Top Five Best Places to Fly in a Hot Air Balloon in the UK

Wondering where the best place in the UK is to take to the skies in a hot air balloon? With over 100 stunning launch sites across the country, we get asked this a lot! 

While every location offers a magical experience, we’ve handpicked a few favourites that truly stand out.

1. Ashton Court, Bristol:

Known as the hot air balloon capital of the world, we couldn’t choose awesome Brizzle as one of the best hot air balloon rides.

Home to the annual Bristol Balloon Fiesta – Europe’s largest free hot air balloon festival, which last year attracted over 500,000 visitors each August— Ashton Court offers breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience.
 

Beyond the Fiesta, our vibrant red balloons take off from Ashton Court throughout the flying season (March to October). With stunning views of the city below, especially during a sunset balloon flight, Bristol’s landmarks glow as the skies come alive, making it one of the top UK hot air balloon locations.

Bristol and Bath pilot Mark Simmons aka Nobby is the lucky guy who flies from this iconic location.

He has been with us for 20+ years now and has even had the pleasure of flying Sir Richard Branson himself!

Be sure to fly in this area if you want to hear an amazing story or two!

2. Henley-on-Thames:

For a more peaceful and scenic experience, nothing beats ballooning in Henley-on-Thames. Known for its beautiful landscapes, this location offers one of the most picturesque hot air balloon experiences in the UK. 

Whether you choose a sunrise balloon flight to catch the early morning mist or a leisurely afternoon ride, the combination of serene river views and the rolling Chiltern Hills creates an unforgettable flight.

Famous for the Royal Regatta, a world-renowned rowing tournament held each July, Henley-on-Thames is not only one of the prettiest towns we fly over but also rich in history and charm. Set against the backdrop of the Chiltern Hills in Oxfordshire, a majestic balloon flight here truly makes you feel like royalty.

Mark Shemilt, who has been flying balloons for 28 years, still finds Henley-on-Thames to be one of the most magical places he’s ever flown—despite having piloted flights in Barbados, Toronto, and Switzerland. There’s something about the serene river views and the Chiltern Hills that keeps Henley close to his heart.

3. York:

The magnificent historic city of York is best appreciated from the sky, offering one of the most breathtaking hot air balloon experiences in the UK.

Renowned for its incredible medieval architecture, including the iconic York Minster, this city is our most popular hot air balloon location in Yorkshire.

Your adventure begins at York Racecourse, where you’ll ascend into the sky and let the wind guide your flight across this wondrous city. Whether you're gliding over the ancient city walls or catching sight of the River Ouse, a hot air balloon ride in York offers a unique perspective on this historic gem.

Experienced pilot Dave Sutcliffe, affectionately known as Sutty, has been flying hot air balloons commercially in Yorkshire since 1991. With numerous awards under his belt, Sutty ensures every flight is an unforgettable experience.

Soar over York for a truly unforgettable hot air balloon adventure in the North of England, where the blend of history and beauty is best seen from above.

4. Lake District:

You may have noticed the buzz on our social channels about the magical Lake District this season—and for good reason! Known as one of the most stunning regions in the UK, the Lake District offers one of the best hot air balloon experiences in England.

Recently, the team at Go Lakes Cumbria Tourism hopped into one of our Lake District hot air balloon baskets and shared their incredible experience of seeing England’s largest national park from above.

“We got some amazing photos, but they don’t do the experience justice,” said Sarah from Go Lakes. “You really have to take a flight yourself.”

With five launch sites around Cumbria and the Lake District, and flights flown by our expert pilots Chris Aindow and Chris Oxby, each flight offers a unique perspective on this breathtaking landscape. From its tranquil lakes to its rugged peaks, every launch site captures the essence of the Lake District’s natural beauty.

Ready to experience it yourself? Book your Lake District hot air balloon ride today and take in the awe-inspiring views of Cumbria from the skies.

5. St Albans:

One of our newest and most exciting hot air balloon launch sites, St Albans, offers a unique experience. On clear days, you can even catch a glimpse of the London Skyline from the comfort of the basket—a rare treat among hot air balloon locations in the UK.

Located in the heart of Hertfordshire, St Albans is known for its colourful, medieval charm and the stunning St Albans Cathedral. A hot air balloon ride over St Albans provides a breathtaking blend of town, city, and countryside views, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a diverse flying experience.

Our South East pilot, Kerry Coate-Bond, has flown all over the world, but still counts flying over Canary Wharf and the Hertfordshire countryside as one of his favourite views.

Experience the magic of flying over St Albans for unforgettable panoramic scenes that include both city landmarks and serene countryside. Book your St Albans hot air balloon ride today!

(Although we are no longer flying from the St Albans launch site, there are plenty of other fantastic locations nearby. You can explore these options on our St Albans balloon rides page to find the perfect spot for your next adventure.)

A Hot Air Balloon Ride Near Me?

We are the only balloon operator in the UK with launch sites nationwide, so if you're looking for a balloon ride near me, we'll almost certainly have one not too far away.

Simply enter your town or postcode into our Locations Page to explore the nearest launch site, or browse our complete list of scenic locations. Whether you're surrounded by countryside or near the city, an unforgettable ballooning adventure is just around the corner.

If you're ready to take flight, find your closest launch site with our Locations Finder and book your hot air balloon ride today. Let’s make your next adventure one you’ll never forget!

Want to connect with fellow ballooning enthusiasts? Join our Big Red Balloon Club on Facebook to share your experiences, photos, and stories. Who knows—you might even spot yourself in one of our featured posts!

See you in the skies! #TakeLifeHigher