Spotlight On Lincolnshire Hot Air Balloon Rides

Do you know someone in Lincolnshire who is a true adventurer at heart? It might even be you. Maybe you've spotted our big red balloons taking off from the historic city of Lincoln at the crack of dawn, or drifting past the rolling Wolds 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 Lincolnshire.

Did you know Lincolnshire is home to more medieval churches than any other English county? It’s a land where history stretches as far as the eye can see, offering a bird’s-eye view of a truly unique landscape. When you take to the skies over Lincolnshire, you’re floating above the flat, fertile Fens, a region once covered by marshlands that were transformed by Dutch engineers in the 17th century. This is the county that gave the world Sir Isaac Newton, and you can even spot the Woolsthorpe Manor where he was born, nestled in the countryside below.

Lincolnshire’s wide-open spaces and gently rolling Wolds create the perfect canvas for hot air ballooning. As you drift over historic market towns like Stamford, known for its beautiful Georgian architecture, or the iconic cathedral city of Lincoln, you’ll see why this county is so special. From the winding River Witham to the striking Lincoln Cathedral, which stood as the tallest building in the world for over 200 years, every inch of Lincolnshire tells a story. So, as you rise into the skies, prepare to witness a part of England that’s rich in both history and natural beauty, offering an experience that’s as informative as it is breathtaking.

Scenic Views

As you ascend, the beauty of Lincolnshire unfurls beneath you in a panorama of diverse landscapes. From the lush green fields to the gentle rolling hills, the view is nothing short of spectacular. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of the River Witham winding its way through the countryside, or spot the majestic spires of Lincoln Cathedral piercing the sky. The sprawling parklands and historic estates like Grimsthorpe Castle and Belton House add to the scenic tapestry, making every direction a feast for the eyes.

Local Attractions

Local attractions abound near our launch sites, offering a rich blend of natural and historical landmarks. From Grimsthorpe’s parklands to the stunning Belton House, the area is dotted with grand estates and picturesque villages. You may see the tranquil waters of Rutland Water near Stamford or even the distinctive architecture of nearby market towns like Grantham. Whether it’s the historic Burghley House or the rolling Wolds, each launch site offers its own unique vantage points, perfect for spotting some of Lincolnshire’s most treasured sites.

Seasonal Highlights

The scenery changes dramatically with the seasons, offering something special throughout our flying months. In spring, the fields burst into life with vibrant greens and colourful wildflowers. May brings a sea of golden rapeseed, creating a striking contrast against the blue sky. Summer is particularly enchanting, with the countryside at its peak and long days casting golden hues across the landscape. As autumn's coolness begins to set in, you might find the early morning landscape touched by a delicate frost, giving the green fields a mysterious, shimmering quality. On misty mornings, the fog blankets the ground, and as the balloon ascends, you’ll rise through the mist to witness the sun breaking through, creating stunning beams of light. On these magical days, you may even soar above the fog, where the vibrant landscape below peeks through the clouds, offering a truly captivating sight.

The beauty of the Lincolnshire countryside is best seen from above, and on one of our Lincolnshire hot air balloon rides, you’ll be able to appreciate it from this unique perspective. We have four launch sites to choose so there’s bound to be one near you.

Grantham (Belton Woods)

The first of our two Grantham launch sites takes off from the serene grounds of Belton Woods Hotel. This 4-star retreat offers more than just luxury lodges and a spa; it sits on 475 acres of picturesque countryside, complete with a PGA Championship-approved golf course. As you ascend in your hot air balloon, the expansive Vale of Belvoir comes into view, a stunning area of natural beauty. This region is known for its rolling hills and the town of Melton Mowbray, famous for its mouth-watering pork pies. On clear days, you might even catch sight of nearby Loughborough and the Nottinghamshire countryside, adding to the charm of your Lincolnshire ballooning adventure.

Fun fact: Grantham was the home of Edith Smith, the first female police officer in the UK to be granted full powers of arrest, who patrolled the streets here over a century ago.

Grantham (Stoke Rochford Hall)

Our second launch site in Grantham is the magnificent Stoke Rochford Hall, a Victorian country mansion surrounded by 1,000 acres of rolling parkland. The hall itself, designed by the renowned Scottish architect William Burn in the 1840s, has a rich history and was meticulously restored after a devastating fire in 2005. As you drift skyward, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Vale of Belvoir, where the stately Belvoir Castle stands proudly on the horizon. The castle’s enchanting woodland garden and sloping lawns are just as beautiful from above as they are on the ground, making this launch site truly special.

Fun fact: Notorious British highwayman Dick Turpin once fled London and lived in the Grantham area under an alias before his eventual capture.

Stamford

Stamford Meadows is our charming launch site in the historic town of Stamford, often hailed as the finest stone town in England. Known for its stunning architecture, Stamford has been featured in films like Pride & Prejudice and The Da Vinci Code. As you rise into the sky, you might catch a glimpse of Burghley House, one of England’s most impressive Elizabethan manors, surrounded by parkland designed by the famous Capability Brown. If you’re lucky, your balloon might drift towards Grantham, offering a broader view of Lincolnshire’s enchanting landscape.

Fun fact: Stamford was the first conservation area ever designated in England and Wales, dating back to 1967, and boasts over 600 listed buildings, more than half the total in the rest of Lincolnshire combined.

Bourne (Grimsthorpe)

Our final launch site is the stunning Grimsthorpe Castle, located near the town of Bourne. This historic house, which dates back to the 13th century, is surrounded by vast parkland that adds to the grandeur of the site. As you ascend, you’ll be able to appreciate the beauty of the East Midlands from a unique perspective. The flight often offers views stretching as far as Stamford and Grantham, making this a truly spectacular location for a hot air balloon adventure.

Fun fact: English composer Thomas Linley, known as the ‘English Mozart,’ tragically died in a boating accident on the lake at Grimsthorpe Castle when he was just 22 years old. Had he lived longer, he might have rivalled his famous friend, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, in fame.

When it comes to experiencing Lincolnshire from above, nothing compares to a Virgin Balloon Flights adventure. But don't just take our word for it—our passengers say it best. From the moment they take off to the gentle touchdown, their stories and photos capture the magic of floating over this stunning county. Whether it’s the thrill of spotting familiar landmarks or the sheer awe of seeing Lincolnshire’s landscape from a new angle, our flights leave a lasting impression on everyone who joins us.

Glowing Reviews from Our Happy Customers

“Getting the flight booked is easy, but after that you're in the lap of the gods. The weather has to be perfect, if it isn't the team don't take the risk. Given I've now taken a flight I can totally understand why. If you're patient your time will come. Enjoy” — daniellunn1981

“Our Balloon Flight, Monday 1st July 2013, from Belton Woods, Grantham. One word......A-MA-ZING!!!!! A perfect evening with new friends, sunny skies, low wind speed, perfect take-off and landing, fantastic pilot and ground crew, a Champagne Toast and loads of lovely 'photo's. An evening we'll NEVER forget! Our friends, who took us and decided to "chase" our flight, enjoyed the whole experience, too! What more could anyone ask for?
After an horrendous two years, we decided to treat ourselves and this flight was just what we needed. It far exceeded our expectations, and my partner said it was almost as good as flying on Concorde!
Our sincere thanks go to Virgin, Alan (our pilot) and all the ground crew, for making our first, (but not last), flight so special.” — Sharon Elizabeth Gelsthorpe

“Forget concerns about getting on or off - crew have it covered! Forget ideas about fear of heights - no awareness of leaving the ground, travel is total bliss - all I hoped for & more! Just do it!” — marioneileen

Real Experiences from Our Passengers

“Lovely flight from Bourne this morning... Thanks Phil and Andy 😀”

“Amazing experience yesterday at Stoke Rochford Hall. Pilot Rebecca was fantastic and put us at ease. I would definitely recommend... 6th time of booking and would do it all again! 🚏😀👏”

“24th time is the charm!! Our balloon flight from Belton woods in Grantham on Sunday 27th August with the pilot Rebecca Cains was outstanding! A very good informative pilot also so for anyone still waiting to get up there- keep positive and keep rebooking! As it's very much worth the wait.

I've had my tickets 3 years and after so many cancellations I was losing faith it was ever going to happen. But that Sunday morning the skies were clear, the winds were low, it wasn't too warm and the ground wasn't too wet either! and we finally was going up!

It was a great experience from start to finish. Helping set up the balloon and putting it away made you feel really involved!”

“Thank you to Rebecca and Chris for an excellent flight from Belton Woods this morning! We really enjoyed it, well worth having to rebook many times. Was a bit concerned that it wasn't the sunny day we had been aiming for, but it was amazing being in the clouds so all ok. Brilliant morning thanks!”

"I know lots of the posts on here are regarding cancelled flights and it must be so frustrating but I just wanted to say for those who haven’t booked yet first time bookings can happen! The weather was truly on our side and myself and my daughter were lucky enough to fly first time on Saturday 17th August from Belton Woods, it was an amazing experience and I really hope everyone who is waiting to fly can get up soon! Best of luck 🎈"

“A big big thank you to virgin for a fantastic flight Monday from stoke Rochford Lincolnshire. Staff and pilot were first class and after 3 cancelled flights it was well worth the wait”

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, planning a surprise, or simply chasing a new adventure, a Virgin hot air balloon ride over Lincolnshire is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Ready to take flight? The sky’s the limit.

Planning a day around your hot air balloon ride? Whether you’re flying at sunrise or sunset, Lincolnshire 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

Café au Chocolat (Stamford): After your exhilarating morning flight, indulge in a delightful breakfast or brunch at this charming café. Renowned for its delectable pastries, rich hot chocolate, and artisanal coffee, it's the perfect spot to relax and reflect on your ballooning adventure.
Opening Time:

• Monday - Saturday: 8:30 am

• Sunday: 10 am

Courtyard Shop and Coffee Room (Easton, Grantham): Nestled in the picturesque village of Easton, this charming spot offers a serene atmosphere, perfect for a light breakfast or mid-morning coffee. Enjoy homemade treats in the cosy surroundings before your hot air balloon flight.
Opening time:

• Wednesday - Sunday: 11 am

Café 35 (Bourne): After touching down, head over to this friendly café located on North Street. With delicious breakfasts, a variety of homemade cakes, and freshly brewed coffee, it's an ideal place to unwind and recharge before or after your sky-high excursion.
Opening time:

• Tuesday-Saturday: 9 am

Burghley House (Stamford) [National Trust]: After breakfast, take a morning stroll through this magnificent Elizabethan manor and its surrounding parkland.

Stamford Town: Explore the historic stone buildings, boutique shops, and charming streets of Stamford, one of England’s finest towns.

Belton House (Grantham) [National Trust]: Wander through the stunning gardens and deer park of this grand estate, located near Grantham.

Afternoon Itinerary

Grimsthorpe Castle (Bourne): Visit this historic house for fascinating guided tours and beautifully landscaped gardens, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

Belvoir Castle (near Grantham): Replace Stoke Rochford Hall with a visit to this grand historic castle. Belvoir Castle is a stunning stately home with magnificent gardens, breathtaking views across the Vale of Belvoir, and a rich history dating back over a thousand years. It’s a perfect spot to explore after your morning balloon ride.

Easton Walled Gardens (Grantham): Known as the ‘lost gardens of Lincolnshire,’ these serene gardens are filled with seasonal blooms and provide a tranquil escape.

Rutland Water (near Stamford): Though slightly outside of Lincolnshire, this expansive reservoir and nature reserve is ideal for an afternoon of walking, cycling, or simply enjoying the views.

Evening Relaxation

The George Hotel (Stamford): Unwind with a fine meal in a historic setting, where the menu combines traditional British fare with modern twists.

The Tollemache Arms (Grantham): A cosy local pub perfect for a relaxed evening with drinks and classic pub fare.

The Six Bells (Witham-on-the-Hill near Bourne): Enjoy a fine dining experience focused on local ingredients and seasonal dishes in a welcoming village pub setting.

No matter where your day takes you, Lincolnshire’s blend of history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality ensures a day well spent before or after your unforgettable hot air balloon adventure.

A hot air balloon flight over Lincolnshire is more than just a ride—it's an experience that will stay with you forever. From the moment you ascend, the breathtaking views of historic landmarks, rolling countryside, and picturesque villages unfold beneath you, creating memories that will be etched in your mind for a lifetime. Whether it’s the thrill of spotting familiar sights from a new perspective or the tranquillity of floating peacefully above the world, a Lincolnshire ballooning adventure is a bucket list item you won’t want to miss.

Ready to tick this unforgettable experience off your list? Book your flight today and join us for an adventure you’ll never forget. Don’t forget to follow us on the Virgin Balloon Flights Facebook Group, where you can see beautiful moments captured by other passengers and share your own sky-high memories.

We can’t wait to welcome you aboard for the flight of a lifetime. The skies over Lincolnshire are calling—let’s make your dream of ballooning come true!