South West Hot Air Balloon Rides

The South West is a vibrant hub of hot air ballooning activity, including hosting the UKs largest Hot Air Balloon Festival, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, which attracts crowds of over 100,000 people per day. The Bristol skyline is often associated with hot air ballooning, with large passenger operators, such as your very own Virgin Balloon Flights and many local enthusiasts taking flight over this beautiful port city.

There is, however, a lot more beauty to discover from up on high throughout the South West of England. Let’s explore the many options for your hot air balloon experience that this region has to offer.

Somerset offers a magical blend of iconic landmarks and serene countryside, making it a dream setting for ballooning. From Glastonbury, you’ll spot the legendary Tor rising from the landscape, steeped in myth and mystery. Flights from Bath reveal a cityscape of Roman baths and elegant Georgian terraces, while Taunton opens up views of the nearby Quantock Hills and surrounding rural charm. At Ashton Court on the edge of Bristol, enjoy a mix of city skyline and greenery as you drift peacefully into the Somerset skies.

Gloucestershire, take to the skies from Cheltenham or Tewkesbury and uncover a landscape rich in heritage and natural beauty. From above, you'll enjoy sweeping views across the Cotswolds and down into the Severn Vale. Look out for church spires, winding rivers, and the honey-hued towns that define this beautiful part of the South West.

Wiltshire brings a mix of historic and pastoral scenes as you float over Swindon and the surrounding countryside. Launching from this county offers a view of green parklands like Lydiard Park, ancient stone circles in the distance, and the gentle rise of the North Wessex Downs.

Dorset is a rural treasure trove, and flights from Folke or Gillingham show off its quiet charm. Soar above the Blackmore Vale, where patchwork farmland meets hedgerows and historic villages. It’s a scene straight from a Hardy novel, filled with timeless character and peaceful beauty.

In Devon, ballooning gives you a bird’s-eye view of wild moorland and deep green valleys. From Cullompton or Tiverton, you may catch sight of both Dartmoor and Exmoor, along with winding rivers and traditional hamlets. Okehampton offers a particularly dramatic setting, with rugged tors and roaming Dartmoor ponies adding to the spectacle.

Cornwall’s launch site at Launceston opens the door to one of the UK’s most striking ballooning landscapes. From the basket, take in panoramic views across Bodmin Moor, and on a clear day, the Atlantic glittering in the distance. With its ancient towns and dramatic natural features, Cornwall offers a flight experience you won’t forget.