Have you planned how you are going to treat Dad this year?
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When nothing lasts as long as memories, why not treat Dad to something different this year? And what could be better for the man who’s got everything than to see the world?
Our Virgin Hot Air Ballooning routes take you over some of the most iconic landmarks in the UK so that you can enjoy a birds-eye view of these amazing sights. Whether you're looking to see the Cotswolds' stunning countryside or Snowdonia's imposing peaks, Virgin Balloon Flights has the perfect hot air ballooning route for you.
The best thing about Virgin Balloon Flights is that we have a range of different routes available so that you can find the perfect one for your needs. If you're looking to see some of the most famous landmarks in England and Wales, our routes are perfect. You can fly over everything from the stunning views of Bristol to the world-famous Cardiff Bay.
Our balloons are designed to make your flight as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. You'll get a great view from the basket, which can hold up to sixteen passengers—perfect for a special occasion or a fun day out with friends or family.
There's no shortage of beautiful places to go hot air ballooning with Virgin. One of our most popular routes is over the Lake District, but we also offer flights over Bath, Cambridge, Cardiff, and other scenic areas.
Go on, treat Dad to a spectacular spectacle this year for Father’s Day!
Where are you travelling from?
London
Starting from Hatfield House, our closest London hot air balloon ride, you might experience views of the capital's renowned cityscape as far as Canary Wharf on a clear day with the proper wind conditions. You could even spend the entire day at the launch location!
Evening basket shot near London | Virgin Balloon Flights
The appropriate breeze may even carry Manchester's stunning skyline into the distance. Miles of patchwork fields may be found to the north and west, while the settlements of Irlam and Altrincham can be found to the south.
Our balloons take off at Eccles City Airport and Heliport, a small and welcoming location with a good café and viewing facilities for those who wish to see you take to the skies. The Manchester hot air balloon trip is an amazing experience no matter which way the wind takes you.
Our Stratford-Upon-Avon location is one of the closest launch locations to Birmingham, with a range of views available such as William Shakespeare's home on Henley Street, his wife Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage, or perhaps the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. You might even find yourself floating on the breeze towards the picturesque Cotswolds to the south, set in the heart of beautiful Warwickshire.
Bristol, located in the picturesque county of Somerset, is home to some of the most attractive historical sites in the United Kingdom. The Clifton Suspension Bridge is a well-known landmark, as is the S.S. Great Britain, one of the world's most famous sailing ships.
If the wind carries you south, look for Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden, which is best known as the residence of Queen Elizabeth I's great love, Robert Dudley. To the east is the lovely Draycote Water reservoir and nature reserve, with Coventry itself providing a stunning modern picture from above.
Keep a look out for vistas like the River Aire and the Aire and Calder Navigation Canal if the wind pushes you south. A picturesque mosaic of forests and farms stretches to the east, with views across Castleford and, on a clear day, as far as the North Sea and the River Humber.
Balloon Floats Over Leeds Castle | Virgin Balloon Flights
If you start in Berkhamsted, you can enjoy panoramic views of the magnificent rolling Hertfordshire countryside, as there are various launch sites nearby.
Keep a watch out for the Ashbridge Estate, a lovely National Trust house and parkland. The Bridgewater Monument, created in 1832 to honour the Duke of Bridgewater for his pioneering canal development, is the focal point.
Another option is to start your adventure in Knebworth Park, just outside of Stevenage. Keep a watch out for landmarks like the A1 point, where the Roman Baths at Welwyn are located, or the lovely Hatfield House, depending on which way your balloon sails.
Starting off at our launch site in Maidstone, see if you can spot Bydews Woods or Whatman Park on the river banks, or catch a glimpse of Clare Park to the south. Or you may find yourself drifting serenely over the quintessentially English town centre of Maidstone.
Whether you’re travelling from Edinburgh or Glasgow, the closest site we offer is Shieldhill Castle. Enjoy stunning vistas of the beautiful hills and valleys around Biggar and Lanark when you take to the skies from Shieldhill Castle, near Biggar.
