Spotlight On Buckinghamshire Hot Air Balloon Rides

Do you know someone in Buckinghamshire who is a true adventurer at heart? It might even be you. Maybe you've spotted our big red balloons taking off from Aylesbury at the crack of dawn, or drifting past Waddesdon Manor on a calm summer's evening. Maybe you've always dreamt of flying over your own home and seeing your local town from a unique perspective. Perhaps it's something a loved one has always wanted to do, and you want to treat them to something totally out of this world this year.

We're here to tell you all the best bits about checking off this unforgettable bucket list item, so join us as we glide peacefully into the sunset on a hot air balloon experience over the skies of Buckinghamshire.

Did you know Buckinghamshire is home to Chequers, the historic country retreat of British prime ministers since 1921? Nestled among rolling hills and picturesque villages, this county holds a special place in the nation's history. But beyond its political significance, Buckinghamshire offers stunning landscapes perfect for a hot air balloon adventure. Its unique position in the Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, means you'll drift over ancient woodlands, historic estates, and quaint market towns, with views stretching all the way to the Thames Valley on a clear day.

Whether you're gliding above the grand Waddesdon Manor, a striking Rothschild mansion, or taking in the serenity of the River Thames, Buckinghamshire offers breathtaking sights at every turn. From mediaeval market towns to stately homes, this county’s rich history and natural beauty make it an unforgettable location for your ballooning adventure.

Scenic Views

From the moment you lift off, the views are nothing short of spectacular. Picture patchwork fields stretching to the horizon, ancient woodlands, and quaint villages nestled between the rolling Chiltern Hills. Famous landmarks like Bletchley Park, Waddesdon Manor, and Willen Lake dot the landscape, with the winding River Thames or a glistening lake reflecting sunlight and clouds below. If you're lucky, you might even spot farm animals or wildlife roaming the fields – a peaceful countryside scene brought to life from your bird’s-eye view.

Local Attractions

Along the way, you might spot some of Buckinghamshire’s top attractions. From historic sites like the home of WWII codebreakers at Bletchley Park to the breathtaking grounds of Waddesdon Manor, every view has a story. The shimmering Willen Lake is a favourite among locals, and the way sunlight dances on its surface is truly mesmerising. If the wind takes you south, the Chiltern Hills will sweep across your line of sight, painting a stunning backdrop of rolling countryside, with the chance to see wild animals as you drift above.

Seasonal Highlights

The scenery changes with the seasons, adding a fresh touch to every flight. Spring brings carpets of wildflowers, while the golden rapeseed blooms in May are a sight to behold. Summer sees everything in full bloom, perfect for those long, sunny days when the sky feels endless. In autumn, with a hint of chill in the air, the fields sometimes glisten with early morning frost, creating a mysterious landscape. On foggy mornings, the hot air balloon may rise through mist and clouds, offering a magical view as sunlight breaks through, casting a colourful glow over the scene. There’s something truly special about drifting above the mist, seeing the world below veiled in fog, while the skies above are crisp and clear.

Now that we’ve teased the stunning views, let’s dive into the unique character of each of our launch sites across Buckinghamshire. Each one offers its own special flavour of adventure, along with a few fascinating facts about the areas they call home.

Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes might be a modern town, but it’s packed with surprises. Our launch site at Willen Lake, one of the town’s most picturesque spots, sets the stage for an unforgettable flight. You’ll float over open countryside to the north and east, or perhaps catch a bird’s-eye view of Milton Keynes itself, offering a brand-new perspective on its famous grid layout.

Fun Fact: Milton Keynes has more bridges than Venice – yes, the one in Italy! Built as a ‘new town’ in the 1960s, it was designed with plenty of parks and green spaces, so no resident is ever more than half a mile from nature. Don’t forget to look out for Bletchley Park, home to WWII codebreakers and the world’s first computer.

Aylesbury

Set in the heart of Roald Dahl country, Aylesbury’s launch site at Hartwell House Spa is all about taking in Buckinghamshire’s rich countryside. The Chiltern Hills lie to the south, offering sweeping views, while you might even soar over the home of Roald Dahl himself in nearby Great Missenden. It's the perfect place to lose yourself in the beauty of rural England.

Fun Fact: While Aylesbury is known for its peace and quiet, it’s also the filming location for the popular detective series Midsomer Murders. Thankfully, the real-life area is far less dramatic, but every bit as scenic as its fictional counterpart!

High Wycombe (Great Missenden)

Launching from Great Missenden, the childhood home of the much-loved Roald Dahl, this site offers a magical flight over the stunning Chiltern Hills. As you drift through the skies, the sweeping countryside will captivate you with its charm, from lush woodlands to quaint villages dotting the landscape.

Fun Fact: Our launch site at The Black Horse pub is so famous for ballooning that locals call it the ‘hot air balloon pub’. Balloon flights have been launching from here since the 1980s, making it a hotspot for sky-high adventures. Keep an eye out for the homes of other famous residents, like musician Jamie Cullum and novelist Robert Louis Stevenson!

There’s something truly magical about seeing Buckinghamshire from the basket of a hot air balloon, and our passengers agree! From first-timers to seasoned adventurers, the experience of soaring through the skies leaves a lasting impression on everyone who flies with us. Whether it's the stunning views, the peaceful serenity of the ride, or even the occasional life-changing moment (we’re looking at you, proposal stories), there’s no better way to create unforgettable memories.

But don’t just take our word for it – here’s what some of our happy passengers have to say.

Glowing Reviews from Our Happy Customers

There’s no better way to understand the magic of a hot air balloon ride than hearing it straight from those who’ve experienced it. Here are just a few words from our delighted passengers:

“Absolutely perfect.it was an amazing experience, better than I could imagine. Every one there was friendly. Pilot Phil was a great laugh too.” — paul.terri

“We had a beautiful morning. The pilot was so brilliant and the landing was absolutely perfect. Justin is a wonderful pilot.” — traceykaley1968

“The pilot was brilliant a great experience 👍👍👍” — charles

Real Experiences from Our Passengers

Nothing showcases the magic of a balloon flight like real moments captured by our passengers.

“Had such a great experience with Virgin Balloon Flights flying over Milton Keynes. Loved it ❤️ ”

“Had such an amazing time yesterday, flying from Cosgrove over Milton Keynes. A wonderful experience and truly amazing 21st birthday present. I will be recommending Virgin Balloon flights to all family and friends. Please pass on many thanks to our pilot Pete and his team, truly a credit to your company ❤️ ”

"Time to pause and drink in the silence and beauty of the surroundings."

A Sky-High Proposal

For some couples, there’s no better place to pop the question than floating high above Buckinghamshire’s stunning landscapes. With peaceful skies, breathtaking views, and a touch of adventure, a hot air balloon proposal is as romantic as it gets. Imagine the moment – just the two of you, drifting serenely through the clouds, the world spread out beneath you. It’s a memory that will last a lifetime, making it the perfect setting for one of life’s most special moments.

No matter who you are or where you fly from in Buckinghamshire, every balloon ride offers its own unique magic. From stunning vistas to unforgettable moments like proposals, a flight with Virgin Balloon Flights is more than just an adventure – it’s a memory you’ll cherish forever. Ready to experience it for yourself? The sky’s the limit!

And once your flight is over, Buckinghamshire has plenty more to offer. From historic landmarks to scenic countryside walks, the adventure continues long after you’ve landed. There’s no shortage of ways to make your day truly unforgettable!

After an unforgettable balloon ride, why not make a full day of exploring beautiful Buckinghamshire? Whether you’re flying at sunrise or sunset, there’s plenty to fill your day, from cosy cafés to stunning landmarks and fine dining spots. Here’s how to plan the perfect day trip around your hot air balloon adventure.

Morning Itinerary: Cosy Breakfasts & Coffee

After your early morning adventure in the skies, treat yourself to a well-deserved breakfast or coffee at one of these local spots that open later in the morning:

The Café at Frosts Garden Centre, Woburn Sands
Located just outside Milton Keynes, this charming café opens mid-morning and offers a range of breakfast options, from freshly baked pastries to full English breakfasts. With 5-star reviews, it’s the perfect place to refuel and relax after your balloon ride.
Opens at 9:00 AM (Mon-Fri), 8:30 AM (Sat), 9:30 AM (Sun)

Matilda’s Bistro Café, Great Missenden
This cosy bistro café offers a delicious variety of breakfast and brunch options, from freshly brewed coffee to locally sourced pastries and hearty dishes. Located in the heart of Great Missenden, it’s the ideal spot to unwind after your balloon flight, with a warm, welcoming atmosphere to match the beautiful village surroundings.
Opens at 8:00 AM (Mon-Sat), 8:30 AM (Sun)

The Works, Aylesbury
A favourite with locals, The Works is known for its artisan coffee, breakfast waffles, and delicious ice cream. It opens mid-morning, making it the ideal spot to unwind in Aylesbury after your early morning flight.
Opens at 10:00 AM (Sun-Fri), 9:00 AM (Sat)

Afternoon: Exploring Buckinghamshire

Once you’ve refuelled, it’s time to explore the local sights. Here are some top attractions to visit in the afternoon:

Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes (National Trust)
A must-visit for history buffs, Bletchley Park was home to Britain’s WWII codebreakers and the birthplace of modern computing. Explore its fascinating exhibits and beautiful grounds as you delve into Britain’s wartime secrets.

Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury (National Trust)
Just a short drive from Aylesbury, this stunning Rothschild estate offers a wonderful afternoon escape. Wander through the grand interiors and perfectly landscaped gardens or enjoy lunch at the café as you soak up the opulence of the manor.

Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Great Missenden
Dive into the magical world of one of Britain’s most beloved authors. This family-friendly museum takes you on a journey through Roald Dahl’s life and works, offering a delightful afternoon of fun and nostalgia.

Chiltern Hills (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty)
If you prefer the great outdoors, the Chiltern Hills are perfect for an afternoon hike or stroll. With rolling landscapes and beautiful villages, it’s the ideal way to continue exploring Buckinghamshire’s natural beauty after your morning balloon ride.

Evening: Local Pubs & Fine Dining

End your day with a delicious meal or drink at one of Buckinghamshire’s best pubs or restaurants. Here are a few top choices:

The Hand & Flowers, Marlow
For a truly special dinner, head to this famous gastropub owned by celebrity chef Tom Kerridge. With two Michelin stars, The Hand & Flowers combines fine dining with a relaxed pub vibe – a perfect end to a perfect day.

The Pointer, Brill
This cosy countryside pub and restaurant offers seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. It’s a fantastic choice to enjoy a hearty meal after a day of exploring the county’s sights and tastes.

The Black Horse Pub, Great Missenden
Famous as our ballooning launch site, this historic pub is a great spot to wind down with a pint or a hearty meal. Relive your balloon adventure as you relax in the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

With so much to explore, Buckinghamshire offers the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and indulgence to complement your hot air balloon flight. Whether you’re catching a sunrise or sunset, there’s plenty to do before and after your trip in the skies!

Buckinghamshire is truly a gem for hot air ballooning, offering everything from rolling countryside views to iconic landmarks like Bletchley Park and the Chiltern Hills. Whether you’re soaring above the patchwork fields or watching the mist rise over the landscape at dawn, a hot air balloon flight here is an experience that stays with you forever. It’s a bucket list moment – one that imprints itself on your memory in the most magical way.

So why wait? Make this the year you tick off that bucket list adventure and book your Virgin Balloon Flight in Buckinghamshire today. Don’t forget to join our Big Red Balloon Club, where you can see photos and stories from other passengers who have experienced the magic themselves.

We can’t wait to take you on the journey of a lifetime – an adventure you’ll remember for years to come. The skies are calling!