Covering almost 800 square miles, the Cotswolds covers a huge area. But fear not, we have plenty of launch sites to choose from that will allow you to appreciate this special place from a unique perspective, a hot air balloon ride!

This landscape is full of pretty villages, lively market towns, and country houses. Not forgetting the ancient woodlands and 4,000 miles of historic Cotswold stone walls that divide up the landscape. Who wouldn’t want to experience all this floating high on a magical hot air balloon ride?

Cheltenham

Our Cheltenham launch site is based at the famous racecourse which hosts the annual Cheltenham Festival & Gold Cup. As you float up, up, and away you can take in this beautiful town's elegant gardens and charming architecture.

Nearby is the cathedral city of Gloucester with the Cotswolds Hills to the east and south so whichever way the wind blows, there’ll be no shortage of spectacular views.

Tewkesbury

Further north from Cheltenham lies our Tewkesbury launch site based at the Croft Farm Waterpark, nestled in the scenic River Avon Valley.

Tewkesbury itself is steeped in history and is noted for the Battle of Tewkesbury, which took place on the 4th of May 1471. At the ‘Bloody Meadow’, Edward IV’s Yorkist forces defeated the House of Lancaster in a historic battle of the Wars of the Roses with bloody aftermath.

It is a pretty market town with timber-framed buildings which is sure to delight. Also, watch out for the Malvern Hills if the wind takes you in an easterly direction.

Cirencester

South of the Cotswolds lies the market town of Cirencester with our launch site situated at the Cotswold Airport, formally known as RAF Kemble. In the past, this was used for training and maintenance purposes and even today remains a busy place. You may spot Delta Jets, F1 Teams testing up and down the runway, and various types of aircraft and helicopters coming and going. It's quite fitting to be a launch site for one of the oldest forms of aviation!

In flight, keep an eye out for Britain’s largest water park, Cotswold Waterpark, and the Fosse Way. A remarkable 182-mile former Roman road running from Exeter to Lincoln via Ilchester, Bath, Cirencester, and Leicester.

Evesham

Even if you’ve never been to Evesham, chances are you’ve heard of the Vale of Evesham Blossom Trail. This trail winds through scenic villages and historic places such as Fladbury and the impressive Bredon Hill. If the wind direction is on your side, you may end up following this route, making it a memorable hot air balloon ride indeed.

Stratford-Upon-Avon

Why not explore Shakespeare's country from above setting off from the Stratford Racecourse. A popular tourist spot, this town sits on the river Avon and offers a whole host of historic buildings to visit.

Drifting skywards, you may catch a glimpse of Bard’s home on Henley Street, his wife Anne Hathaway’s thatched cottage, or the Royal Shakespeare Theatre among the many black and white timbered buildings.

Shipston-On-Stour

To enjoy stunning views of the northern Cotswolds Hills, choose our Shipston –On-Stour launch site. On a clear day, you’ll see for miles around, across the Midlands towards Birmingham or even the Malvern Hills and possibly the counties of Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire.

Make sure you have your camera ready to capture the amazing views.

Moving across into Worcestershire, we have two launch sites that will help you discover this part of the country unforgettably.

Worcester

Setting off from another racecourse, our Worcester site will offer fantastic views of the city skyline. You’re sure to see the imposing twelfth-century cathedral and the many black and white Tudor houses on New Street and Friar Street.

To the west and south of the city, near Powick, is the site of the Battle of Worcester. It was here in 1651 that Charles II was defeated in his effort to regain the throne before fleeing to France.

Upon leaving the city, enjoy the rural landscape full of farms, villages, and country estates.

Shelsley Walsh

To the west of Worcester lies our Shelsley Walsh launch site. A hot air balloon ride from here will give you the chance to explore the wonderful scenery of the Malvern Hills and the dozens of pretty towns scattered throughout the countryside.

You may find yourself running parallel with the River Teme Valley, an area of great beauty, interesting architecture, and rural pursuits.

Our pilot Russell Collins and their crews look forward to flying you soon.