Spotlight On Leicestershire Hot Air Balloon Rides

Do you know someone in Leicestershire with a thirst for adventure? Maybe it’s you! Picture our big red balloon lifting off from Loughborough at dawn, or gracefully floating past Belvoir Castle as the sun sets on a perfect summer’s evening. Have you ever dreamt of soaring above your own home, seeing your familiar town from a breathtaking new angle? Or perhaps there's someone special in your life who’s always wanted to experience something truly extraordinary.

We're here to help you tick off this unforgettable bucket list item. So come along and join us as we drift effortlessly into the sunset on a magical hot air balloon ride over the stunning skies of Leicestershire.

Did you know that Leicestershire is where the final battle of the Wars of the Roses took place? The Battle of Bosworth in 1485 marked the end of mediaeval England and the rise of the Tudor dynasty. As you soar over this historic county, you’re not just taking in breathtaking views—you’re gliding above landscapes steeped in history.

Leicestershire’s unique geography offers a patchwork of rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and bustling market towns. The county is also home to some of England’s most iconic landmarks, like Belvoir Castle, which has stood proudly on the border with Lincolnshire for nearly a thousand years. From the sky, you’ll see the winding River Soar cutting through the heart of the county, and on a clear day, you might even spot the famous towers of Leicester Cathedral, where the remains of King Richard III were reinterred.

This is a county where the past and present coexist in harmony, where every turn of the landscape tells a story. Whether you're a history buff or simply love the idea of seeing the world from a new perspective, a hot air balloon ride over Leicestershire promises an adventure like no other.

Scenic Views

Each of our launch sites in Leicestershire offers its own unique vantage points and breathtaking views. From Market Harborough, you can gaze down at the historic Foxton Locks, with its colourful narrowboats traversing the canal below. Lutterworth’s Stanford Hall launch site gives you the chance to see picturesque landmarks like the Swinford windmill and reservoir, all set against the backdrop of the Midlands’ rolling hills. The Rutland Water launch site offers expansive views over one of Europe’s largest man-made lakes, with the potential to spot the historic Welland Viaduct stretching across the landscape.

Whether it’s the charming villages, historic castles, or the natural beauty of Leicestershire’s countryside, every flight provides a stunning panorama that’s sure to leave you in awe.

Local Attractions

Near our Market Harborough launch site, the Grand Union Canal and Foxton Locks are must-see attractions, while Lutterworth offers close proximity to stately homes like Kelmarsh Hall and Kilworth House. Rutland Water is a standout natural feature, not just for its sheer size but for the wildlife and outdoor activities it supports. As you drift across these landscapes, you might also spot Oakham Castle and Barnsdale Wood, among other local landmarks.

Seasonal Highlights

Leicestershire’s scenery is a living canvas that changes with the seasons, making each flight a new adventure. In spring, the countryside bursts into life with lush greenery and blossoming flowers, while the golden fields of rapeseed in May add a vibrant splash of colour. Summer offers long, warm days with sunlight reflecting off rivers, lakes, and the expansive Rutland Water, creating dazzling scenes. You might even spot farm animals grazing or wildlife moving through the fields. As autumn arrives, the landscape transforms into a rich mosaic of warm hues, with early morning mists adding a mystical touch. When the conditions are just right, you’ll ascend through the mist to a world of vibrant colours and beams of sunlight breaking through—a truly magical sight.

While there isn’t a launch site directly in Leicester, nearby locations offer the perfect blend of history and natural beauty, creating unforgettable hot air ballooning adventures.

Lutterworth (Stanford Hall)

Our launch site is the magnificent Stanford Hall near Lutterworth, a stunning backdrop for your flight. This elegant Georgian mansion is steeped in history and surrounded by expansive parkland that offers a tranquil setting for your flight. As you ascend, you might follow the path of aviation pioneer Percy Pilcher, who made his ill-fated attempt to demonstrate his powered aircraft here in 1899.

Today, Stanford Hall provides a peaceful contrast to the bustling life of nearby Leicester, with the River Avon, Swinford Reservoir, and the rolling countryside of the Midlands unfolding below as you drift along. Keep an eye out for the charming windmill near Swinford, adding a picturesque touch to the landscape as you float by. From stately homes like Kelmarsh Hall and Kilworth House to the serene English countryside, this site offers an enchanting journey through history and nature.

Fun Fact: Percy Pilcher, who was years ahead of the Wright brothers, designed and built what is believed to be the first powered aircraft. Although he never got to demonstrate his triplane, a replica was successfully flown over a century later, proving his genius.
 

Market Harborough

One of our picturesque launch sites is located just outside Market Harborough, near the famous Foxton Locks. These locks, built in 1810, are the longest and steepest staircase locks in England—a true marvel of Victorian engineering. As you rise into the sky from this historic spot, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of the intricate canal system, with colourful narrowboats navigating the locks, particularly during the peak summer season.

The countryside surrounding Market Harborough is a patchwork of lush fields and woodlands, with the chance to spot Rockingham Castle in the distance if the wind takes you eastward. This location offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage, making it a fantastic starting point for your ballooning adventure.

Fun Fact: Foxton Locks is not just an engineering feat but also a beloved local attraction, drawing visitors from across the country to see its impressive staircase of ten locks.

Rutland Water

The Rutland Water launch site offers a truly spectacular start to your Leicestershire hot air balloon adventure. Situated at the edge of one of Europe’s largest man-made lakes, this site provides stunning views right from the beginning.

If the wind carries you north, you’ll float across the vast expanse of Rutland Water, surrounded by unspoilt countryside and charming villages like Upper Hambleton. To the south, open landscapes stretch out towards Corby, with the Welland Viaduct—a 140-year-old engineering marvel—potentially in sight.

This launch site is a dream for those who love natural beauty and expansive vistas.

Fun Fact: Rutland Water is not only the UK’s largest man-made lake but also a haven for wildlife, offering some of the most beautiful and serene landscapes in the country.

Flying with Virgin Balloon Flights in Leicestershire is more than just a journey—it’s an experience that creates memories to last a lifetime. Our passengers often describe their flights as magical, from the serene ascent to the breathtaking views of the county’s historic landmarks and lush landscapes. But don’t just take our word for it—our passengers have shared their stories, photos, and heartfelt moments, giving you a true sense of what it’s like to glide above Leicestershire with us.

Glowing Reviews from Our Happy Customers

“Had a fantastic flight . Piolet was great. Really enjoyable experience would recommend to everyone to do it.” — ak.turvey

“Absolutely brilliant. Great flight and very friendly team.” — tracimarshall

“Exceeded my expectations! Incredible.” — Anna

“Great experience which we will remember for years.” — sandrawro03

"It took us over 2 years to get up in the air but the wait was absolutely worth it! We flew on a gorgeous warm and clear evening and the experience was amazing! If you want to you can get stuck in with setting up and packing away which is fun and adds to the experience! The flight itself was incredible, so smooth and beautiful views. Thank you to Rebecca, Gavin and Roland for a great evening." — shelllfc_10

Real Experiences from Our Passengers

Here’s what our passengers have to say about their unforgettable hot air balloon adventures over Leicestershire—real stories that capture the magic of soaring through the skies.

“The whole experience was fabulous from taking off to the perfect landing.”

“We had an amazing time this afternoon on the flight from Rutland Water. Our pilot Rebecca was brilliant, and very knowledgeable and shared that with us. We had a fantastic flight and a super smooth landing. we had had a few flight cancelled over the year, but this was definitely worth the wait - it was such a perfect day. Thank you so much.”

“My Grandma's balloon flight last night from Stanford Hall. Absolutely fantastic to watch. Lovely clear sky appeared literally minutes before take off 🙂 3rd attempt and I'm sure it was well worth it 🙂”

“Great flight over Rutland Water on Thursday 24 Apr 14 with Kimberley Robinson. Very organised, great crew, great conditions.”

A Sky-High Proposal

And for those special moments, our hot air balloons have provided the perfect backdrop for countless proposals. Imagine saying “yes” with the stunning Leicestershire countryside as your witness—a moment as unforgettable as the view.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, a Virgin hot air balloon ride over Leicestershire promises an experience you'll treasure forever. Ready to create your own unforgettable memories? The skies are waiting for you.

And once you've touched down, Leicestershire offers plenty more to explore. From charming cafes to historic landmarks, discover the best things to do before or after your flight.

Planning a day around your hot air balloon ride? Whether you’re flying at sunrise or sunset, Leicestershire has plenty to offer before and after your aerial adventure. Here’s how to make the most of your day in this beautiful county.

Morning Itinerary

The Café at Welland Park (Market Harborough): Start your day with a delicious breakfast at this highly-rated café nestled in the beautiful surroundings of Welland Park. With freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries, it’s the perfect place to fuel up before your early morning flight.
Opening time:

• Tuesday- Sunday: 9am

Gates Garden Centre Café (Cold Overton, near Rutland Water): For those flying from Rutland Water, this popular garden centre café serves a delicious range of breakfast options, from traditional full English to fresh pastries and coffee. The setting is tranquil, with lovely views of the garden centre’s landscaped grounds.
Opening time:

• Monday- Sunday: 10am

Ferneley’s (Melton Mowbray, near Lutterworth): Known for its ice cream, Ferneley’s also serves up a delightful breakfast and brunch menu. Located on a farm, it’s a perfect stop for a farm-fresh meal in a relaxed rural setting.
Opening time:

• Monday- Sunday: 10am

Kibworth Antiques Centre (near Market Harborough): If you have some time before your flight, wander through this charming antiques centre in nearby Kibworth. It’s a great spot to explore unique finds and vintage treasures.

Afternoon Itinerary

Foxton Locks (Market Harborough): After your morning flight, explore the fascinating Foxton Locks, the longest and steepest staircase locks in England. Take a leisurely walk along the canal, watch the narrow boats navigate the locks, and enjoy a relaxing lunch at the nearby Foxton Locks Inn.

Stanford Hall (Lutterworth): If you’re flying from Lutterworth, take a guided tour of Stanford Hall after your flight. This elegant Georgian mansion is steeped in history, and the surrounding parklands are perfect for a peaceful afternoon stroll.

Rutland Water Nature Reserve: Near Rutland Water, spend your afternoon exploring the Rutland Water Nature Reserve. It’s a haven for wildlife and offers stunning walking trails along the shores of the lake. You can also visit the Rutland Falconry and Owl Centre nearby for an up-close experience with birds of prey.

Evening Relaxation

The Oat Hill (Market Harborough): After a day of adventure, unwind with dinner at The Oat Hill, a stylish gastropub in Market Harborough. Known for its creative menu and cosy atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to relax and savour a well-deserved meal.

The Grey Goose (Gilmorton, near Lutterworth): For those near Lutterworth, The Grey Goose offers a fine dining experience with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy a beautifully crafted meal in a charming rural setting.

Hitchen’s Barn (Oakham, near Rutland Water): End your day with a visit to Hitchen’s Barn, a highly-rated restaurant in Oakham. With a menu that celebrates seasonal and local produce, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy a delicious dinner after your Rutland Water adventure.

No matter where your day takes you, Leicestershire offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and great food to complement your hot air ballooning experience.

Leicestershire offers a truly unforgettable hot air ballooning experience, with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and picturesque villages creating a perfect backdrop for your airborne adventure. From the sweeping views of Rutland Water to the historic charm of Foxton Locks and the serene countryside around Stanford Hall, every moment in the sky is a memory in the making. A hot air balloon flight in Leicestershire is a bucket list experience that will leave an indelible mark on your heart, capturing the beauty and tranquillity of this remarkable county.

Ready to tick this adventure off your bucket list? Book your flight today and join us for a journey you’ll cherish forever. Don’t forget to follow us on the Virgin Balloon Flights Facebook Group, where you can see stunning moments captured by fellow passengers and share your own magical experiences.

We can't wait to welcome you aboard for the flight of a lifetime. The skies of Leicestershire are waiting—let's make your dream of floating above them come true!