Update: Please note that we no longer fly from these Scottish sites. To view our current launch site listing please click here.
Hot air ballooning has always been an attractive pastime for thrill seekers. Little can beat the rush of drifting freely on the wind in a balloon. But, as well as being a great thrill, riding in hot air balloons can provide an entirely new way to experience our beautiful country. Seeing some of Britain’s most iconic and beautiful landmarks from the skies can be an unforgettable experience. Virgin Balloon Flights take off from over 100 sites around the UK, so there will be a chance to get involved with this wonderful pastime somewhere near you.
Hot air ballooning is an extremely traditional way to travel. They cannot be steered or directed; they merely drift in the direction of the breeze. What you see on your flight will be a surprise to everyone on board. When taking off from one of Virgin Balloon Flight’s sites, here are some of the sights you could experience:
Scotland
Virgin Balloon Flights have a number of take-off sites in Scotland, all of which will give you a chance to experience the unmatchable Scottish landscape. You could choose to take off from beautiful Glamis Castle near Dundee, home of the Earl and Countess of Strathmore and Kinghorne. The castle is a category A listed building, and is known for its beautiful gardens. From above, you could see this stunning estate in all its glory.
In Scotland, you could also take off from Castle Fraser near Aberdeen, the most elaborate Z-plan castle in Scotland. From the air, you could experience beautiful views of the castle’s grounds, which consists of over 300 acres of landscaped gardens, woodland and farmland.
England
Wherever you live in England, there is a Virgin Balloon Flights take-off site near you. If you live in the south, you could opt for balloon flights from Essex. You could take off from the beautiful Prested Hall. A popular wedding venue, Prested Hall is a grade II listed building set in its own 80-acre park and woodland estate. It’s also a popular nature-watching location. On your balloon flight, you could experience the area’s wildlife in an entirely unique way.
If you live in the north, why not take off from Temple Newsam near Leeds? One of England’s greatest historic estates, the Temple Newsam estate boasts over 1500 acres of grounds, landscaped by the renowned Capability Brown in the 18th Century. If you take your flight in the warmer months, you can experience the beautiful colours from the garden’s collection of Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
Wales
Wales has some of the world’s most majestic countryside, and what better way to experience it than from the skies? Taking off from Raglan Castle in South Wales, you could take in its beautiful medieval architecture, along with the surrounding parkland, water gardens and terraces. Depending on the direction of the wind, you could drift over the nearby market town of Monmouth to see the 13th-century bridge over the River Monmow.
Wherever you choose to take your hot air balloon flight from, you will be sure to have an unforgettable experience and take in some unbelievable views.