If you’re looking for a hot air balloon ride in the southwest of England, you’re in luck. We have a good selection of launch sites dotted across the county of Somerset which are sure to offer spectacular views.

Taunton

Starting with our Taunton launch site which sits in the beautiful Vale of Taunton Deane, between the Quantock and Blackdown Hills. You are guaranteed views of some of the most quintessentially English countryside as you float through the skies at 2000ft.
 

You may drift over beautiful Vivary Park, home of the annual Taunton Flower Show, and Taunton Castle, which dates back as far as the Anglo-Saxon times of 710 and is now home to the Museum Of Somerset.

Glastonbury

Our Glastonbury launch site is popular amongst our passengers for many reasons. Not only is this town home to one of the most well-known music festivals in the world, but it is also perfectly placed for a hot air balloon ride.

As you take off from the Tor Rugby Club, keep an eye out for the Glastonbury Tor, a National Trust site and prominent hill amongst the rolling countryside, topped with the Grade 1 listed St Michael’s Tower. The RSPB sites of Ham Wall and Greylakes give you the chance to spot wildlife as you fly high.
 

If you’re looking for things to do in Glastonbury and want to see this wonderful part of the UK on a serene, once-in-a-lifetime experience with 360 degree views, a hot air balloon ride from here is the perfect way to spend one morning or evening.

Shaftesbury

Crossing over into Dorset, a hot air balloon ride from Shaftesbury is the ideal way to enjoy views of this idyllic rural county. One of England’s oldest and highest towns, it has many historical buildings and is home to “Gold Hill”. This cobbled street was featured in the famous Hovis bread advert where a boy pushes his loaf-laden bike up the slope to the sound of Dvorak’s “New World” Symphony.
 

The patchwork of fields, farmland and forest are sure to delight as you float serenely through the air.

Bath

A hot air balloon ride from the historic city of Bath will let you experience this breathtaking city like never before giving you a unique vantage point to see the Roman remains and infamous baths. As you soar up, up and away you might be taken over to Stonehenge or Salisbury Plain or the many pretty villages that dot this landscape.
 

Bristol

Bristol’s Ashton Court is an obvious choice for a launch site as it is home to the world-famous Bristol Balloon Fiesta earning it the name of Hot Air Ballooning Capital of the World.

This city boasts some of the UK’s most stunning examples of history such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge and one of the world’s most famous sailing ships, the S.S. Great Britain. Imagine seeing these impressive structures from above. You’re sure to make memories to last a lifetime!
 

Swindon

As you cross over into Wiltshire, you have our Swindon launch site of Lydiard Park. The beautiful parkland of this Palladian house and the Georgian walled garden will make a stunning starting point for a hot air balloon ride.

Whichever way the wind takes you, you can enjoy views of the Swindon skyline and the patchwork Wiltshire countryside.

 

Discover More Balloon Rides

Looking to explore more of the South West? Discover breathtaking hot air balloon adventures across the region:

 

We have 2 pilots that operate in the southwest. Flying from Taunton, Glastonbury, and Shaftesbury is Steve Vining. He is a West Country local and has a wealth of knowledge about the area.

Flying from Bath, Bristol, and Swindon is Mark Simmons. Known by most as “Nobby” he is a world record holder and has been flying commercially since 1991.

We are looking forward to welcoming you aboard a southwest hot air balloon ride soon!