

£189 £174

per person

How many passengers?

Any Day Morning Or Evening

Monday - Sunday

  • 3-4 hour experience with about an hour in the air
  • Open voucher – choose your own flight date
  • Fly from any of our locations nationwide
  • 18 months to book
  • Non-refundable
Non-refundable
Make me weather refundable

*Within 90 days of purchase. See paragraph 8.4 of our T&Cs

£209 £194

per person

How many passengers?

Any Day Morning Or Evening PLUS

Monday - Sunday

  • 3-4 hour experience with about an hour in the air
  • Open voucher – choose your own flight date
  • Fly from any of our locations nationwide
  • 24 months to book
  • Refundable *

*Within 90 days of purchase. See paragraph 8.4 of our T&Cs

£257 £242

per person

How many passengers?

F.A.Qs

You've got the questions, we've got the answers.

How long is the hot air balloon experience?

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.

What's included in the price of my hot air balloon ride voucher?

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.

Where can I fly from?

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. 

What can I expect during my hot air balloon flight?

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.

How can the weather affect my balloon launch?

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!)

Are there any restrictions?

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

Can I change to another experience?

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 Comparison

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)

The Perfect Gift Idea For Milestone Birthdays

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.

 

  • Gifts for 18th Birthday – The start of adulthood deserves an experience that’s as thrilling as newfound independence. A hot air balloon ride is the ultimate way to mark this milestone, soaring high to celebrate stepping into the next chapter of life.
     
  • 21st Birthday Gift – The traditional coming-of-age birthday calls for a gift that’s unforgettable. Taking to the skies in a hot air balloon offers a breathtaking perspective on the world—perfect for a young adult ready to conquer it.
     
  • 30th Birthday Gift – A hot air balloon ride makes the perfect antidote to anyone feeling the blues after turning 30. It’s a chance to reflect on the journey so far while taking in stunning views that inspire dreams for the future.
     
  • 40th Birthday Gift – Life begins at forty, and what better way to embrace it than with a unique experience gift that ticks off a bucket list goal? Floating above picturesque landscapes is the ultimate reminder of the adventures that still lie ahead.
     
  • 50th Birthday Gift – The golden milestone deserves a gift of timeless beauty. A serene yet exhilarating hot air balloon ride encapsulates the joy of reaching this point in life, creating memories to treasure forever.
     
  • 60th Birthday Gift – As a celebration of life’s richness, a hot air balloon ride is ideal for reflecting on decades of experiences. The peaceful drift of the balloon is a moment to savour and share with loved ones.
     
  • 70th Birthday Gift – For a lifetime filled with stories, a hot air balloon ride offers a unique opportunity to create another unforgettable chapter. It’s a celebration of wisdom, achievements, and the beauty of the present moment.
     
  • 80th Birthday and Beyond – Every year is a gift, and a hot air balloon experience is the perfect way to celebrate the joy of reaching this milestone. With stunning views and a sense of serenity, it’s an experience that truly takes life to new heights.

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